Author: Ruth Kirk

22.9.23: Love God

Ruth Kirk
dodo71: Pixabay.

When I woke up yesterday morning I was warm and comfortable. It was easy to pray without words, expecting nothing. Then, to my surprise, these verses began to arrive.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
Mark 12:30; CSB.

1. To love God
Is to seek him;
To seek him
Is to find;
To find him
Is to worship,
To serve,
And to be kind.

2. To love God
Is to hear him;
To hear him
Is to give;
To give
Is to love everyone,
To grow like Christ,
And live.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10; NIV.

References 

Verse 1

Love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul (Deuteronomy 10:12; NLT).

The LORD will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him (2 Chronicles 15:2; NLT).

Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him (Deuteronomy 13:4; NLT).

Verse 2

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left (Isaiah 30:21; NLT).

Freely you have received; freely give (Matthew 10:8; NIV).

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ (Ephesians 5:2; NLT).

The Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18; NLT).

We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ (Ephesians 4:15; NLT).

This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ (Ephesians 4:13; NLT).

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life (Deuteronomy 30:19-20; NLT, my emphasis). 

21.9.23: Into your hands

Ruth Kirk
penchr: Pixabay.

A few days ago, when I was praying without words, I “saw” these verses. It took only a few minutes to make some notes, but the rest of the day to put them into words.

The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands.
John 3:35; NLT.

Into your hands
I commend my pleasures,
Ending my time here on earth.

Into your hands
I consign my darkness,
Leaving the land of my birth.

Into your hands
I entrust my anguish,
Setting my life here aside.

Into your hands
I commit my spirit,
Jesus, my Saviour and Guide.

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 23:46; NIV.

The LORD will guide you always.
Isaiah 58:11; NIV.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4; KJV.

20.9.23: I want to pray

Ruth Kirk
Arcaion: Pixabay.

When I was praying last Thursday, slowly repeating the name of Jesus, this prayer came to me. I had to end my contemplation so I could  immediately began to put it into words.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion (Ephesians 6:18; NLT).

Lord, my God,
I want to pray

In your dear Spirit
Every day

For all the world,
Through Jesus’ name:

Please bless us
With your sacred  flame.

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4; NLT). 

19.9.23: Perfect

Ruth Kirk
LevaNevsky: Pixabay.

Yesterday, when I woke and started to pray very sleepily, this prayer quickly arose. I wanted to ignore it, but had to begin writing it immediately, or it would have faded away in moments.

Jesus told him, “I am the way” (John 14:6; NLT). 

1. Lord Jesus,
When I wake each day,
May I give thanks,
Rejoice, and pray
To you, my Guide:
God’s perfect way.

2. Lord Jesus,
Yahweh’s living proof,
May I confess,
Without excuse,
My sins to you:
God’s perfect truth.

3. Lord Jesus,
When I rest at night,
May your dear Spirit
Shine so bright
That I see you:
God’s perfect light.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12; NLT). 

He is a light to reveal God to the nations (Luke 2:32; NLT).

References 

Verse 1:
*Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV).
*It was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader (Hebrews 2:10; NLT).
*God’s way is perfect (2 Samuel 22:31; NLT).

Verse 2:
*Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name” (John 10:25; NLT).
*He [God] has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead (Acts 17:31; NIV).
*Jesus told him, “I am…the truth” (John 14:6; NLT).
*The Spirit is truth (1 John 5:6; NKJV).
*God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone (2Timothy 2:19; NLT).

Verse 3:
*God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us (1 John 4:13; NLT).
*God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24; NKJV).
*God is light (1 John 1:5; NLT).

18.9.23: Saint Raphael

Ruth Kirk
Icon of the Archangel Raphael

What are the angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by him to help those who are to receive salvation.
(Hebrews 1:13; GNT). 

Saint Raphael,
Please pray for us:
The sick in body,
Mind, heart, soul,

And beg the Lord
To send you
With his healing touch,
To make us whole.

God sent me…to cure you
(Tobit 12:13-14; GNTA).

Note

Saint Raphael the Archangel is the Patron Saint of healing, who serves God by restoring people in body, mind, heart and soul.

17.9.23: No matter what happens

Ruth Kirk
hamlettrinh: Pixabay

Yesterday, at the end of a time of quiet prayer, today’s verses began to flow, gradually taking shape during the rest of the day.

The most important commandment is this: “Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength” (Mark 12:29-30; NLT).

No matter what happens
I’ll love you.
To all you ordain
I’ll say: “Yes.”
Whatever you take
I’ll rejoice, Lord.
Whatever you send
I will bless.

No matter what happens
I’ll worship,
And all you impose
I’ll embrace.
In troubles and tests
I’ll give thanks, Lord,
For here, in your hands,
I am safe.

I am in the hands of the Lord, the Most High is my safe resting-place (Psalm 91:9; BBE).

References

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV).

The LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul (Deuteronomy 13:3; NLT).

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33; NLT).

A reading: Job receives disastrous, life-changing news

Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything (Job 1:20-22; CSB). 

16.9.23: The grace of God

Ruth Kirk
kareni: Pixabay.

