Category: Prayer

My mind is blank

Ruth Kirk

Last night I woke suddenly from a bad dream, kicking out at someone who was threatening me. As soon as I began to pray, this prayer instantly appeared in my mind. It was as if I had been woken up to hear it. I knew I had to write it down and post it straight away. This prayer is not about me, or my own state of mind, so I quickly realised that it must be for someone else who will read it. I have already prayed for that person.

May your Kingdom come soon…

Lord, my mind is blank,
My heart is numb –
Yet still I pray, and beg:
Your kingdom come.

Lord, my flesh is dust,
My soul is void –
Yet still I pray, and plead:
Your will be done.

Lord, may I rejoice,
Though all seems lost –
Help me to cling to you,
And bear my cross.

…May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10; NLT).

Then, 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). 

Reference

Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16; NIV).

Cling tightly to the LORD your God (Joshua 22:8; NLT).

Never stop praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NLT).

“The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1:15; NLT).

Reading: Habakkuk 3:17-19; NLT.

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

I love you

Ruth Kirk

I love you, Lord (Psalm 18:1; NLT).

I love you, God,
Though I am tired and weak.

You love me, too,
Though I can hardly speak.

I love you, God,
And though I cannot pray,

You love me,
And know all I want to say.

The Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought (1 Chronicles 28:9; NIV).

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:26; TIB).

My sign of the cross

Ruth Kirk

Each morning, whilst waking up, I make my sign of the cross. I deeply love this comforting, dedicatory and meaningful gesture, even though its traditionally-associated words: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen, are gendered. Yesterday, as I was following my usual practice, new words followed, so I wrote them down to form this blog.

Over many years, I have developed my own way of making the sign of the cross. My approach is based on a combination of the Anglican method, the Catholic method, the Orthodox method, and some spontaneous additions of my own.

This is how I make the sign of the cross:

  • Just before saying the first word, I bring together the thumb and first two fingers of my right hand, then kiss their tips.
  • Keeping these three fingers together, I say, “In the name of the Father”,  whilst touching my fingers to my forehead.
  • Next, I use them to touch my breastbone, whilst saying, “And of the Son”.
  • Then I use them to touch my right shoulder, then my left, whilst saying, “And of the Holy Spirit”.
  • Lastly, I say, “Amen; amen; amen”. On the first, “amen”, I touch my heart; on the second, my forehead; and on the third, I end by kissing my three fingertips again.

This might sound complicated, but through regular practice this little gesture, with its accompanying words of self-dedication, soon becomes habitual. Making my sign of the cross reminds me that I am always in God’s loving care, and enables me to re-dedicate myself and my life to God.

This way of making the sign of the cross can be used in many different situations, for example:

  • On waking
  • Before praying with words
  • On entering wordless prayer
  • Before eating, drinking, taking pills, or having any kind of medical test, treatment, procedure, or surgery
  • Before beginning a task, especially one which is challenging, or sacrificial
  • On setting out from home
  • When entering a feared situation
  • During a panic attack
  • On boarding a plane
  • Immediately before an interview
  • When feeling tempted to think, say, or do, something we know to be wrong
  • As we settle down for the night

The possibilities for re-dedicating ourselves to God’s care and service with this little gesture are endless. So, here is today’s prayer, whose rhythm fits exactly with making my sign of the cross, as described above:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
I – love – You.

Mother, Daughter, Comforter:
I – love – You.

Brother, Sister, Counsellor:
I – love – You.

Neighbour, Stranger, Enemy:
I – love – You.

Shepherd, Saviour, Advocate:
I – love – You.

Threefold God, in Everyone:
I – love – You!

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

References

We are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).

There is one Savior, one faith, one baptism, one God and Creator of all, who is over all, who works through all and is within all (Ephesians 4:5-6; TIB).

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always” (Matthew 28:18-20; NLT).

 

Contemplation

Ruth Kirk

Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31; NLT).

Just for a little while:

Leave your other thoughts behind,
And love our God with all your mind.

Lay your burdens down, apart:
Then love our God with all your heart.

Set aside your current goal
To love the Lord with all your soul.

Send your fears and failures hence:
Just love the Lord with all your strength.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength (Mark 12:30; NLT).

References

Be silent before The LORD, all humanity (Zechariah 2:13; NLT).

Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world (Psalm 46:10; NLT).

