Morning Prayer: Psalm 119:153-160; Jonah 2:5-7; Romans 8:11 ~ revival

Morning Prayer:

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

Opening sentence

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

You will find the Lord your God, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Morning readings

Psalm 119:153-160 NLT:

Look upon my suffering and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions. Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised. The wicked are far from rescue, for they do not bother with your decrees.

Lord, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations. Many persecute and trouble me, yet I have not swerved from your laws. Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart, because they care nothing for your word.

See how I love your commandments, Lord. Give back my life because of your unfailing love. The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.

Jonah 2:5-7 NLT:

I sank beneath the waves, and the waters closed over me. Seaweed wrapped itself around my head. I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever.

But you, O Lord my God, snatched me from the jaws of death! As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple.

Romans 8:11 NLT:

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

Reflection/Prayer:

Your word was true from the beginning. Every one of Your righteous judgements endures for ever. Quicken me. Restore me to life. Lord, I believe.

Hal Lindsey is the author of The Late Great Planet Earth which (for a short time!) enjoyed immense popularity amongst Christian readers some years ago. The following incident is from a subsequent book, The Terminal Generation.

A nurse came up to me after I’d just spoken and said, ‘Hal, will you please come and meet a soldier I brought over from the veterans’ hospital? He accepted Christ as his Saviour and Lord as a result of my reading your book to him. It really took courage for him to come here tonight – he’s in great pain because both arms and legs have been amputated. He lost them in Vietnam. ‘ When I walked up to the wheeled stretcher on which he was lying, the young man looked up with a radiant face and said, ‘Tell me, Hal,will my new body have arms and legs?’ While choking back tears I turned to Philippians 3:20 and read:

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so they will be like His glorious body.

‘Jim,’ I said, ‘your body will be like Jesus Christ’s glorious body. We know that His resurrection body is perfect, so we know that yours will be too.’

Canticle

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

Peanut Gallery: The Morning Prayer readings are from the Daily Office of the Northumbrian Community as available online here… and in the book form, Celtic Daily Prayer available on Amazon.com.8

The website and prayer book are rich in prayer resources and I commend them to you. For our purpose here, I will limit my selections to the Morning Prayer resources.

Morning Prayer: ; Habakkuk 2:1, 3; Romans 10:13-15 ~ wait patiently

Morning Prayer:

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

Opening sentence

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

You will find the Lord your God, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Morning readings

Psalm 119:145-152 NLT:

I pray with all my heart; answer me, Lord! I will obey your decrees.

I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws. I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.

In your faithful love, O Lord, hear my cry; let me be revived by following your regulations. Lawless people are coming to attack me; they live far from your instructions. But you are near, O Lord, and all your commands are true. I have known from my earliest days that your laws will last forever.

Habakkuk 2:1, 3 NLT:

I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.

Romans 10:13-15 NLT:

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

Reflection/Prayer:

Each of the sections of this, the longest of psalms, has an initial letter as its title, following the Hebrew alphabet. Like the month, the alphabet and the psalm are nearing the end. This section, ‘Koph’, speaks of a mature response to dependency and prayer in difficult circumstances. The soul cries out to God and waits in silent dependency on Him.

If we are the witness to Christ in today’s market places, where there are constant demands on our whole person, we need silence. If we are to be always available, not only physically, but by empathy, sympathy, friendship, understanding… we need silence. To be able to give joyous, unflagging hospitality, not only of house and food, but of mind, heart, body and soul, we need silence.
(Catherine de Hueck Doherty)

Sometimes God will wake us in the night to watch with Him and see things from a new perspective. Sometimes it’s the only time He can be sure of getting our complete attention. Sometimes that is the time, the exact time, when our prayers are needed.

Canticle

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

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

The website and prayer book are rich in prayer resources and I commend them to you. For our purpose here, I will limit my selections to the Morning Prayer resources.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-8 ~ let all who are helpless take heart

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

Opening sentence: The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care.

