Morning Prayer Friday, 18 September 2020
Good morning, friends and far-flung acquaintances!
Welcome to our time of prayer this third Friday in September.
Let us praise God for his night of blessed rest and the glory of this fresh new day.
Hear some words from Psalm 19:
The heavens declare the glory of God,
the skies proclaim his handiwork.
…
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
Psalm 19: 1 &4b–6
Thank you Lord for bringing us to this new day.
In the uncertainty of our current condition
keep us living in your praise and following your way
as we make our contribution to our community today.
Amen
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NIV®
It has been lovely to be back in church for worship and fellowship, restrained thought it is.
I have also enjoyed singing again – briefly – with the choir.
Cornerstone has had to learn new ways of being a church
and despite all the digital magic, we are still novices at this.
But one aspect of our being has not changed, although we are now separated in distance.
We must be growing and overflowing with prayer.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4: 6 NIV®
God wants us to be part of life’s conversation: prayer isn’t to be just one way.
It consists of listening as well as talking.
Sometimes our prayers are composed of short bursts, frantic requests, a shout in a windy field!
Let’s take a moment to absorb the Spirit and deeply connect with God.
Lord I know that you always have my best interests at heart.
In this time of heightened danger, calm our busy, anxious minds and allay our fears.
We put our trust in you. We know we will not be disappointed.
Amen
I urge you then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2: 1–2 NIV®
Our conversation with God is broad and wide-ranging, not limited to me.
Our church in prayer reaches out to the world at large:
Lord we lift to you people in need of your touch
for insight, guidance, healing, companionship,
for a point of stillness and reflection.
Strengthen those who serve our needs,
keep the healer’s hands steady and joyful;
help rulers to make good decisions and fill the world with compassion and hope.
Amen
This is the confidence we have in God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we have asked of him.
1 John 5: 14–15 NIV®
Lord we begin the day knowing that our conversation continues.
You’ll be there wherever we go.
Amen
Cheryl Montgomery
