Thursday Morning Prayer: 06 Aug 2020 – Psalm 86:11-13,15, Romans 5:1-11 ~ friends of God

Thursday Morning Prayer, 06 Aug 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening: (Luke 1:78-79)

God’s love and kindness will shine upon us
like the sun that rises in the sky.
On us who live in the dark shadow of death
this light will shine to guide us
into a life of peace.

“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God
because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”
Romans 5:11

Collect for Purity

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Scripture Reading (NLT)

Psalm 86:11-13,15

Teach me your ways, O Lord,
that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
so that I may honor you.

With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
I will give glory to your name forever,
for your love for me is very great.
You have rescued me from the depths of death.

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You, O Lord,
are a God of compassion and mercy,
slow to get angry
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

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Abounding In Love – Psalm 86 – Mike Janzen

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Scripture Reading (NLT

Romans 5:1-11

Faith Brings Joy

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

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Reflection: Friends of God

“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ
has made us friends of God.”
(Romans 5:11)

God’s present attitude towards the believer in Christ Jesus is one of favor, seeing them in terms of joy, beauty, and pleasure. He doesn’t just love us; He likes us because we are in Jesus.

Therefore:

I don’t have to prove I am worthy of God’s love
God is my friend
The door of access is permanently open to Him
I am free from the “score sheet” – the account is settled in Jesus
I spend more time praising God and less time hating myself

“The former rebels are not merely forgiven by having their due punishment remitted; they are brought into a place of high favor with God – this grace in which we stand.” (Bruce)

“Not only has the reconciled man confidence that he shall escape God’s wrath, but triumphant confidence – joyful hope in God.” (Wuest, quoting Alford)

Prayer

Gracious God: write your Word on my heart, that I may live according to your truth –

+ that I may believe and consent to be loved, though I am unworthy….
+ that I may refuse to make resolutions, trusting in my own ability to keep….
+ that I may expect to be blessed, though I am undeserving….
+ that I may testify to your goodness, though I run into problems and trials….
+ that I may be certain of your future favor and kindness, during times of chastening….

Gracious God: fill me with your Spirit, that my heart may overflow with your love, through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Amen.

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“Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me” – CityAlight

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Closing -(Romans 5:2-5)

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Wednesday Morning Prayer: 05 Aug 2020 – Psalm 84,1-2, 10-12, Romans 4:17,20-25 ~God keeps his Promises

Wednesday Morning Prayer, 05 Aug 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening: (Luke 1:78-79)

God’s love and kindness will shine upon us
like the sun that rises in the sky.
On us who live in the dark shadow of death
this light will shine to guide us
into a life of peace.

Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life
and who creates new things out of nothing.
Romans 4:17

Collect for Purity

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Scripture Reading (NLT)

Psalm 84:1-2, 10-12

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.

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A single day in your courts
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right.

O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
what joy for those who trust in you.

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My God and King (Psalm 84) – Ancient Psalms for the Church Today

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Scripture Reading (NLT

Romans 4:17,20-25

Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life
and who creates new things out of nothing.

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

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Reflection: God keeps his Promises

Abraham was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.

“Sense corrects imagination, reason corrects sense, but faith corrects both. It will not be, saith sense; it cannot be, saith reason; it both can and will be, saith faith, for I have a promise for it.” (Trapp)

“When there is no contest, it is true, no one, as I have said, denies that God can do all things; but as soon as anything comes in the way to impede the course of God’s promise, we cast down God’s power from its eminence.” (Calvin)

Is your God too small? The God of Abraham was able to perform what He had promised, and Abraham was fully convinced of this. (David Guzik)

Prayer for Trusting in God’s Ability – Debbie Przybylski

Lord, I thank You that You are the God of the impossible. You can do anything. I want to trust in Your ability and not my own. Teach me to see difficulties in my life from Your perspective. Help me to focus on You and Your power. I want to be like Joshua and Caleb who believed in a good report and focused on You even in hard circumstances (Numbers 14:7-9). My responsibility is to carefully read, trust, and obey Your Word. Today I bring before You this difficulty in my life (Name a hard situation you are right now facing). Help me not to fear but to trust You in this situation. I declare my faith in Your ability to fulfill Your promises to me. You will fight for me and win the battles in my life. You are mighty, powerful, righteous and true.

