Tag: All Saints Church

Morning Prayer: Thu, 16 Mar – Philemon 6; James 4:6 ~ faithful friends

Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

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

Opening Sentences

Almighty God, you know that I have no power in myself to help myself: Keep me both outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul, that I may be defended from all adversities which may happen to my body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt my soul; through Jesus Christ my Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

Reading: Philemon 6 (NLT)

I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.
__________

Reading: James 4:6 (NLT)

God gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
__________

Prayer:

Faithful God: Thank you for making me your friend through the self-less life, death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ. He has shown me the cost of true love and friendship.

+ Lord, show me how to be a friend to those around me – at home, at work, at church, and in my neighborhood.
+ Lord, change my thinking from serving myself to serving the needs of those around me.
+ Lord, give me generosity of spirit that I may freely share the good things you have given me.
+ Lord, place within me a forgiving heart that I may willingly forgive the wrongdoing of others.
+ Lord, humble me before you and override my pride that I make take the initiative in reconciliation.
+ Lord, give me a spirit of faithfulness that I may keep faith with you and my friends no matter what happens.

Faithful God: You are my faithful friend, my best friend forever. Give me the grace and humility to show those closest to me the same faithful friendship I’ve received from you. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God. for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“You’ve Got A Friend in Me” – Randy Newman


__________

Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

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

Morning Prayer: Wed, 15 Mar – Psalm 77:11-14 ~ God works wonders

Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent

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

Opening Sentences

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

Reading: Psalm 77:11-14 (NLT)

I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.
__________

Prayer: (adapted from Psalm 103)

Let all that I am praise you, O Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise your holy name.

+ Lord God, thank you – for forgiving my sin and making me a new creation in Jesus Christ.
+ Lord God, thank you – for redeeming me from death and crowning me with love and tender mercies.
+ Lord God, thank you – for healing me physically and renewing my strength, exceeding all my expectations.
+ Lord God, thank you – for your compassion, mercy, and forbearance, especially when I don’t deserve it.
+ Lord God, thank you – for adopting me into your family and for being a tender-hearted Father to me.
+ Lord God, thank you – for your unfailing love and discipline to keep me on the right path.

Let all that I am praise you, O Lord, for you know how weak I am, and how short my life on this earth truly is. Teach me to make the most of the days you have given me, that I may love and serve you with my whole heart. And may the blessing you have bestowed on me be extended to my children and grandchildren. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“10,000 Reasons” – Matt Redman


__________

Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

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

Morning Prayer: Tue, 14 Mar – Colossians 3:12-15 ~ bespoke by Christ

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

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

Opening Sentences

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

Reading: Colossians 3:12-15 (NLT)

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
__________

Prayer:

Holy God: you have chosen me to to be holy even as you are holy. Fill me with your Spirit and envelope me in the loving-kindness of Christ that I might choose to be like you today –

+ Today I choose compassion – that I may show mercy to the misfortunate and the suffering.
+ Today I choose kindness – that I may help and encourage those in need.
+ Today I choose humility – that I may place the interest of others before my own.
+ Today I choose gentleness – that I may be calm and cooperative under stress.
+ Today I choose patience – that I may accept delays and difficulties without getting angry.
+ Today I choose forbearance – that I may exercise patient self-control and restraint.
+ Today I choose forgiveness – that I may give to others what I have so freely received.
+ Today I choose love – that I may live in peace and harmony with others, especially my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Holy God: reign in my heart with your peace today. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Lord Reign In Me” – Vineyard UK


__________

Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

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

Morning Prayer: Mon, 13 Mar – John 1:1, 14, 26 ~ breathe in, breathe out

Monday of the Second Week of Lent

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

Opening Sentences

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

Reading: John 1:1, 14, 26 (NLT)

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
_____

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
_____

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize….”
__________

Jesus Prayer: – Prayer of the Heart (orthodoxprayer.org)

The Jesus Prayer is very simple:

“Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner,”
(For different languages)

The Jesus Prayer according to numerous Church Fathers is “essential” to our spiritual growth. The Jesus Prayer proclaims our faith and humbles us by asking mercy for our sinfulness. The Jesus Prayer is thought to be as old as the Church itself.

Jesus Christ – the Power In the Name
The Jesus Prayer’s power comes from the use of our Lord’s Name, Jesus Christ, Son of God. It is a confession of our faith.
…read more about the power of the name Jesus Christ

Jesus Prayer requires Humility
The Jesus Prayer in its practice assumes you are a regular participant in the worship services of the Church, in her Sacraments and aware of your sinfulness. Be sure to consult with and follow the advice of your spiritual Father. Humility is a prerequisite for all prayer, especially the Jesus Prayer.
…read more about role of humility in practicing the Jesus Prayer

Jesus Prayer Has Two Functions
The Jesus Prayer has two important purposes. The first is worship as with all prayer. The second is a discipline to help our soul gain control of our overactive brains and create stillness so the Holy Spirit can work through us and help us live the virtues in union with God.
…read more about the two functions of the Jesus Prayer

“Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”

__________

“Breathe” – Michael W. Smith


__________

Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

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

Morning Prayer: Sat, 11 Mar – Psalm 56:3-4; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 ~ build bridges

Saturday of the First Week of Lent

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

Opening Sentences

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

Reading: Psalm 56:3-4 (NLT)

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
__________

Reading:1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NLT)

Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
__________

Prayer:

Heavenly Father: thank you for building a bridge to sinful me through the death of your Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. Keep my life anchored in him, and my eyes focused on heaven.

+ Lord, move me out of my comfort zone that I may seek opportunities to make new friends.

+ Lord, make me a willing servant and friend, especially in their times of crisis and change.

+ Lord, give me the words to say, and prepare their hearts, to share Good News with them.

Heavenly Father: help me become a bridge builder that I might bring people to Christ – that they be reconciled with you and receive your gracious inheritance of eternal life. Through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
__________

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Anne Murray


__________

Blessing

The Lord bless us, and keep us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

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