Thursday Morning Prayer

Sing God a brand-new song!
Earth and everyone in it, sing!
Sing to God – worship God!
(Psalm 96:1-2, The Message)
 
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, chosen by God for this new life of love,
dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you:
compassion, kindness, humility,
quiet strength, discipline.
Be even-tempered,
content with second place,
quick to forgive an offense.
Forgive as quickly and completely
as the Master forgave you.
And regardless of what else you put on,
wear love.
It’s your basic, all-purpose garment.
Never be without it.
(Colossians 3:12-14, 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 world leaders)
 
I have a secret joy in you, my God.
For if you are my Father,
you are my Mother too.
And of your tenderness
and healing
and patience
there is no end at all.
(Alistair Maclean, Hebridean Altars, p.82, adapted)
 
Go in peace;
and may God bless us;
Christ take care of us;
the Holy Spirit enlighten us,
and the Lord defend us,
and keep our body and soul,
both now and for ever.  Amen
(Prayer of Æthelwold of Winchester, adapted)