Prayer Booklet 74
Dear Reader, (Adapted from September 2020)
Welcome to Booklet 74 of reflection and thoughts for prayer from the Presbytery Prayer Promoters’ Group. As usual, let me graciously remind you that we understand that for some of you, you will have your own prayer guides and ways of approaching God, but we hope that many readers will enjoy these reflections and use them to help guide their thoughts in prayer. Please share these notes as widely as possible, especially where you know someone who has expressed that they struggle with knowing how to pray.
Let’s continue this week looking at words spoken by Jesus, continuing with his teaching later in Luke chapter 11. Sometimes the teaching of Jesus is intended to disturb us, even as it gives us great comfort to respond appropriately to it. It is always designed to elicit a response from each of us – hopefully an active and positive response as we think about how Jesus might see us – not just on the outside (that is the view that we like others to have of us), but also in the secret places of our hearts.
To truly know him as Saviour and Lord, we need to allow him to daily renew us and strengthen us in worship and service.
As usual, however, Monday’s reflection will be a time to reflect and praise God for who he is and all he has done, is doing and will do, in Jesus’ name and for his sake. I hope you can find something new and wonderful each week to praise God for.
If you would like to comment or have a story you would like to share then feel free to contact me: christistewart@btinternet.com Amen
Please read this account from Luke Chapter 11 and join me as we explore some ideas from it in reflection leading us to pray this week. Remember, to encourage one another in prayer and in praying for others is a way of letting the light of Jesus touch others. This is good when we are not so fit and able to be doing much activity, but it is also good when a measure of ‘Lock down’ stops us from the more active pursuits we would like to engage in.
Luke 11:33-40 – Jesus’ Teaching on Light and Life
33 ‘No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. 35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.’
37 When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38 But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.
39 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?
Monday 13th September, 2021
I promised in the first booklet that we would begin each new one offering this reflection and prayer of praise and hope (and remind you of the importance of this in the introduction to this week’s reflections) from Paula Lennox, a member of both the Mission Committee and the Prayer Promoters’ Group:
As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more (Psalm 71:14)
In this time of anxiety and uncertainty, let us remember there is always someone we can rely on. May we start each day thanking him for all he has done for us and holding this gratitude before us as a beacon of hope.
Prayer
Father, we thank you for your promise to always be with us no matter our circumstances and we hold on to that promise now, as we feel anxious and uncertain as each day goes by. May we remember that through you all things were created, that you have supremacy over everything and nothing is impossible for you. You are our hope and we praise you. Amen
Prayer points are all about praising God:
Praise Him for the little things, we previously took for granted
Praise Him for nature that continues to flourish
Praise Him for more time to spend in His Word
Praise Him that whatever happens he is our hope
Praise Him for…
Now just talk to God about whatever is on your heart…he wants to bless you and give you peace as you trust in him. Amen
Tuesday 14th September, 2021
“33 ‘No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. ” Luke 11:33
Reflection: Before we look at what Jesus was actually saying, I wonder if you would consider another reason for not covering up a light. It may seem obvious, but before that light is of any use to others, it must also be of use to us – we need light to dispel the darkness. When we receive Jesus into our lives – and he does wait to be invited – he brings with him all the light we need to live in a way that is healthy and healing for us. God promises that His word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path. He guides each step we take and sees the way ahead for our journey through life.
Let us pray:
- Lord God, we ask you to help us to keep our lives focused on you so that our light shines brighter in this world.
- Father we know there are many who only feel darkness and despair – especially in these days when Covid-19 has been increasing again . Help us to stay confident and at peace as we trust you.
- Father God, help us not just to trust you for ourselves, but help us to reach out to others. Open our eyes to notice those who need care and support and show us how to help where we can in Jesus’ name.
