Faith & Worship

Take a moment to listen to the still small voice of God within the bustle of the day which has begun. Find a quiet place where you can enjoy precious moments of peace in God's presence. Sit quietly and listen to the sounds of the world around you, both outside and in the place where you are. Breathe slowly and rest in God's presence......

 

 

I arise to day
Through God's strength to pilot me :
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils.
From temptations of vices,
From every one who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear.
Alone and in a multitude.

(from Selections from Ancient Irish Poetry, Meyer, Kuno, 1858-1919)

You have clothed this world in beauty,
from morning mist dissolving into summer day
to the splendid isolation of a mountain peak;
from flowers of the field in all their radiant hues
to butterfly emerging from chrysalis, all speak
of the artist’s vision and creativity,
the loving brushstrokes with which you paint.
And if you should take such care with these,
then who are we to doubt the value that you place
on those whose hearts contain the maker’s mark?
We shall not worry what tomorrow brings,
for even in sorrow you bring us joy
and instead shall praise you for all good things!

Take a moment or two in silence, in the presence of God. Bring to him those things which you are not proud of. Ask humbly for his forgiveness, and know that you have received it.

How easy do you find it to praise God in all circumstances? Read the words of the Psalmist -

I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
(Psalm 34: 1-3)

Praising God in all circumstances was at the heart of early Celtic Christian thought:

"All our life is a celebration for us; we are convinced, in fact, that God is always everywhere. We sing while we work, we sing hymns while we sail, we pray while we carry out all life's other occupations. "
Clement of Alexandria (c.150-c.215) Theologian

 

A prayer of confession:

Nothing is hidden from your eyes,
your light shines
into the darkness of this world
and into the shadows of our hearts.
You see our thoughts,
our motives, words and actions,
and we confess
that we must cause you sadness
in our response
to all that you have given us.
Forgive us, we pray
and by your grace and mercy
bring us to that place
where your light might shine from us
and reveal nothing but your eternal love. Amen

 

 

In you alone we put our hope,
God the Father, Creator and Sustainer,
who gives all good things
seen and unseen.
In you alone we put our hope,
God the Son, Saviour and Redeemer,
who died for our sins
and rose again.
In you alone we put our hope,
God the Spirit, Teacher and Comforter,
who moves us to sing
‘Our God reigns!’
In you alone we put our hope.

 

 

 

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You might also find useful........

A Cycle of prayer from Common Worship: Services and Prayers
for the Church of England for Morning, Evening and Night prayers

Morning Prayer ..... Yesterday | Today | Tomorrow

Evening Prayer..... Yesterday | Today | Tomorrow

Night Prayer ........ Yesterday

| Today | Tomorrow

The Methodist Church has a very accessible Daily Bible Study which you may like to look at - 'A Word in Time' - learn, reflect, and share your thoughts

 

You can also find daily prayers on the Sacred Space website
and the Northumbrian Community

 

A selection of favourite quotes for meditating upon