Tag: Finian Readings

Morning Prayer: Sat, 08 Oct – Psalm 119:41-48; Genesis 41:14-16; Matthew 10:18-20 ~ the right words at the right time

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and 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.

Reading: Psalm 119:41-48 (NLT)

Lord, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.  Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope.

I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. I will speak to kings about your laws, and I will not be ashamed.

How I delight in your commands! How I love them! I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees.

Reading: Genesis 41:14-16 (NLT)

truth-and-power

Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once, and he was quickly brought from the prison. After he shaved and changed his clothes, he went in and stood before Pharaoh. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.”

“It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”

Reading: Matthew 10:18-20 (NLT)

You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Prayer

By seeking out Your precepts I will walk at liberty! I will speak of You before kings and rulers, standing unashamed.

In the true faith may I remain; in Jesus may I find hope; against exploitation of the poor may I help; against my faults may I fight, my bad habits abandon; the name of my neighbor may I defend; in the work of mercy may I advance; those in misery may I help; every danger of sin may I avoid; in holy Charity may I grow strong; in the well of grace in confession may I wash; may I deserve the help of my brothers and sisters in Christ and their friendship win.

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

“I Am Not Alone” – Kari Jobe

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!

Morning Prayer: Fri, 07 Oct – Psalm 119:33-40; Isaiah 53:3; John 8:43-46 ~ the road to happiness

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and 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.

Reading: Psalm 119:33-40 (NLT)

Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.

Reading: Isaiah 53:3 (NLT)

He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.

hand-liar

Reading: John 8:43-46 (NLT)

Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me?

Prayer

Thou, Lord, alone, art all Thy children need and there is none beside; from Thee the streams of blessedness proceed; in Thee the blest abide. Fountain of life and all-abounding grace, our source, our center and our dwelling place! – Mme Guyon

Softly as the dew-fall of heaven, may the Holy Spirit come upon me to aid me and to raise me, to bind my prayer firmly at the throne of the King of life.

+ God’s will would I do, my own will bridle…
+ God’s due would I give, my own due yield…
+ God’s path would I travel, my own path refuse…

All whom I love, into Your safe keeping; all that I am, into Your tender care; all that will be, into Your perfect will. The Lord bless me, and keep me from all evil, and bring me to everlasting life.

“Flourishing” – Sandra McCracken

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!

Morning Prayer: Thu, 06 Oct – Psalm 119:25-32; 1 Chronicles 4:9-10; Philippians 3:13-14 ~ press on

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and 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.

Reading: Psalm 119:25-32 (NLT)

I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!

I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.

Reading: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (NLT)

There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.

Spain’s Alberto Contador, injured after a crash, rides during the 188 km first stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 2 between Mont-Saint-Michel and Utah Beach Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Normandy
Spain’s Alberto Contador, injured after a crash, rides during the 188 km first stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 2 between Mont-Saint-Michel and Utah Beach Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Normandy

Reading: Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Prayer for Perseverance

Father, I bless and thank You for a brand new day and for the fresh opportunities and challenges that this day will bring. Your mercies are new every morning and I pray that I will live today as Your faithful witness in thought, word and deed – demonstrating a Christ-like attitude to all with whom I come in contact.

Keep me ever-focussed on You, Lord, and keep my heart steadfastly trusting You for all my needs and necessities. Help me to function in the power of the Holy Spirit rather than in my own strength. May I stand firm in the truth of the gospel of grace and remain steadfastly looking to Jesus – trusting in Him to supply His sufficient strength for all occasions.

Teach me all that You would have me learn today and give me the courage and strength to press on toward the goal for the upward call in Christ Jesus.. so that I may win the heavenly prize, which God, in Christ, is calling me to do – in Jesus name I pray, Amen.

“Press On” -Selah

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!

Morning Prayer: Wed, 05 Oct – Psalm 119:17-24; 2 Kings 6:15-17; Luke 4:1-13 ~ deliver me

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and 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.

Reading: Psalm 119:17-24 (NLT)

Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations.

You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.

Reading: 2 Kings 6:15-17 (NLT)

When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.

“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

Reading: Luke 4:1-13 (NLT)

The Temptation of Christ Eric Armusik, 2011
The Temptation of Christ
Eric Armusik, 2011

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.

Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”

Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”

Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.

Prayer

In the steep common path of our calling, be it easy or uneasy to our flesh, be it bright or dark for us to follow, be Thou a shield to us from the wiles of the deceiver, from the arch-destroyer with his arrows pursuing us, and in each secret thought our minds get to weave – be Thou Thyself on our helm and at our sheet. – From Carmina Gadelica

Under the protection of the King of life, a protection that will not betray us,
May the Holy Spirit come upon us, may Christ deliver us, bless us.

+ Jesus, I call on Your name, to shield me in the battle to come.
+ Jesus, protect me, accompany me, be near me ever.

Jesus, only Son of the Father and High King, Your name is above every name,
In the name of Jesus let no evil be welcome in our hearts, or in this place. Amen.

“You Deliver Me” – Selah

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!

Morning Prayer: Tue, 04 Oct – Psalm 119:12-16; Nehemiah 8:11-12; I Corinthians 14:14-15 ~ listen to understand

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and 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.

Reading: Psalm 119:12-16 (NLT)

I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

Reading: Nehemiah 8:11-12 (NLT)

listen-to-understand

And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, “Hush! Don’t weep! For this is a sacred day.” So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.

Reading: I Corinthians 14:14-15 (NLT)

For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying.

Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand.

Prayer

Softly as the dew-fall of heaven, may the Holy Spirit come upon me to aid me and to raise me, to bind my prayer firmly at the throne of the King of life.

+ Lord, I have heard Your voice; guide my steps to You.
+ Lord, I have heard Your voice; guard my way to You.
+ Lord, I have heard Your voice; keep my heart for You.

God’s will would I do, my own will bridle; God’s due would I give, my own due yield; God’s path would I travel my own path refuse.

All whom I love, into Your safe keeping; all that I am, into Your tender care; all that I will be, into Your perfect will. Amen.

“Give Me, O Lord, an Understanding Heart” – Arthur Blanch

Give me, O Lord, an understanding heart, That I may learn to know myself in Thee, To spurn the wrong and choose the better part, And thus from sinful bondage be set free.

Give me, O Lord, a meek and contrite heart, That I may learn to quell all selfish pride, Bowing before Thee, see Thee as Thou art, And ‘neath Thy sheltering presence safely hide.

Give me, O Lord, a gentle loving heart, That I may learn to be more tender, kind, And with Thy healing touch, each wound and smart, With Christly bands of Love and Truth to bind.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Jesus 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!