I woke early yesterday and couldn’t go back to sleep, so began to pray instead. As I said my familiar morning prayers, the opening words, shape and direction of today’s blog burst into my mind.

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
(Luke 1:46-7; NIV). 

1. I glorify the grace of God,
The mind, and heart, and face
Of God.

2. I celebrate the light of God,
The truth, and peace, and might
Of God.

3. I bow before the fire of God,
The jealousy and ire
Of God.

4. I venerate the hope of God,
The comfort, joy, and scope
Of God.

5. I witness to the love of God,
The Spirit, and the Son
Of God.

6. Lord,
Forgive my sin and shame,
And help me magnify your Name.

Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt His name together.
(Psalm 34:3; NKJV).

References

Verse 1:
*The grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. (Titus 2:11; NLT).
*The LORD your God is more powerful than all other gods and lords, and his tremendous power is to be feared. His decisions are always fair, and you cannot bribe him to change his mind. (Deuteronomy 10:17; CEV).
*The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood” (Genesis 8:21; NIV).
*Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”) (Genesis 32:30; NLT).

Verse 2:
* God is light (1 John 1:5; NLT).
*The Spirit is truth (1 John 5:6; NKJV).
*The Lord is peace (Judges 6:24; NLT).
*Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you (2 Chronicles 20:6; NIV).

Verse 3:
The LORD your God is a devouring fire; he is a jealous God (Deuteronomy 4:24; NLT).
God’s anger will descend on them in torrents (Job 20:28; NLT).

Verse 4:
*I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13; NLT).
*He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us (2 Corinthians 1:4; NLT).
*Yahweh, your God, is in the midst of you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17; WEB).
*God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end (Ecclesiastes 3:11; NLT).

Verse 5:
*God is love (1 John 4:8; NLT).
*No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39; NLT).
*God is Spirit (John 4:24; NLT).
*The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35; NLT).

Verse 6:
*Forgive us our sins (Luke 11:4; NLT).
*You will remember your sins and cover your mouth in silent shame when I forgive you of all that you have done. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken! (Ezekiel 16:63; NLT).

15.9.23: Song of praise

Ruth Kirk
congerdesign: Pixabay.

Yesterday I woke early, and the moment I began to pray this song of praise arrived. Its first words and its shape were instantly clear in my mind. Despite this, writing is gradually getting harder and more tiring as my energy and mental capacity reduce. I don’t know how much longer I will be able to do it for, but will continue as long as I can, until God stops giving me prayers to write.

I love you, LORD; you are my strength (Psalm 18:1; NLT). 

I love you, Lord,
And bless your name,
Confide in you,
Confess my shame,
Receive forgiveness,
Sing your praise,
And gladly worship
All my days.

I love you, Lord,
And trust your Son.
I follow him,
For we are one.
I’ll bear my cross
Through good and ill,
Rejoice, and pray
And thank you, still.

I love you, Lord,
Your Spirit, too.
She lives in me,
And I in you.
So, may we plead
With one accord
For those who suffer,
Blessed Lord.

I love you,
Holy Trinity:
The Mighty God
Who sets me free.
Day after day
I hear your call
And try to serve you, Lord,
In all.

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NIV). 

14.9.23: I seek you

Ruth Kirk
mokhaladmusavi: Pixabay.

Yesterday I prayed in silence, seeking God. However, I saw nothing, experienced nothing, and felt both sad, and a failure.

Then, today’s prayer came to me, and I saw where I was going wrong. God is always with us. Believing that He is present is far more important than whether or not we experience His presence. As Jesus said to Thomas: “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:29; RSV).

I suspect that our faith is far more precious to God than our enjoyment of the spiritual experiences He sends. Anyway, following these reflections, here is today’s prayer:

In the morning I earnestly seek for God (Isaiah 26:9; NLT).

I seek you, Lord,
But you’re already near.
I thirst for you,
Yet you’re already here.

Then, I see clearly:
Father, you’re my soul
Which nothing can take away –
With you, I’m whole.

Lord, I believe and trust in you
Each day,
So I’ll rejoice, give thanks,
And try to pray.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV).

Notes

The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7; KJV).

You were made from dust, and to dust you will return (Genesis 3:19; NLT).

The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7; NIV).

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38; NLT).

13.9.23: God’s presence

Ruth Kirk
jhiredman: Pixabay.

The godly will live in your presence (Psalm 140:13; NLT). 

Live in the Father’s presence,
Choosing his holy way;
Worship in life’s harsh deserts:
Give thanks, rejoice, and pray.

Walk in the Saviour’s presence,
Serving like Him, each day;
Worship in life’s vast wastelands:
Give thanks, rejoice, and pray.

Rest in the Spirit’s presence,
Clinging, so you don’t stray;
Worship on life’s cold mountains:
Give thanks, rejoice, and pray.

Trust in the Threefold Presence:
Comfort will fall, like dew;
Worship in death’s dark valley:
God will rejoice in you.    

The LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs (Zechariah 3:17; NLT).

Readings

Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness (Isaiah 35:6-8; NIV).

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV).

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).