Morning Prayer Wednesday, 8 September 2021
Good morning, Cornerstone Friends.
I was delighted to be asked to join those providing daily prayers since I have so much appreciated all the prayers written for us since the start of the pandemic. And also the opportunity they have given to feel a real connection with you all.
As we start a new day, let us admit that we don’t always get things right and ask for God’s help, using the words of our Sunday service confession.
Forgive us, Lord, for all the times we are too quick to form opinions, too quick to judge others; the times we don’t give people the benefit of the doubt, or fail to consider what they might be going through. Open our eyes to see and to listen as you do. Amen.
Our Bible reading is taken from the lectionary for today and is Psalm 119 verses 1-8.
Happy are they whose way of life is blameless, who conform to the law of the Lord.
Happy are they who obey his instruction, who set their heart on finding him; who have done no wrong, but have lived according to his will.
You, Lord, have laid down your precepts that are to be kept faithfully.
If only I might hold a steady course, keeping your statutes!
Then if I fixed my eyes on all your commandments, I should never be put to shame.
I shall praise you in sincerity of heart as I learn your just decrees.
I shall observe your statutes; do not leave me forsaken!
As I prepare these prayers, I look out of my window and see the sun shining down from a clear blue sky. Milton Keynes looks breathtaking.
Thank you, Father, for the privilege we have of living in this lovely city. For the many beautiful trees, the winding rivers and canal, for birds and wild life, for bright flowers and extensive leisure areas. Please help us to take all the necessary measures to care for your creation. May we each look into our hearts and decide in what ways we can help to make our precious world carbon neutral. Amen.
Our reading from the Psalms encourages us to conform to the law of the Lord and to obey his commandments.
We thank you, Father, for the gift of your son, Jesus, and for the example he has set us. We pray that you will inspire us to follow in his footsteps, to put others before ourselves, to share our worldly goods with those in need, to treat everyone as equals and to fight against injustice wherever we may see it. Amen.
Jesus spent a lot of time supporting and healing those who were unwell.
Today Lord, we pray for all those who are suffering at this time. For those with COVID throughout the world, for all those in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, care homes and in their own homes. May they feel you near them. We ask for your blessing too on nurses, doctors, carers and all those who help the sick. May they be given the energy, dedication and support to enable them to provide the very best care possible. Sadly many people are missing loved ones who have died, some through illness, some in accidents and some in wars. Please help them to feel you close. Amen.
Finally, Father, we thank you for your wonderful love that surrounds each one of us, for your being there for us at all times, for guiding us in how to live our lives and for all those who support us along the way. Amen.
I hope you all have a good day, Cornerstone Friends.
Rosemary Goldie
