Tag: Protection

Morning Prayer for Friday, 1st Week in Advent: Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; Matthew 9:27-31 ~ coming soon

Morning Prayer

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

Opening sentence

Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.

Morning readings

Isaiah 29:17-24 NLT:

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Soon — and it will not be very long — the forests of Lebanon will become a fertile field, and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops.

In that day the deaf will hear words read from a book, and the blind will see through the gloom and darkness. The humble will be filled with fresh joy from the Lord. The poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. The scoffer will be gone, the arrogant will disappear, and those who plot evil will be killed. Those who convict the innocent by their false testimony will disappear. A similar fate awaits those who use trickery to pervert justice and who tell lies to destroy the innocent. That is why the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says to the people of Israel,

“My people will no longer be ashamed or turn pale with fear. For when they see their many children and all the blessings I have given them, they will recognize the holiness of the Holy One of Israel. They will stand in awe of the God of Jacob. Then the wayward will gain understanding, and complainers will accept instruction….”

Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 NLT:

The Lord is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

The one thing I ask of the Lord — the thing I seek most — is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Matthew 9:27-31 NLT:

After Jesus left the girl’s home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”

They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?”

“Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.”

Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.

Reflection/Prayer:

Are we there yet? “Soon!”

Holy One of Israel – Give me the boldness and courage that properly belong to Your children. Wipe away my lingering fears and anxieties… and open my eyes to the many blessings You have already poured out on me. Fill me with a spirit of gratitude, worship and awe.

Son of David – You are my Light and my Strength… my fortress and my protection. Have mercy on me… as I wait for patiently for Your return. Pour out Your love and healing power… as I prepare for Your coming.

Spirit of the Living God – Fill me with expectation and wonder… and keep my focus on You as I await the celebration of Christmas. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

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Peanut Gallery: The Morning Prayer readings are from the USCCB Daily Readings and the format from the Daily Office of the Northumbrian Community as available online here… and in the book form, Celtic Daily Prayer available on Amazon.com. The website and prayer book are rich in prayer resources and I commend them to you.

From the Heart of a Syrian Pastor ~ please pray.

Peanut Gallery: Please pray for the people of Syria.

“The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” Psalm 9:9-10 (NLT)

Click here for Open Door’s original post:   FROM THE HEART OF A SYRIAN PASTOR.

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Open Doors received a prayer from a pastor, one of our partners in the relief work in Syria. The prayer, which is both moving and heartbreaking, gives an insight into the suffering of those who have decided to stay in Syria.

“I weep for my country! I am so sad and speechless…

“They advise me to leave my country… to emigrate. I respond saying:

  • I’m staying… for the church of Jesus … that the message of Jesus may remain a light guiding those who are lost and afraid.
  • I’m staying… because the harvest is plentiful… and the suffering is huge… a deep wound, a sense of despair …
  • I’m staying … to follow in the footsteps of my Master who went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil.
  • I’m staying… because I’m busy… in the ministry of saving souls (or can someone like me run… Lord give me strength).
  • “O Lord, hear and answer my prayers.”

Please join in praying through these prayer points provided by Syrian Christians.

  • That the cup of war be taken away from our country, Syria.
  • That the Lord may crush the conspiracy of the evil ones and their war plans… and consider their threats.
  • That He may send the power of His Holy Spirit on His church, that it may reach out to the suffering souls who – harassed and helpless – are like sheep without a shepherd.
  • That the Lord may help us to speak with great boldness and that many wonders and signs be performed … and souls return to Christ, and there be singing and praises.
  • That the Lord may send more help – that the house of the Lord may have food to satisfy the needs of the internally displaced, hundreds of whom are without any shelter.
  • That the Lord may send more support for the wounded and the sick who are in need of surgery, medication, and healing.
  • That the Lord may send those who can help us build a center for children affected by the war and send those who can help the children who are now disabled, and have special needs.
  • That the Lord will enable us to take care of those who have lost their supporters, and help them to get back on their feet.

Father, as we join the world in reflecting on the plight of the people of Syria, ravaged by unrelenting civil war, we look on not as those who are without hope, but as those whose anchor of hope is in You, the King of kings and Lord of lords. And so we come before You on behalf of the people of Syria, especially Your church there, imploring You to take away this cup of war from them.

We call upon You to bring peace and justice in the midst of spiritual darkness, that all might know that You have done it. Protect Your church and grant them courage and opportunity to speak the truth with great boldness that a vast multitude might turn to Christ in worship and praise.

We pray that You will provide Your people with food and shelter, with medical care and healing. And we grieve over the children, wounded and traumatized by the very powers that should be protecting them. Raise up resources to provide a place of refuge, comfort, hope and healing for these children that their bodies might be sustained and their hearts kept from becoming hardened. Cause Your Spirit to breathe life into their parched souls.

In the name of Jesus, our refuge and sure defense in a world pillaged by the evil one. Amen.