Daily Prayers Wednesday, 21 September 2022
Good morning Living Stones and welcome to our prayers for the day.
In the most recent weeks we have been surrounded with a lot of changes in our lives; politically, socially, economically to name a few. To me, it feels like we are in a time of transformation. I hope I am not alone in my thinking. Our Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest in her final place on Monday, may her soul rest in peace. We now have King Charles III – a first to have a King for greater percent of the population – adjustment to “God bless the King” in our British anthem. On the 6th September a new Prime Minister was authorised to form a government by the Queen. September is the start of new school calendar, many children started school, others moved classes, others started university majority moving away from home. Seasonal changes into darker days and trees shedding of life in preparation for a new beginning.
Generally people like comfort zones and may resist change, however it also doesn’t take us long to see the change as the new normal by embracing change. As Christians we turn to God’s promises and strengthened faith to cope with change and transition. The Bible is our source which gives us all the answers for Christian living. As I was reflecting in all these changes, what came to my mind was “what does the Word of God say?” There are 365 texts in the Bible that say “Do not be afraid”. In times of transformation God teaches us not to be afraid but to put our trust in Him. Below are commonly known verses that I thought of sharing with my Livingstone family.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven”.(Ecclesiastes 3:1)
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.“ (Daniel 2:20-21).
Climatic seasons bring significant changes in nature, temperature and human activity. No matter how much we love one particular season, at some point it ends and we have to welcome a new one. Just like the weather seasons, we also face changes and transitions in our lives which bring shifts and adjustments. There’s a time for everything. There’s a season for everything. It’s all for God’s purpose and glory. The Word of God promises us that even when we’re moving from what may be a loss and the future looks bleak, He will direct our steps. He will lead and guide us. We will not be lost when we trust in Him, He will provide our needs in His own ways. Because He is a faithful God who loves us. Therefore in this season of transformations, may we put God in the centre to give us wisdom and understanding of the changing times. He is the Almighty God and deserves all our praise and worship.
When we transition to a new season we grow in our faith in God. We have new experiences so we get to know God in a new and fresh way. Knowing God better also means knowing ourselves better. So it’s a win-win!
Let us pray…..
God of the past, the present and the future, thank you for being faithful in our lives. Even when seasons of life will change, You remain the same. As we enter these time of transitions in our lives and miss the familiar, give us the courage and faith, may we learn to trust You by letting go of the old and embracing the new. When ages shift, and generations change, and times move on, we turn once more to You, the source and centre of our existence. When we are fearful to step forward, help us not to lean on our own understanding but to let You direct our paths. Continue to lead and direct us.
Lord in our mercy ……..hear our prayer.
Gracious God, We give thanks to you for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth II. We thank you for her life of service, her faithfulness and her kindness. She consistently showed us the values of goodness, courage and strength. We thank you for the time she gave to others, for the hope she imparted and for the dutiful leadership she demonstrated so often. Now at peace in You. We thank you for the extra ordinarily beautiful burial. We pray for her family, loved ones and others who will feel her passing most keenly. Lord may your comfort and peace be with them.
Lord in our mercy ……..hear our prayer.
We pray for our new King Charles III and the Queen Consort. Bless and fortify them, we pray, for their new responsibilities – and guide us also, that we may play our part in the building of a fit nation, ready to play its part in the fellowship of the world. We pray for those upon whose shoulders new responsibilities now fall, particularly for your servant Charles, as he succeeds to the throne. Grant him wisdom, strength and courage that he may lead wisely and well with the support of government and people.
Lord in our mercy ……..hear our prayer.
We pray for new governance, in our Prime Minister Liz Truss and her cabinet and all in authority under her reign. We pray that your will and purpose may prevail, and that they will be filled with wisdom and compassion, have a sense of justice and goodness. We are living in challenging times faced with high costs of living, when not all have fuel to heat their homes and some do not even have a home to heat and people fractured with anxiety. Almighty God break off fear and pour out Your blessing and release hope. Merciful God, we pray that you give our leaders the wisdom to guide our nation out of the current economic crisis. Guide them to protect the poor and all those who are struggling during this difficult time and provide for their needs and give them hope to live with dignity. Encourage those who have enough to share essential resources with those who lack the necessities of life and to do so with humble, grateful and loving hearts.
Lord in our mercy ……..hear our prayer
Blessed are you, Lord God, Creator of body and mind and heart; you have sent the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge to guide your people in all their ways. At the beginning of this new school year we implore your mercy: bless the students, teachers, and staff so that together they may grow in faith, hope, and love to learn from You and each other that they may grow in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. May your face shine on them, be gracious to them Lord. We know that every gift and blessing come straight from your hand. May each purpose and plan you have for teachers and students succeed, flourish, and prosper in every way.
Lord in our mercy ……..hear our prayer
The seasons change, but you never do. Let our lives reflect your beauty, season after season, as the calendar of our lives turn and turn. Help us let go of both blessings and burdens, and surrender them both to your loving care. Thank you for the seasons we can count on, find routine in, and that will never cease while the earth remains. As we enter into autumn, when the cooler winds drift in and the days grow shorter, draw us closer to you. Let us feel your warm and loving presence. May we find comfort in your consistency when the world around us seems to be constantly changing. Thank you for your loving kindness that engulfs us and your light that drives the darkness away. We praise you for being a God who loves us and takes care of us. We are grateful you are with us in all circumstances and seasons.
Merciful Father ……..accept these prayers for the sake of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come,
Your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever.
AMEN!!!!
Thank you for joining our prayers this morning. Have a blessed day Livingstone Family.
Grace Hunting