I have nothing to fear with You on my side. I will be strong and courageous. I will not be terrified or discouraged, for the Lord my God will be with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:9). You will never leave me or forsake me (Joshua 1:5). I do not need to figure everything out. You already know the best plan for my life. I will not try any man-made method to do only what You can do. Show me Your supernatural power. Teach me how to walk in faith. Please teach me how to pray breakthrough prayers. I choose to have faith in Your ability to breakthrough every obstacle in my life. Just like Joshua, You will give me the land and every place where my feet step (Joshua 1:3).

“Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. Selah” (Psalm 44:5-8).

“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:5-11). In Jesus name, amen.”

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“Waymaker” – Vanessa Campagna & Madelyn Berry

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Closing -(Romans 4:23-25)

When God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tuesday Morning Prayer: 04 Aug 2020 – Psalm 81: 1,7,11-16, Romans 3:22-26 ~ God is fair and just.

Tuesday Morning Prayer, 04 Aug 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening: (Luke 1:78-79)

God’s love and kindness will shine upon us
like the sun that rises in the sky.
On us who live in the dark shadow of death
this light will shine to guide us
into a life of peace.

[God] himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight
when they believe in Jesus.
Romans 3:26

Collect for Purity

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Scripture Reading (NLT)

Psalm Psalm 81: 1, 7,11-16

Sing praises to God, our strength.
Sing to the God of Jacob.

You cried to me in trouble, and I saved you;
I answered out of the thundercloud

“But no, my people wouldn’t listen.
Israel did not want me around.
So I let them follow their own stubborn desires,
living according to their own ideas.
Oh, that my people would listen to me!
Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths!
How quickly I would then subdue their enemies!
How soon my hands would be upon their foes!
Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him;
they would be doomed forever.
But I would feed you with the finest wheat.
I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.”

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Psalm 81 (Honey from the Rock) – (Psalms Reborn)
“the people wouldn’t listen to me”

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Scripture Reading (NLT

Romans 3:22-26

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

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Reflection on God’s fairness and justice:

The righteousness of God is not ours by faith; it is ours through faith. We do not earn righteousness by our faith. We receive righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith is not ‘trusting’ or ‘expecting’ God to do something, but relying on His testimony concerning the person of Christ as His Son, and the work of Christ for us on the cross… After saving faith, the life of trust begins… trust is always looking forward to what God will do; but faith sees that what God says has been done, and believes God’s Word, having the conviction that it is true, and true for ourselves.” (Newell)

The work of Jesus on the cross freed God from the charge that He lightly passed over sin committed before the cross. Those sins were passed over for a time but they were finally paid for.

At the cross, God demonstrated His righteousness by offering man justification (a legal verdict of “not guilty”), while remaining completely just (because the righteous penalty of sin had been paid at the cross).

It’s easy to see how someone could be only just – simply send every guilty sinner to hell, as a just judge would do. It’s easy to see how someone could only be the justifier – simply tell every guilty sinner, “I declare a pardon. You are all declared ‘not guilty.’” But only God could find a way to be both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

“Here we learn that God designed to give the most evident displays of both his justice and mercy. Of his justice, in requiring a sacrifice, and absolutely refusing to give salvation to a lost world in any other way; and of his mercy, in providing the sacrifice which his justice required.” (Clarke)

We are justified freely by His grace, there is no room for self-congratulation or credit.
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Prayer of Gratitude for God’s Grace: by Andrew (Sydney)

Lord I thank you for giving me the chance to come closer to you through your grace and forgiveness. Even though my life has been turbulent as the stormy seas and I have not always seen your light. But I know you have always been watching over me. Thank you for opening my heart to your love and showing me a new life through your guidance.

I thank you for making every day brand new and my new path to a better life. Dear lord I thank you for the sins that you have forgiven me for and the wrongs you have turned me away from. You are forever in my heart.

