In Praise of God’s Glorious Creation

In the glory of this summer morning breathe in the scented air.
In the cool of this summer morning rejoice in the colour of the brilliant dawn.
At the beginning of this summer morning let us take time to praise God our Creator and Sustainer.
Come, Cornerstone People, and let us pray.

With thankful hearts we come in prayer to prepare for the day ahead.
Give us a calm spirit to take up all the opportunities it will bring.
Give us courage to face all the challenges it will bring.
Give us wide hearts to embrace everyone we meet in a smile worthy of Christians redeemed.
In the name of Christ we pray.

Amen

You have turned my laments into dancing

I shall exalt you Lord:
you have lifted me up
and have not let my enemies be jubilant over me.
Lord my God I cried to you
and you healed me.
You have brought me up, Lord, from the depths
and saved my life as I was sinking into the abyss.

Sing a psalm to the Lord all you his loyal servants,
give thanks to his holy name.
In God’s anger is distress,
in his favour there is life.
Tears may linger at nightfall
but rejoicing comes in the morning!

Psalm 30: 1–5

Look around at our beautiful city, where the streets are lined with trees for shade,
where grassy parks and ball games can be reached in minutes by everyone,
where the grid road forest corridors sustain wildlife
and even the excess rainfall can be preserved for our enjoyment.
How precious is our environment, shaped by humanity and sustained in creation.
How much more important to preserve and sustain our wider world –
to use resources wisely, to be careful of life on earth.
How much more important to champion the preservation of the earth,
the preservation of life, alongside the preservation of my soul.

O Lord, my heart aches for the beauty of your world:
help us act as one to champion the environment.
Strengthen our resolve to do at least one thing today towards improving our world.
As powerful men meet to plot their ideas of progress,
plant commitment to the welfare of our world over all the agendas they bring.
Help us all together live a life of possibility full of hope.

Amen

Something happens in our spirit if we praise our Good God:
the daily round is approached in partnership with God and none of our actions is lonely.
The day can be welcomed in glorious light and community can be kinder.
We can greet this Friday with a hug of gargantuan proportions!

You keep me forever in your presence

Happy is anyone who has concern for the helpless!
The Lord will save in time of trouble;
the Lord protects and gives life,
providing security in the land.
The Lord never leaves us to the will of our enemies.
The Lord nurses us on the sick-bed,
transforming every illness to health.

…

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.

Psalm 41: 1–3 & 13

Now may we go out into the world refreshed, revived, full of energy.
Turn you gaze to heaven and raise a joyful noise to the Lord!

Cheryl Montgomery