Morning Prayer Thursday, 12 November 2020

Where to find hope?

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 5: 5 NIV®

The announcement of this second lockdown set me thinking on how to approach the situation positively. The word ‘Hope’ came to mind. Hope, combined with Faith and Trust in God will see us through, and our country will be in a better place with respect to combating the virus.

Elizabeth struggled for a long time with drug addiction, and when she recovered wanted to help others in return. She started writing notes and anonymously placing them throughout her city. Elizabeth tucks these notes under car windshield wipers and tacks them on poles in parks. She used to look for signs of hope; now she leaves them for others to find. One of her notes concluded with these words: ‘Much love. Hope sent.’

Hope with love – that’s what Jesus gives. He brings us His love with each new day and strengthens us with that hope. His love is not rationed out to us drop by drop, but flows out of His heart freely and is poured lavishly into ours: We know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5: 5) He desires to use the hard times to develop perseverance and character and bring us a satisfying, hope-filled life, and even when we’re far from Him, He still loves us.

Are you looking for signs of hope? The Lord gives hope with love through inviting us to grow in a relationship with Him. Our hope for a fulfilling life is anchored in His unfailing love.

Source: Our Daily Bread 2020

Let us pray:
Loving God, as we come to this new day, help us to realise that we will get through this season of darkness by developing a closer relationship with you; because in you there is Light.  Please sustain us, strengthen us and bring us into your full Light; bring us into contentment with you and confidence in what you are doing in us. Father. We thank you that there is some hope with respect to combating the virus. One scientific establishment has reported that there is a vaccine which shows signs of success; other international laboratories are also working assiduously to produce vaccines. Help us to be patient, to continue to self- isolate so that when we are able to meet again, no one will be missing. Father God, we pray for those who are suffering from the loss of loved ones; please comfort and give them the strength to continue in their own lives. Father, please heal and provide support for persons who are suffering from long coronavirus ailments.

When circumstances look discouraging help us to call out to you in faith and hope, believing that you hear our hearts’ cry. We are grateful for the overflowing love which you pour on us; help us to draw nearer to you, as we watch, pray and wait for deliverance through these harsh times.

Lord in your mercy,
hear our prayers.

Amen

For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.

Psalm 71:5 NIV®

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

Psalm 119:114 NIV®

But as for me, I will always have hope: I will praise you more and more.

Psalm 71: 14 NIV®

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 NIV®

Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.

O magnify the Lord with me,
With me exalt his name;
When in distress to him I called,
He to my rescue came.

Words: Nicholas Brady (1659–1726), and Nahum Tate (1652–1715)

Glynne Gordon- Carter