As we prepare to approach God’s throne of grace, we call to mind our sins: (pause). Amen.

Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom … You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness … You will come in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23 (NLT)

I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

A Reading from the Pastoral Letters: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 (NLT)

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me — the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.

A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 18:9-14 (NLT)

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Intercessions:

God of Justice and Mercy – You hear the cries of the poor and oppressed; hear me as I humbly lay my concerns before Your throne of grace:

That Your people may preach and live a life of humility, repentance, and joyful fidelity… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
That all people everywhere may hear and believe the Good News of the Gospel… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
That all those who serve You under difficult, seeemingly impossible, circumstances – particularly those who feel deserted – may be strengthened by Your Spirit and faithful in their witness… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
That Your Spirit may inspire those in the media, and in turn Your people, to be a stronger voice for the weak, the marginalized, and the unborn… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
For the sick and the lonely, and all whom the Lord has called from this world, as well as those who mourn their loss… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.
For the poor and dispossessed, particularly in the Middle East, who cry out in their oppression – rain down justice… (pause) Lord hear my prayer.

O God, I humbly place these needs before you and ask for all things according to Your Kingdom purpose on earth as it is in heaven. To Christ be glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Anthem: “Rise, Ye Children of Salvation”

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

Morning Prayer: Psalm 119:141-143; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Matthew 11:25-26 ~ joy under pressure

Morning Prayer:

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

Opening sentence

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.

You will find the Lord your God, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Morning readings

1/14/2012 Foxborough, MA New England Patriots Gerald Warren reacting after sacking Denver Broncos Tim Tebow during 2nd quarter action in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on Saturday January 14, 2011.

Psalm 119:141-143 NLT:

I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget your commandments. Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true. As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT:

This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Matthew 11:25-26 NLT:

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!”

Reflection/Prayer:

‘I am small and despised.’
‘Yes, but have I not said. “Do not despise the day of small things!”?
(Amy Carmichael)

I’d rather be a little thing climbing up
than a big thing tumbling down.
(Old Sunday-school song)

The man to whom little is not enough
will not benefit from more.
(Columbanus)

Canticle

Christ, as a light… illumine and guide me. Christ, as a shield… overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing

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

The website and prayer book are rich in prayer resources and I commend them to you. For our purpose here, I will limit my selections to the Morning Prayer resources.

9 Things You Should Know About Down Syndrome – Reblog Gospel Coalition

JOE CARTER | 8:38 AM CT

9 Things You Should Know About Down Syndrome (original post)

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Here are nine things you should know about the condition.

1. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

2. Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. The Centers for Disease Control in 2011 estimated the frequency of Down syndrome in the U.S. is 1 in 691 live births

3. Down syndrome is named after the English doctor, John Langdon Down, who was the first to categorize the common features of people with the condition.

4. A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.

5. People with Down syndrome are significantly predisposed to certain medical conditions including congenital heart defects, sleep apnea, and Alzheimer’s disease. There is also evidence of an increased risk of celiac disease, autism, childhood leukemia, and seizures. It is rare for a person with Down syndrome to have a solid tumor cancer or cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

6. Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades – from 25 in 1983 to 60 today. The dramatic increase to 60 years is largely due to the end of the practice of institutionalizing people with Down syndrome.

7. All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

8. Approximately 67% of prenatal diagnoses for Down syndrome result in an abortion, according to estimated pregnancy termination rates from 1995-2011.

9. Mothers of individuals with Down syndrome typically exhibit better psychological well-being profiles in comparison to mothers of individuals with other intellectual and developmental disabilities. There is extensive evidence that mothers of young children with Down syndrome experience lower levels of stress, more extensive and satisfying networks of social support, less pessimism about their children’s future, and they perceive their children to have less difficult temperaments. A major study also found that divorce rates were lower (7.6 percent) for families of children with Down syndrome as compared to 10.8 percent in the population group with non-disabled children and 11.25 percent for families of children with other congenital birth defects.

[Image credit: Noah’s Dad]

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