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“We have no help but Yours, nor do we need another arm save Yours to lean upon…”
—-Horatio Bonar, 1855 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Isaiah 25: 6-7 The Lord will make a feast for all people and destroy the power of death forever. Prayer Book of Common Worship, PC(USA), 2018 Merciful God, in Jesus Christ you do not call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Draw us away from the easy road that leads to destruction, and guide us into paths that lead to life abundant, that in seeking your truth, and obeying your will, we may know the joy of being a disciple of Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Hymn of the Day Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson sing “Lay Me Down.” Pray as you listen, and be at peace. Reading of the Day Psalm 54: 1-7 Save me, O God, by your name, and vindicate me by your might. 2 Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. 3 For the insolent have risen against me, the ruthless seek my life; they do not set God before them.Selah 4 But surely, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. 5 He will repay my enemies for their evil. In your faithfulness, put an end to them. 6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. 7 For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19. Please pray for Mark Sabala, working with Covid patients as a nurse, for the Howell family, and for all others who have been recently diagnosed with- or are recovering from- the virus. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Please pray for your own spiritual growth today, that you would become closer and closer to the knowledge and love of God. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction As God’s own, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, and patience, forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you, and crown all these things with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
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“Here, O our Lord, we see You face to face…”
—-Horatio Bonar, 1855 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Psalm 107 O give thanks to the Lord! His love endures forever. Prayer St Basil the Great (330–379 AD) As I rise from sleep I thank You, O Holy Trinity, for through Your great goodness and patience You were not angered with me, an idler and sinner, nor have You destroyed me in my sins, but have shown Your usual love for men, and when I was prostrate in despair, You raised me to keep the morning watch and to glorify Your power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye and open my mouth to study Your words and understand Your commandments and do Your will and sing to You in heartfelt adoration and praise Your Most Holy Name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Hymn of the Day Amazing Grace, by Pipers of the World. Pray as you listen to this favorite hymn played in a traditional Scottish form— reflecting our great Presbyterian heritage. Reading of the Day: Psalm 57: 5-11 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth. 6 They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my path, but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah 7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make melody. 8 Awake, my soul! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn. 9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. 10 For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens; your faithfulness extends to the clouds. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19. Please pray for Mark Sabala, working with Covid patients as a nurse, for the Howell family, and for all others who have been recently diagnosed with- or are recovering from- the virus. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Please pray for those, in Brazil, who are experiencing the worst of the pandemic now. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: As God’s own, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, and patience, forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you, and crown all these things with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. “That soul, though all hell shall endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.”
—-“K” in A Selection of Hymns, 1787 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Psalm 34:3 O praise the Lord with me, let us exalt God’s name together. Prayer from the Church of England Abide with us, Lord, for it is evening, and day is drawing to a close. Abide with us and with your whole Church, in the evening of the day, in the evening of life, in the evening of the world; abide with us and with all your faithful ones, O Lord, in time and in eternity. Amen. Hymn of the Day Nina Simone sings “Nearer Blessed Lord.” Pray as you listen to this song sung from the heart. Reading of the Day: Matthew 20: 29-34 29 As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” 31 The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” 32 Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” 34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19. Please pray for Mark Sabala, working with Covid patients as a nurse, for the Pena family, the Howell family, and for all others who have been recently diagnosed with- or are recovering from- the virus. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Please pray for those charged with testing for the virus and tracking those who may be exposed, that they would be enabled to do their jobs with care and diligence. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Jesus says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Alleluia! “For I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless, and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”
—-“K” in A Selection of Hymns, 1787 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Psalm 140: 12 The Lord supports the cause of the needy, and gives justice to those who are poor. Prayer Book of Common Worship, PC(USA), 2018 You give us prophets, holy God, to cry out for justice and mercy. Open our ears to hear them, and to follow the truth they speak, lest we support injustice and seek to secure our own well-being. Give prophets the fire of your word, but give them love as well. Though they are called to speak in your name, help them never to forget that they stand with us before you, and have no Messiah other than your Son, Jesus Christ, the Lord of all. Amen. Hymn of the Day Josh Garrels sings “May You Find a Light.” I hope that this song may dwell in your heart and lead you to peace. Reading of the Day: Matthew 20: 20-28 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 26 It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19. Please pray for Mark Sabala, working with Covid patients as a nurse, for the Pena family, the Howell family, and for all others who have been recently diagnosed with- or are recovering from- the virus. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Today also pray for those whose movement from homes is still restricted, and for whom the isolation is so hard. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Jesus says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Alleluia! “When through the deep waters I call thee to go, the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow…” —-“K” in A Selection of Hymns, 1787 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Colossians 1: 17-18 In Christ all things hold together; he is head of the church and Lord of all. Prayer Book of Common Worship, PC(USA), 2018 Eternal God, you set Jesus Christ to rule over all things, and made us servants in your kingdom. By your Spirit empower us to love the unloved, and to minister to all in need. Then at the last bring us to your eternal realm where we may worship and adore you and be welcomed into your everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Hymn of the Day Emmylou Harris sings “Where Could I Go but to the Lord.” Pray as you listen. Reading of the Day: Matthew 20: 1-16 20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4 and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5 When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. 6 And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ 8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ 9 When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. 10 Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. 11 And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14 Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19. Please pray for Mark Sabala, working with Covid patients as a nurse, for the Pena family, the Howell family, the Lily family, and for all others who have been recently diagnosed with the virus. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Today also pray for those who own and manage restaurants, that they would work diligently to protect their employees and guests. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Jesus says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Alleluia! “Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid…”
