Tag: Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer: Thu, 23 Feb – Psalm 90:17; Isaiah 58:6-12; Matthew 11:28-30 ~ success is not a secret

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Sentence

Almighty God, give me grace to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that I may fix my heart on Jesus Christ your Son my Lord where true joy is to be found. Amen.
__________

Reading: Psalm 90:17 (NLT)

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!
__________

Reading: Isaiah 58:6-12 (NLT)

isaiah-58

“No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

“Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.
__________

Reading: Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
__________

Prayer:

Gracious God: show us your approval and make our efforts successful.

+ Replace our heavy burdens with your burdens that are light and easy to bear.
+ Give us your humble, gentle heart and a willingness to follow your lead.
+ Open our eyes to the suffering and oppression that you see around us.
+ Use us to free the oppressed, care for the needy, and lighten the burdens of those in trouble.

Merciful God: you emptied yourself for us so that we might empty ourselves for you. Make our efforts successful that we may become your light in the darkness. Through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.
__________

“Isaiah 58” – collin campbell

Oh how long will you cry out | And never truly seek my face | You come to me with heavy hearts | But you ignore what makes mine break

I see your thoughts, I hear your words | And I have watched you as you’ve prayed | I’ve told you my desires | But you don’t follow all the way

Children, I’m crying out

Break the chains | Let the oppressed go free | Empty yourselves to those in need | Be my hands | Be my feet | What you do unto them | You do unto Me

Every day you lift your voice | And await my swift response | But I see only what’s inside | And it’s (what i see on the inside) an offering I don’t want

Then your Salvation will come like the dawn | And my glory will be your shield | When you call on My name | I will not turn away | I am Your God | And I am here

And your light it will shine from the dark | You will be like a free flowing stream | And when you call on My name | I will not turn away |  I am your God | And I am here
__________

Blessing

  • May God keep you in all your days.
  • May Christ shield you in all your ways.
  • May the Spirit bring you healing and peace.

May God the Holy Trinity drive all darkness from you and pour upon you blessing and light.

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

Morning Prayer: Wed, 22 Feb – Psalm 28:6-7; Exodus 13:21; James 1:2-4 ~ endurance testing

Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Sentence

Almighty God, give me grace to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that I may fix my heart on Jesus Christ your Son my Lord where true joy is to be found. Amen.
__________

Reading: Psalm 28:6-7 (NLT)

Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy.

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
__________

Reading: Exodus 13:21 (NLT)

The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.
__________

Reading: James 1:2-4 (NLT)

marathoner-crawls-over-finish

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
__________

Prayer:

Lord God, my strength and shield: be with me as I go about my work today.

+ Be my patience when I’m frustrated.
+ Be my endurance when I am tired.
+ Be my wisdom when I am uncertain.
+ Be my inspiration when I’m out of ideas.
+ Be my peacemaker when I feel hurt.
+ Be my comforter when I feel overwhelmed.
+ Be my energy when I am weary.
+ Be my guide when I am confused.
+ Be my forgiver when I get it wrong.

Lord God: I trust you with all my heart. Through Jesus Christ your Son, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.
__________

“Press On” – Selah


__________

Blessing

  • May God keep you in all your days.
  • May Christ shield you in all your ways.
  • May the Spirit bring you healing and peace.

May God the Holy Trinity drive all darkness from you and pour upon you blessing and light.

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

Morning Prayer: Tue, 21 Feb – Psalm 61:1-5; Isaiah 41:4-10; Philippians 3:15-17 ~ safely held by God

Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Sentence

Almighty God, give me grace to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that I may fix my heart on Jesus Christ your Son my Lord where true joy is to be found. Amen.
__________

Reading: Psalm 61:1-5 (NLT)

O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer!

From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!

For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.
__________

Reading: Isaiah 41:4-10 (NLT)

“Who has done such mighty deeds, summoning each new generation from the beginning of time? It is I, the Lord, the First and the Last. I alone am he.”

