Category: light

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).

11.9.23: Mysteries

Ruth Kirk
Engin_Akyurt: Pixabay

This prayer began to form last Friday, when several Bible verses came together in my mind, and I saw a connection between them. The link is that life and death, as well as many other “positive” and “negative” things, are the same to God, and they can be the same to us, as well. Knowing this can make suffering easier to bear.

If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8; NLT).

1. All through our lives
And when we die,
Lord, we are Yours:
You watch, close by.

2. Darkness and light
Are just the same
To You, our origin
And aim.

3. Father, you call us all
Your kin,
For we are Yours:
You live within.

4. God of the living,
And the dead:
All are alive
To You, our Head.

5. Lord, all these mysteries
Are true:
May we explore each one
With You.

He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness; he brings light to the deepest gloom (Job 12:22; NLT).

References 

Verse 1:
The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade (Psalm 121:5; NLT).

Verse 2:
To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you (Psalm 139:12; NLT).

Verse 3:
We are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NIV).

Verse 4:
He is the God of the living, not the dead, for they are all alive to him (Luke 20:38; NLT).

Verse 5:
I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done under heaven (Ecclesiastes 1:13; NLT).

8.9.23: Follow and worship (updated today)

Ruth Kirk
Hans: Pixabay

I posted today’s prayer at midnight last night, when it only had seven verses. However, this morning, when I was praying without words, I suddenly received the final couplet, which makes it complete. So that email followers don’t miss this, I’m now posting the final version for their sake.

A thoroughfare will be there – it will be called the Way of Holiness (Isaiah 35:8; NET).

Follow Christ on the way of love:
Worship Him who reigns above.

Learn from Christ on the way of faith:
Worship Him and seek His face.

Talk with Christ on the way of prayer:
Worship Him, our thoroughfare.

Serve with Christ on the way of light:
Worship Him both day and night.

Weep with Christ on the way of pain:
Worship Him who rose again.

Walk with Christ on the way of death:
Worship Him; one final breath

Then rest with Christ when life is past,
And worship Him with joy, at last.

Lord, though I’m on the way of dust,
I’ll worship you with steadfast trust.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3; NIV).

References 

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).

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.  There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:1; NLT).

Those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die (Isaiah 57:2; NLT).

8.9.23: Follow and worship

Ruth Kirk
Hans: Pixabay

My husband is suffering from a virus, and I now have it as well. Yet still God gives, and still I write, though very slowly.

N.B: I posted today’s prayer at midnight, last night, with the first seven verses. However, this morning, when I was praying without words, I suddenly received the final couplet, which makes it complete. So that email followers don’t miss this, I’m reposting the final version again, for their sake.

A highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way (Isaiah 35:8; NIV). 

Follow Christ on the way of love:
Worship Him who reigns above.

Learn from Christ on the way of faith:
Worship Him and seek His face.

Talk with Christ on the way of prayer:
Worship Him, our thoroughfare.

Serve with Christ on the way of light:
Worship Him both day and night.

Weep with Christ on the way of pain:
Worship Him whose loss was gain.

Walk with Christ on the way of death:
Worship Him; one final breath

Then rest with Christ when life is past,
And worship Him with joy, at last.

Lord, though I’m on the way of dust,
I’ll worship you with steadfast trust.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3; NIV).

References 

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). 

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.  There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:1; NLT).

Those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die (Isaiah 57:2; NLT).

6.9.23: Each time I wake

Ruth Kirk
Andriele: Pixabay.

When I woke yesterday, I longed to return to the bliss I had experienced the morning before, but instead I was given this incredibly difficult prayer to write.

I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?
(Psalm 42:2; NLT). 

1. Spirit of the living God,
Please come to me each time I wake:
Lord, set my weary mind aflame,
So I can bless Your holy Name.

2. Spirit of God’s perfect peace,
Please come to me each time I wake:
Lord, intercede on my behalf,
And remedy my broken heart.

3. Spirit of God’s faithful love,
Please come to me each time I wake:
Lord, seek me every time I stray,
And heal my soul – please don’t delay.

4. Spirit of God’s light and truth,
Please come to me each time I wake:
Lord, take me to your dark abyss,
So I can worship You in bliss.

Thou makest me to know the path of life;
in Thy presence is fulness of joy,
in Thy right hand bliss for evermore.
(Psalm 16:11; JPS Tanakh 1917).

References 

Verse 1:

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Luke 3:16; NLT).

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name (Psalm 103:1; RSV).

Verse 2:

The Lord is peace (Judges 6:24; NLT).

I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations (Ezekiel 36:26-7; NLT).

The Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26; AMP).

Verse 3:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever (1 Chronicles 16:34; NLT).

The Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost (Luke 19:10; NLT).

Verse 4:

God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all (1 John 1:5; NLT).

The Spirit is truth (1 John 5:6; NKJV).

The earth was without form or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind sweeping over the waters (Genesis 1:2; NAB).

He spoke with a loud voice from the heart of the fire, surrounded by clouds and deep darkness (Deuteronomy 5:22; NLT).

Moses approached the thick darkness where God was (Exodus 20:21; NLT).

I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches from secret places so that you may know that I am the Lord (Isaiah 45:3; CSB).

