“Finish, then, Thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be…’”
—-Charles Wesley, 1747 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 Philippians 3:14 Keep pressing on toward the goal: the heavenly call of God in Jesus Christ. Prayer Kiddush for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year celebration, which starts at sundown today. The Kiddush is said over a glass of wine or grape juice. Praise to You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine. Praise to You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who has chosen us from all the peoples, hallowing us with mitzvot. In Your love, Adonai our God, You have given us this Day of Remembrance, to hear the sound of the Shofar, to unite in worship, and to recall the Exodus from Egypt. For You have chosen us from all the peoples, consecrating us to Your service, and Your word is truth eternal. Praised is the Sovereign God, Sovereign of all the world, who hallows the House of Israel and the Day of Remembrance. Hymn of the Day An Uncloudy Day, by Willie Nelson. Listen, pray, dance, sing along, rejoice! Reading of the Day 1 Peter 5:7-14 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. Final Greetings and Benediction 12 Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13 Your sister church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. Prayers for self and others Please pray today for those who are being affected by COVID 19 and by its side effects in our world. Pray for Dr. Marshall Cash, working directly with COVID patients in Shreveport, LA. As we hear of more friends who are directly affected, or who are working in high risk places, we will list them here. Pray for everyone impacted by Hurricane Sally, that they would be safe, and that their recovery will be complete. Use this time to lift your joys, concerns, and hopes to God. Benediction Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him. Amen.
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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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