Wednesday Morning Prayer, 22 Jul 2020

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

Opening:*

Most powerful Holy Spirit, come down upon us and subdue us.
From heaven, where the ordinary is made glorious, and glory seems but ordinary,
Bathe us with the brilliance of Your light like dew.

Believer, hold Him high that all may see the light of Jesus in a son of man.  “Aidan”

Scripture Reading (CEV)

Psalm 131:1

I am not conceited, Lord,
and I don’t waste my time
on impossible schemes.

1 Samuel 16:14-23

The Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord was terrifying him. “It’s an evil spirit from God that’s frightening you,” Saul’s officials told him. “Your Majesty, let us go and look for someone who is good at playing the harp. He can play for you whenever the evil spirit from God bothers you, and you’ll feel better.”

“All right,” Saul answered. “Find me someone who is good at playing the harp and bring him here.”

“A man named Jesse who lives in Bethlehem has a son who can play the harp,” one official said. “He’s a brave warrior, he’s good-looking, he can speak well, and the Lord is with him.”

Saul sent a message to Jesse: “Tell your son David to leave your sheep and come here to me.”

Jesse loaded a donkey with bread and a goatskin full of wine, then he told David to take the donkey and a young goat to Saul. David went to Saul and started working for him. Saul liked him so much that he put David in charge of carrying his weapons. Not long after this, Saul sent another message to Jesse: “I really like David. Please let him stay with me.”

Whenever the evil spirit from God bothered Saul, David would play his harp. Saul would relax and feel better, and the evil spirit would go away.

Acts16:23

After [Paul and Silas] had been badly beaten, they were put in jail, and the jailer was told to guard them carefully.

__________

Reflection**

A place of quiet

He walks with God who speaks to God in prayer,
and daily brings to Him his daily care.   (Dorothy Ann Thrupp)

In every man lies a zone of solitude that no human intimacy can fill: and there God encounters us.  (Brother Roger of Taizé)

Prayer for Quiet Confidence

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest
we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our
strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy
presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

Near to the Heart of God – Sharon Mennonite Bible Institute Singers

Closing

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 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

* Northumbria Community. Celtic Daily Prayer (Kindle Locations 38-45). HarperCollins Publishers. Kindle Edition.
** Northumbria Community. Celtic Daily Prayer (Kindle Locations 13135-13141). HarperCollins Publishers. Kindle Edition.