—-“K” in A Selection of Hymns, 1787 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Malachi 1: 11 From the rising of the sun to its setting the Lord’s name is great among the nations. Prayer John Calvin (1509-1564) Almighty and Gracious God, since our whole salvation stands in our knowledge of your holy word, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, that our hearts may be freed from the chains of sin, so that we may hear and receive your word, recognizing your gracious will for us. Teach us by scripture to love and serve you with delight, praising and glorifying you in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymn of the Day Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, by Sufjan Stevens. Pray and listen. Reading of the Day: Matthew 19: 23-30 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, “Then who can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19. Please pray for Mark Sabala, working with Covid patients as a nurse, for the Pena family, for the Lily family, and for all those who have been recently diagnosed with the virus. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Today also pray for those who do the holy work of maintaining, cleaning, and sanitizing our hospitals, that they would be able to stay strong and well. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Jesus says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Alleluia! How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
—-“K” in A Selection of Hymns, 1787 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Psalm 100 Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness. Come into God’s presence with singing! Prayer Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downward; give me an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give me an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow on me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymn of the Day Amazing Grace, sung by Natalie Grant and the Three Tenors. Listen as you pray. Reading of the Day: Matthew 19: 16-22 16 Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19 Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19. Please pray for Mark Sabala, working with Covid patients as a nurse, for the Pena family, for the Lily family, and for all those who have been recently diagnosed with the virus. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Jesus says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Alleluia! Here’s my heart, o take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above. —-Robert Robinson, 1758
Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Micah 6:8 What does the Holy One require of us? To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God. Prayer Book of Common Worship, PC(USA), 2018 Mighty and merciful God, lover of justice and equity, you call us to support the weak, to help those who suffer, and to honor all people. By the power of your Holy Spirit, make us advocates for your justice and instruments of your peace, so that all may be reconciled in your beloved community; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Hymn of the Day Ella Jenkins sings “Wade In the Water.” Listen as you pray. Reading of the Day: Amos 5: 18-24 18 Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord! Why do you want the day of the Lord? It is darkness, not light; 19 as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall, and was bitten by a snake. 20 Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light, and gloom with no brightness in it? 21 I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. 22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. 23 Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. 24 But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19. Today pray simply for justice, kindness, and humility in our search for solutions to the current pandemic. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous and strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Amen. O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be…
—-Robert Robinson, 1758 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Joshua 24: 15, 24 Choose this day whom you will serve. We will serve and obey the Lord our God. Prayer Book of Common Worship, PC(USA), 2018 O God, your blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of evil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life. Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Hymn of the Day On The Willows, from the musical Godspell. Pray as you listen to this music, based on the reading that follows. Reading of the Day: Psalm 137 1 By the rivers of Babylon-- there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. 2 On the willows there we hung up our harps. 3 For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” 4 How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? 5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither! 6 Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy. 7 Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem’s fall, how they said, “Tear it down! Tear it down! Down to its foundations!” 8 O daughter Babylon, you devastator! Happy shall they be who pay you back what you have done to us! 9 Happy shall they be who take your little ones and dash them against the rock! Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19. Today please pray for countries where the virus is recurring in great numbers, that their people would be able to stay well. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous and strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Amen. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God…
—-Robert Robinson, 1758 Preparation for worship Sit in a relaxed position. Take a slow, deep breath (or 2 or 3 or as many as needed) until you feel your body, mind, and soul begin to relax and rest in the Spirit. Take time to reflect as you move through this time of worship… Opening Sentences Hebrews 10: 23 Hold fast to your hope without wavering, For God who has promised is faithful. Prayer Based on a prayer of Jerome (c. 342-420) Good shepherd, seek me out, and bring me again to your fold. Smile upon me with your favor, that I may dwell in your house all the days of my life, and praise your name forever. Amen. Hymn of the Day Panis Angelicus, sung by Sting and Luciano Pavarotti. Pray and listen. Here is the English translation of the verse, which was written by Thomas Aquinus in the 13th century: Thus Angels' Bread is made the Bread of man today: the Living Bread from heaven with figures dost away: O wondrous gift indeed! the poor and lowly may upon their Lord and Master feed. Thee, therefore, we implore, o Godhead, One in Three, so may Thou visit us as we now worship Thee; and lead us on Thy way, That we at last may see the light wherein Thou dwellest aye. Amen. Reading of the Day: Psalm 23 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff-- they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19. Today please pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the healers in our world, who have helped so many thousands of people recover from the virus! As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction: Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous and strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Amen. |
AuthorBecky Downs, pastor of John Knox, started writing daily prayers for the congregation at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, to encourage the congregation in their faith during their time of separation from each other. The daily prayers were posted throughout the year. You might want to choose one a day to read, and modify the specific prayers for self and others to fit your life today. Archives
April 2021
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