He who formed us…is God, who has given us His Spirit as a pledge and foretaste of that bliss (2 Corinthians 5:5; WNT).

1.9.23: Pray (with thanks to P.M.)

Ruth Kirk
jplenio: Pixabay.

Yesterday morning I asked the members of my spiritual family to pray for me during my hospital trip in the UK . One messaged me straight back with a kind note which included the following symbols: 🙏💖. These were put into words by my iPad as, “Pray, sparkling heart”.

As soon as I read this, a prayer began to form in my mind, though it proved extremely difficult to write. I worked on it all morning in bed, during my ferry crossing, then in my hotel bedroom, until it was finished at last. I would like to dedicate it to my friend, P.M., to thank her for the amazing inspiration she sent me, as well as for her prayers.

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

Pray, fragile flesh,
Both now, and forever:
Let’s pray to our Father,
Though we’re only clay.

Pray, fearful mind,
Throughout each endeavour:
Let’s plead with our Maker,
In darkness, and day.

Pray, sparkling heart,
Both now, and forever:
Let’s follow our Father,
Who lights up The Way.

Pray, shining soul,
Throughout each endeavour:
Let’s worship our Maker,
And never delay.

Pray in His Spirit,
Both now, and forever:
Let’s pray, and rejoice, and give thanks –
Come what may.

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). 

Reference

The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-7; NRSV).

30.8.23: I follow you

Ruth Kirk
dodo71: Pixabay.

I had barely begun to pray last Sunday morning when these couplets came to me. They took several hours of concentrated work to put into words.

This happens more and more frequently. The first stage of writing takes so long that by the time it’s finished, I have missed out on the experience of wordless prayer. In fact, there is a constant, seemingly irresolvable tension between my longing to pray, and the drive to express in words what I am given, so it can be shared here.

All I can do is to echo the prophet’s words: “My work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the LORD’s hand; I will trust God for my reward” (Isaiah 49:4; NLT).

So now, here is today’s blog:

Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34; NLT). 

I follow you, my only Lord:
My guide, my way, and my reward.

I honour you, my Shepherd King:
My strength; the truth to which I cling.

I thirst for you, my living God:
My breath, my life, my staff, my rod.

I trust in you, my light, my love:
My daily bread from heaven above.

I worship you, my Father’s voice:
My resurrection, and my choice.

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying” (John 11:25; NLT).

Choose today whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15; NLT).

27.8.23: My heart returns

Ruth Kirk
cowins: Pixabay.

The very moment I began to pray early yesterday morning, these verses hijacked me completely.

Sinners will return to you (Psalm 51:13; ESV). 

Lord,
My heart returns to you
Each day when I awake,
For you are Christ, the King of kings,
Who suffered for my sake.

Lord,
My mind returns to you
Each day as it grows light,
For you love all, so even I
Am precious in your sight.

Lord,
My gaze returns to you
Each day: I persevere
In seeking out your Spirit,
For I know that you are near.

Lord,
My soul returns to you
Each day until my death,
Then we will reunite at last,
For I, Lord, am your breath.

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). 

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

25.8.23. The temple

Ruth Kirk
jplenio: Pixabay.

This prayer arrived yesterday during silent contemplation of Jesus’ name. I saw that I would like to be a constant, open channel for the Holy Spirit to act through on earth. However, this would be a very tall order, given all my physical, mental and spiritual limitations.

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? (1 Corinthians 6:19; NLT). 

I long to be the temple
Of your Spirit,
Living in your joy, and peace,
And light;
Dwelling in your mercy, love,
And patience;
Staying in your presence
Day and night. 

I yearn to be the dwelling
Of your Spirit,
Praying through your wordless sighs
With trust;
Resting in your pity, strength,
And power:
One with you, my Lord,
Though I am dust. 

I am only dust and ashes (Genesis 18:27; NAB). 

24.8.23: A simple way forward

Ruth Kirk
Gnailhe: Pixabay.

I’ve been finding it very difficult to pray for the last few days, perhaps because of having constant migraine, but today, after asking for the Holy Spirit’s help, I was given a new, very simple way forward.

I repeated Jesus’ name silently in time with my breath, making no attempt to add any intentions of my own. Whenever a person came into my mind, I prayed for them briefly, then returned to the slow, silent repetition of Jesus’ name. 

This meant that nothing was a “distraction” any more. Instead, each distraction showed me who or what to pray about. My distractions had become part of my prayer, which was a great relief.

Eventually, some words began to come together in my mind, and today’s prayer was gently born.

I am the light of the world (John 8:12; NLT). 

Jesus,
You’re my shining light,
My living bread,
My truth, my life;
My guide, my rod,
My staff, my way;
My well, my water –
Every day.

Jesus,
You’re in all I see,
And taste, and touch;
You’re here, in me:
God’s Word, God’s Son,
God’s Spirit, too –
Please lead me, always,
Back to you. 

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25; NLT).

References

Don’t you know that your bodies are a part of Christ’s body? (1 Corinthians 6:15; CSB).

Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

We are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT). 

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you (Romans 8:11; NLT). 

Thine incorruptible spirit is in all things (Wisdom of Solomon 12:1; KJV).

Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him (Hebrews 9:28; NLT).

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