The lands beyond the sea watch in fear. Remote lands tremble and mobilize for war. The idol makers encourage one another, saying to each other, “Be strong!” The carver encourages the goldsmith, and the molder helps at the anvil. “Good,” they say. “It’s coming along fine.” Carefully they join the parts together, then fasten the thing in place so it won’t fall over.

baby-holding-finger

“But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descended from Abraham my friend, I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
__________

Reading: Philippians 3:15-17 (NLT)

Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.
__________

Prayer:

By shedding his blood for us, Christ Jesus Christ gathered together a new people from every corner of the earth. Lord, be mindful of your people.

+ Christ, our king and redeemer: help us to know your power and your love.
+ Christ, our hope and courage: sustain us throughout the day.
+ Christ, our refuge and strength: fight with us against our weakness.
+ Christ, our joy and solace: stay with the poor and lonely.

Lord Jesus, hold us securely in your hand, and give us grace to joyfully begin this day in your name and to fill it with an active love for you and our neighbor. Amen.
__________

“Safe in the Arms of Jesus” – George Beverly Shea


__________

Blessing

  • May God keep you in all your days.
  • May Christ shield you in all your ways.
  • May the Spirit bring you healing and peace.

May God the Holy Trinity drive all darkness from you and pour upon you blessing and light.

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

Morning Prayer: Mon, 20 Feb – Psalm 133:1-3; Isaiah 42:8-9; Matthew 19:16-21 ~ no less than perfection

Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Sentence

Almighty God, give me grace to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that I may fix my heart on Jesus Christ your Son my Lord where true joy is to be found. Amen.
__________

Reading: Psalm 133:1-3 (NLT)

How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.
__________

Reading: Isaiah 42:8-9 (NLT)

“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols. Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again. I will tell you the future before it happens.”
__________

Reading: Matthew 19:16-21 (NLT)

all-in

Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”

“Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”

“Which ones?” the man asked.

And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?”

Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
__________

Prayer:

Blessed be your name, King of heaven and earth, for bringing me to this day; I thank you for protecting my life and giving me what that I need.

+ Be with me as I take up my daily tasks; help me to remember that it is in your world I live and work.
+ Show me how to serve you where you have placed me; help me to live as a responsible citizen of your Kingdom.
+ Stay with me and with everyone I meet this day; make me a bearer of your joy and your peace to the world.

King of heaven and earth, rule over my heart, my mind, and my body today. Guide my every thought, word and deed according to the commandments of your law, so that now and for ever your grace may free and save me. Through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
__________

“Jesus, all for Jesus” – Robin Mark


__________

Blessing

  • May God keep you in all your days.
  • May Christ shield you in all your ways.
  • May the Spirit bring you healing and peace.

May God the Holy Trinity drive all darkness from you and pour upon you blessing and light.

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

Morning Prayer: Sat, 18 Feb – Psalm 103:1-14; Isaiah 58:11-12; Philippians 4:10-13 ~ strength to rebuild/restore

Saturday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Opening Sentence

I have come to seek You, O God, just as I am I come.

I will wait for You, O God. My soul waits, and in Your word do I hope.
__________

Reading: Psalm 103:1-14 (NLT)

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.
__________

Aleppo, Syria
Aleppo, Syria

Reading: Isaiah 58:11-12 (NLT)

The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.
__________

Reading: Philippians 4:10-13 (NLT)

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
__________

Prayer:

Heavenly Father: You have adopted us into your family, and through the ages have stayed with us and kept us in your steadfast love. Lord, help us in our work and prayer – as “rebuilders of walls and a restorers of homes.”

+ We pray for all who rebuild and restore cities: give them wisdom and respect for every family, every life – both rich and poor.
+ Pour out your Spirit on artists, craftsmen, and musicians: may their work bring variety, joy, and inspiration to our lives.
+ Be with us as the cornerstone of all that we build: for we are only dust and can do nothing without your guidance and strength.
+ You have created us anew in the resurrection of your Son: rebuild and restore the spiritual life of broken cities through that same resurrection power.

Heavenly Father, we praise you with our whole heart and give thanks for all you are doing and will do. Life itself is your precious gift, may all we have and all we are be yours. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
__________

“Open Up Our Eyes” – Elevation Worship


__________

Blessing

  • When you no longer know how to be, may the Father take you on your deeper journey.
  • When you no longer know what to do, may the Spirit reveal to you your fitting task.
  • When all feels lost or foreign, may you know your home in Christ.

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