- We thank you for inspiration and worship of the beautiful hymn, “Lord, the Light of your love is shining” (words at end)
Wednesday 15th September, 2020
“33 ‘No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. ” Luke 11:33
Reflect and pray:
Let’s continue thinking about these words from yesterday. There is a challenge in these words to every one of us. People around us might once again see us going to church, and we might assume that they understand why. Sadly most people do not have a clue – especially if they have not been brought up to go to church as children. We know that we go to worship the Lord and thank him for our salvation. Jesus here is reminding his listeners that they need to let others see the light that is in them. Peter, a disciple of Jesus, wrote:
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
Prayers:
- Our Father, we ask you to speak to our hearts and minds and remind us of the joy of our salvation – the faith in Jesus that you have given to us. Help our lives to speak your message, and give us a voice to share our hope with those who do not yet know you.
- Today we pray with sadness for a world where people have largely chosen to ignore you. May our lives show the beauty of knowing you through Jesus, our Lord. Amen
Thursday 16th September, 2020
“ When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.” Luke 11:37,38
Reflect and pray: As we read these words it is important to understand that the Pharisees were always trying to find fault with Jesus, and this ‘washing’ was part of ceremonial law – it was not the hygiene of hand-washing that was referred to. (Of course for most of us at the moment, hand-washing has become a ritual practice of good hygiene to keep us safe.) This takes us back to yesterday’s thoughts about routinely being seen to go to church. Rituals and routines are not what faith in Jesus is about – although when we get to know him and God the Father through him we do want to worship together with other believers. It is also important, however, that we live out our faith in his love every day and everywhere…
Prayers:
- Loving God, inspire us to love and worship you, not only in Spirit, but also in Truth so that our lives are the better for knowing you.
- May our lives truly show to others the peace and joy that you give. Help us to be a calming influence, as a testimony of our faith, on those around us who are finding life difficult.
- Keep us faithful in prayer, Lord, as we ask you to work a miracle of healing across our nation – spiritually, and physically in relation to Corona virus . Amen
Friday 17th September, 2020
“Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” Luke 11:39
Reflect and Pray: This takes us back to the idea that we need the light of Christ working in us from the inside out. It is impossible to con God with an outward show of pious behaviour. We really need his light at the centre of our lives if our worship is acceptable to him, and our lives are any use to others. As well as applying this to us as individuals, we need to ensure that our churches are not just there to put on an outward show of worship. We have a task to do given to us by Jesus himself: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28: 19-20) In many ways the pandemic has caused us to re-evaluate our service in Jesus’ name.
Let us pray:
- Loving God, who through Jesus would inspire us to really live out his teaching – his teaching that would radically change our world for the better – help us to be faithful and true that others might be drawn to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
- Creator God, we believe that nothing is too difficult for you; we believe that you expect us to call on your name when life is difficult; we believe that you expect your people to pray for others in need – hear us now as we pray for…(talk to God about any burden on your heart and thank Him that he cares.)
Saturday 18th September, 2020
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
These wonderful verses were mentioned by PP Andrew Graham, who has been supported in prayer by many of us during recent months of being unwell and even now as he still has further tests to undergo. (He is doing better now) In his prayer, he makes a number of personal thank you statements to the Lord for his strength at this time; for his family and the fact that they love the Lord and are faithful in prayer. The verses above are full of comfort and confidence for all of us who trust them, especially when life is difficult. It is good to know that we are safe in the Lord’s keeping. Andrew also prays for others:
- We pray for many who, through this difficult time of Covid 19, have lost their way. Strengthen them by your words of promise and give them new hope in Jesus.
- Some have lost loved ones you have taken to be with you in heaven. Give them and us the strength of faith to trust you and to continue to follow you.
- Thank you Lord that your words of scripture, hymns of praise and times of prayer refresh us and take us forward in hope.
- Help us to be brave enough to take the step out of the boat like the Peter to follow you in faith rather than stay in our comfort zones so that we can serve in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read, pray, worship… and really believe!
Lord, the light of your love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness, shining;
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us,
Set us free by the truth You now bring us,
Shine on me, shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine,
Fill this land with the Father’s glory;
Blaze, Spirit, blaze,
Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow,
Flood the nations with grace and mercy;
Send forth Your word,
Lord, and let there be light.
Lord, I come to Your awesome presence,
From the shadows into Your radiance;
By the blood I may enter Your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me, shine on me.
As we gaze on Your kingly brightness
So our faces display Your likeness.
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story.
Shine on me, shine on me.