Morning Prayer Friday, 5 March 2021

Good morning to you all on this World Day of Prayer, 5 March 2021.
Later this morning we will be able to come together as Christ the Cornerstone
to mark the Day and also to virtually join others in celebration.
When Martin Luther was asked ‘What should move us to pray?’
he replied, ‘God’s command and promise, our own and our neighbours’ needs
and gratitude for blessings received.’

We begin the day in gratitude:

Give thanks to the Lord for the great goodness that clothes us in protection,
forgiveness and hope for the future. Be thankful for science expressed in vaccine.
Give thanks for community and all givers of care.
Give thanks for a life where guilt is removed and replaced with compulsion to pass forgiveness along.
Give thanks for today just as it is.

Amen

The World Day of Prayer began with the women – the Auxiliary Women –
the add-ons to church structures who delivered the goods.
The women, over two hundred years ago, who did the mission work in their own localities.
After a hundred years of getting on with supporting immigrants
and campaigning on social issues across denominational boundaries,
they formed an ecumenical Council to promote these things
and prepare for a joint Day of Prayer focusing on celebrating faith and faith in society.
In 1967 the Roman Catholic Church formally joined the movement
and all Christians the world over agreed to pray together on the same day
for our own and our neighbours’ needs.
Straightforward, simple words and actions delivered in unity.
As Jesus said (in Matthew 6): ‘In your prayers don’t go babbling on like pagans who imagine that the more they say the more likely they are to be heard. Don’t imitate them, for God knows what you need before you ask it.’

Unifying God, who gathers us and all our needs under your wings as a hen gathers her brood,
thank you for those visionary women who kicked us into universal prayers.
We pray for your people who are in pain or confusion, hunger or loneliness,
trapped in boredom or from idleness oppressed.
Assure them of our love in prayer, strengthen their hope
and give them comfort in the knowledge that we are here to lift them up into your light.

Amen

God’s command is to believe in the promise that prayer will be answered.
Jesus told his disciples: (in Mark 12): ‘Have faith in God. I tell you, then, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.’

Trustworthy God, on this universal day of prayer help us all to hand our lives to you –
our waking and rising, working and resting, cooking and caring,
our darkness and fear, our plans for the future, whatever that may be.
In congregation or all alone, we believe in your response wherever and whenever it may arrive.

Amen

Let’s live today as a prayer in praise and gratitude, ready to work for the kingdom today and to come.
Please join us later if you can, but in any event, have a great Friday!

Cheryl Montgomery