Morning Prayer: 16 Jun – Proverbs 16:1, 3, 9 ~ roll over your plans

Peanut Gallery: During the month of June we are reading through the Book of Proverbs, one chapter per day. “Growing in Character” is the theme; each day we will look for practical advice on living a wise and godly life in this present age.

I recommend that you begin by reading through the entire chapter for the day yourself (a link will be included, see below.) There is something for everyone in the Book of Proverbs. I will focus on what speaks to me in the chapter and follow that theme for the day. But the verse that speaks to me, on any particular day, may be different from the wisdom God has for you… and you don’t want to miss out.

Growing in Character: Proverbs 16

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

Opening sentence and prayer

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.
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Open my eyes, Lord, to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18 (NLT)
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A reading from Proverbs: Proverbs 1:1, 3, 9 (NLT)

We can make our own plans, but the lord gives the right answer.
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Commit your actions to the lord , and your plans will succeed.
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We can make our plans, but the lord determines our steps.
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A reading from the Prophets: Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

A reading from the Letters: Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
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Reflection:

Benson Commentary

Proverbs 16:3. Commit thy works unto the Lord — Hebrew, גל אל יהוה, literally, Roll unto the Lord, namely, as a man rolls to another a burden, which is too heavy for himself, imploring his help. Refer all thy actions and concerns to God, and to his glory, as the end of them; and, in the discharge of thy duty, depend upon God’s providence and grace for assistance and success; and thy thoughts shall be established — Thy honest desires and designs shall be brought to a happy issue one way or other.
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Roll thy works unto the Lord, and thy purposes shall be established.
Meyer, F. B. Our Daily Homily

There are four matters which we are to roll upon God — ourselves, as the Messiah in Psalm 22; our burden; our way; and here our works. The genesis of Christian work is on this wise. We become conscious of the uprising of a noble purpose. We are not sure at first whether it is of God or not, till we have taken time to subject it to the winnowing fan of his good Spirit. It is always wise to subject it to the fire of his criticism before it takes shape. Even then, however, all is not done. We must submit our plans before they are executed, our methods by which they are being executed, and the results of the execution, to the infinite wisdom of our Heavenly Father.

Roll thy works, and see that they do not roll back again. Put on the arrest of faith to make them keep their position. Reckon that God takes what you give; and when you have let your works go, be sure to cast yourself after them on his patient carefulness. Remember that He desires to work in us to will and to work of his good pleasure. Do not worry, nor fret, nor be always looking for results. Do your best, and leave the rest to Him, who is our reward. He will follow up your efforts and establish the work of your hands.
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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

Morning Prayer: 15 Jun – Proverbs 15:1, 4, 18, 23, 28 ~ on gentle words

Growing in Character: Proverbs 15

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

Opening sentence and prayer

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.
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Open my eyes, Lord, to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18 (NLT)
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A reading from Proverbs: Proverbs 15:1, 4, 18, 23, 28 (NLT)

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
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Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
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A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.
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Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
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The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
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A reading from the Letters: Philippians 4:5 (CEB)

Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near.
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Reflection:

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Help me guard my lips, O Savior,
Keep me sweet when I am tried;
Answers soft to others giving,
Meekly swallowing my pride. — Bosch
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He who conquers his anger conquers a strong enemy
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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

Morning Prayer: 14 Jun – Proverbs 14:10, 13 ~ only God truly understands

Growing in Character: Proverbs 14

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

Opening sentence and prayer

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.
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Open my eyes, Lord, to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18 (NLT)
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A reading from Proverbs: Proverbs 14:10, 13 (NLT)

Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.
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Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
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A reading from the Letters: 1 Corinthians 2:11 (NLT)

No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit….
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A reading from the Gospels: Matthew 5:4 (MSG)

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.”