Please accept my humble prayer of thanks for your guidance and love everyday. Thank you for letting me see other people’s point of views and understanding people better. Thank you for taking my anger and fear in my heart and turning it into gratitude and joy. Dear lord please hear my prayer. I am eternally your humble servant. Amen.
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“In Christ Alone” – Praise & Harmony

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Closing -(Romans 3:26)

[God] himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Monday Morning Prayer: 03 Aug 2020 – Psalm 78:56-58, Romans 2:1-6 ~ God is wonderfully kind.

Monday Morning Prayer, 03 Aug 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening: (Luke 1:78-79)

God’s love and kindness will shine upon us
like the sun that rises in the sky.
On us who live in the dark shadow of death
this light will shine to guide us
into a life of peace.

Can’t you see that [God’s] kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
(Romans 2:4b)

Collect for Purity

Scripture Reading (NLT)

Psalm 78:56-58

But they kept testing and rebelling against God Most High.
They did not obey his laws.
They turned back and were as faithless as their parents.
They were as undependable as a crooked bow.
They angered God by building shrines to other gods;
they made him jealous with their idols.

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Romans 2:1-6

God’s judgement is Fair

You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done.

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Your Kindness – Leslie Phillips

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Reflection on God’s Kindness:

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you?
Romans 2:4a

God not only judges our actions but also our motivations. He knows the truth about each one of us. However, it’s God’s goodness [lovingkindness], not the threat of judgment and hell, that leads us to repentance.

We pray for God’s mercy, not justice, because our sins deserve punishment.

We pray for God’s kindness in regard to our past sins….
We pray for God’s tolerance in regard to our present sins….
We pray for God’s longsuffering in regard to our future sins….

How then should we respond?

In repentance – Not only by turning away from our old life of sin, but also by turning to our new life in Christ – a life of active service to God, out of simple gratitude for His lovingkindness shown to us in Christ Jesus.
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Prayer of Confession:

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
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The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
(1 Timothy 1:15)

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Those Things of Old | Psalm 78 | Charlie Sayles | Tony Fazio

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Closing -(Psalm 78:1-4)

O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past — stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 02 Aug 2020 – Isaiah 55:1-3, Psalm 145, Romans 8:35, 37-39, Matthew 14:13-21 ~ Come to me and live!

The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 02 Aug 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your grace that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we
may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“Pay close attention! Come to me and live.”

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Love Divine – Worship Band Version | New Scottish Hymns Band

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Collect for Purity

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 55:1-3 (CEV)

If you are thirsty, come and drink water!
If you don’t have any money, come, eat what you want!
Drink wine and milk without paying a cent.

Why waste your money on what really isn’t food?
Why work hard for something hat doesn’t satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and you will enjoy the very best foods.

Pay close attention! Come to me and live.
I will promise you the eternal love and loyalty that I promised David.

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 14:13-21 (CEV)

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

After Jesus heard about John, he crossed Lake Galilee to go to some place where he could be alone. But the crowds found out and followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw the large crowd. He felt sorry for them and healed everyone who was sick.

That evening the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This place is like a desert, and it is already late. Let the crowds leave, so they can go to the villages and buy some food.”

Jesus replied, “They don’t have to leave. Why don’t you give them something to eat?”

But they said, “We have only five small loaves of bread and two fish.” Jesus asked his disciples to bring the food to him, and he told the crowd to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up toward heaven and blessed the food. Then he broke the bread and handed it to his disciples, and they gave it to the people.

After everyone had eaten all they wanted, Jesus’ disciples picked up twelve large baskets of leftovers.

There were about five thousand men who ate, not counting the women and children.

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The Hand Of The Lord (Psalm 145) – WorshipNOW Modern Psalms

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A Prayer

Heavenly Father: you are kind and full of compassion; your love endures forever. Lord, hear our prayers –

+ For the peace of the whole world, and for the well-being and unity of the people of God…. Lord, have mercy.

+ For all those who proclaim the Gospel at home and abroad; and for all who teach and disciple others…. Lord, have mercy.

+ For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith…. Lord, have mercy.

+ For our nation, for those in authority, and for all in public service, especially our President, Donald Trump…. Lord, have mercy.

+ For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, especially those affected by the pandemic…. Lord, have mercy.

Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Nothing Ever Could Separate Us – Citizen Way

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Closing – Romans 8:35, 37-39 (CEV)

Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death?
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In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

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