Sunday Morning Prayer

My heart, O God, is steadfast;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn …
For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
(Psalm 108:1-5, NIV)
 
As I rise this day in the Presence of the Three
I worship you Creator God;
Maker, Sustainer and Lover of all; who alone is uncreated.
As I rise this day in the Presence of the Three
I embrace you Christ Jesus;
Son of Mary, Son of God; my truest friend.
As I rise this day in the Presence of the Three
I inhale you gracious Spirit,
breath of the Living God, who draws me into wholeness.
 
For the gift of this day,
for the gifts of love and life,
for the gift of fellow pilgrims and companions on the way,
we give you thanks, O Lord.
 
Pause in silence and pray for one another.
 
As I listen to your word
may I hear your gentle whisper.
 
Readings for the day from the Lectionary
 
As your word goes with me this day,
may it renew my heart and mind.
 
Time for reflection
 
So this is my prayer:
that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. … Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.
(Philippians 1:9-11, The Message)
 
Pause in silence
 
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and forever.  Amen.
 
Prayer for others (focus on the Church)
 
I find thee enthroned in my heart,
my Lord Jesus.
It is enough.
I know that thou art throned
in heaven.
My heart and heaven are one.
(Alistair Maclean, Hebridean Altars, p. 106)
 
Go forth into the world in peace;
be of good courage;
hold fast that which is good;
render to no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak;
help the afflicted;
honour everyone;
love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.
(Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:13-22, Traditional)