Reflection:

alone_in_the_crowd_by_cunny1988

A striking expression of the ultimate solitude of each man‘s soul at all times, and not merely at the hour of death. Something there is in every sorrow, and in every joy, which no one else can share. Beyond that range it is well to remember that there is a Divine Sympathy, uniting perfect knowledge and perfect love. (Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible)
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“You cannot completely know your fellow-man. Every man is, in a measure, self-contained. Alone are we born, one by one; alone do we die, one by one. It is not surprising that we must be, in a measure, unknown to others, since we do not even fully know ourselves. There are points of individuality in each man which render him distinct from every other. Men in their highest and deepest conditions are remarkably secretive. The extreme heights and depths lie in darkness. Learn, then, that we may not judge our brethren as though we understood them, and were competent to give a verdict upon them. If we desire to show sympathy to our brethren, let us not dream that this is an easy task…. We all need sympathy, and there is but One who can fully give it to us.” (Man unknown to man – Author unknown)
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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

Morning Prayer: 13 Jun – Proverbs 13:6, 9 ~ train for godliness

Growing in Character: Proverbs 13

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

Opening sentence and prayer

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.
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Open my eyes, Lord, to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18 (NLT)
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A reading from Proverbs: Proverbs 13:6, 9 (NLT)

Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.
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The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
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A reading from the Letters: 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
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Reflection:

GOOD: 41 million Americans are members of a health club, and just about half of that number belong to a commercial health club, with the rest divided between non-profit clubs like the YMCA and miscellaneous for-profit clubs such as corporate clubs, country clubs or spas.

BETTER: Spiritual training – godliness, holiness, sanctity, virtue (thesaurus.com).

What is godliness? Jerry Bridges (The Pursuit of Holiness)

Godliness is more than Christian character: It is Christian character that springs from a devotion to God. But it is also true that devotion to God always results in godly character. The essential elements of devotion must express themselves in a life that is pleasing to God. So godliness can be defined as devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to him.

Enoch walked with God, and Enoch pleased God. His walk with God speaks of his relationship with God, or his devotion to God; his pleasing God speaks of the behavior that arose from that relationship.

It is impossible to build a Christian behavior pattern without the foundation of a devotion to God. The practice of godliness is first of all the cultivation of a relationship with God, and from this the cultivation of a life that is pleasing to God. Our concept of God and our relationship with him determine our conduct.
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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

Morning Prayer: 12 Jun – Proverbs 12:18 ~ speak a word of healing

Growing in Character: Proverbs 12

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

Opening sentence and prayer

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.
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Open my eyes, Lord, to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18 (NLT)
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A reading from Proverbs: Proverbs 12:18 (NLT)

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
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Reflection:

Speak That Word

In Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield, young David returns from a happy visit with friends to find his widowed mother remarried to Edward Murdstone, a harsh and domineering man. Mr. Murdstone and his permanently visiting sister Jane set out to conquer David’s spirit through cruel punishment and intimidation.

Early in the process, David describes his feelings: “I might have been improved for my whole life, I might have been made another creature . . . by a kind word.”

Copperfield desired so much to hear a word of encouragement, of understanding, and of reassurance that he was still welcome at home. He was sure that any act of kindness would help him respect and obey Mr. Murdstone. But to his dismay, no words of encouragement were ever given.
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The tragedy of not speaking a kind word to a fearful and worried heart is as old as time. Wise King Solomon wrote: “There is one who speaks like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health” (Proverbs 12:18).
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In our personal and family relationships, are we trying to force others to do what we want, or are we seeking to lead by example and encouragement? A sharp tongue leaves a scar, while a helpful word heals the heart. —David C. McCasland (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
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I long to have a caring heart—
To show God’s love to those in need;
So help me, Lord, to share a part
Of all I have through word and deed. —Hess

Kind words can give a lift to a heavy heart.
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Standing here in Your Presence / In the stillness of Your peace
As I am You embrace me / Just speak the word / And I’ll be free

Healing word / You speak the healing word
The healing word sets me free
Healing word / You speak the healing word
The healing word I receive

I lift my hands in sweet surrender / Your holy presence covers me
Yours is the voice / There is no other
You speak the word that sets me free
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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

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