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and i will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28; NLT).

 

Thank you

Ruth Kirk

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).

Thank you for making me;
Thank you for saving me;
Thank you for knowing my heart,
Mind, and prayers.

Thank you for hearing me;
Thank you for guiding me;
Thank you for sharing my sorrows
And cares.

In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).

References

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5; NLT).

You are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long (Psalm 25:5; NIV).

You know my heart (Jeremiah 12:3; NLT).

You know my thoughts even when I’m far away (Psalm 139:2; NLT).

He hears my voice (Psalm 55:17; NIV).

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake (Psalm 23:3; NIV).

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

 

Inner peace

Ruth Kirk

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33; NLT).

Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace] (James 1:3; AMP).

Introduction
Inner peace in the face of life’s many trials and sorrows is so precious, yet so difficult to reach and maintain. Fostering it requires deep devotion to God, to our spiritual development, and to loving others.

Inner peace
Inner peace does not rely on everything going well, or on reaching a point where our lives are calm and sorted. Rather, it means:

  • Having rock-solid faith in God, no matter what happens.
  • Constantly sharing everything with God in prayer, with total honesty.
  • Continuing to trust in God, even when we have lost all hope.
  • Clinging to God, even when we feel completely abandoned, as Jesus did on the cross.
  • Knowing that God will bring good out of all that happens to us, no matter how desperate our situation is.

Developing inner peace
Fortunately, inner peace does not rely solely on our own efforts. Rather, it is a gift from God:

  • I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid (John 14:27; NLT).

However, it does rely on us having a loving relationship, and a working partnership, with God.

Biblical guidance
Let’s see what guidance the Bible offers about how to develop inner peace through our relationship with God:

  • If you repent [and give up this mistaken attitude of despair and self-pity], then I will restore you [to a state of inner peace] so that you may stand before Me [as My obedient representative] (Jeremiah 15:19; AMP).
  • Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever] (Matthew 5:10; AMP).
  • Glory and honor and inner peace [will be given] to everyone who habitually does good (Romans 2:10; AMP).
  • The fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23; AMP).
  • We who believe [that is, we who personally trust and confidently rely on God] enter that rest [so we have His inner peace now because we are confident in our salvation, and assured of His power (Hebrews 4:3; AMP).
  • Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace] (James 1:3; AMP).
  • We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28; NLT).

Conclusion
There can be no better conclusion to this short blog than the words of St. Paul:

  • I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfil His purpose – I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace] (Philippians 4:13; AMP).

References

I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built (Luke 6:47-8; NLT).

Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mark 15:34; NLT).

Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last (Luke 23:46; NLT).

Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always] (Colossians 3:15; AMP).

What is impossible for people is possible with God (Luke 18:27; NLT).

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage (Psalm 84:5; NIV).

Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge] (John 14:27; AMP).

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).

 

Seek Christ

Ruth Kirk

I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you (Luke 11:9; NLT).

Seek Christ; meet Christ;
Follow him.

Learn his teaching;
Do not sin.

Praise and thank him
Every day.

Love him; serve him;
Always pray.

Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).

References

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT).

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires (Romans 6:12; NLT).

In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry (Ephesians 4:26; NIV).

Encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:14-23; NIV).

 

Unite with God

Ruth Kirk

Whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17; NIV).

Unite with God;
Unite with Christ;
Unite with heaven above.

Unite in peace;
Unite in prayer;
And reunite in love.

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

References

I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one – as you are in me, Father, and I am in you (John 17:21; NLT).

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer (Acts 1:14; NLT).

All who live in love live in God, and God lives in them (1 John 4:16; NLT).

He has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth (Ephesians 1:9-10; RSV).

 

Love and wisdom

Ruth Kirk

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

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7; NIV).

Love and wisdom
Are not rationed:
We can grow them
Everywhere!

All it takes
Is peace and justice;
All we need
Is humble prayer.

With our smiles, our words,
Our service,
We can nurture
Every soul,

Spreading Yahweh’s
Love and wisdom,
Till all people
Are made whole!

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:4; NIV).

References

Anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love (1 John 4:8; NLT).

He loves us with unfailing love; the LORD’s faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 117:2; NLT).

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them (1 John 4:16; NLT).

Love your neighbour as yourself (Leviticus 19:18; NLT).

Love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19; NKJV).

Show love to foreigners (Deuteronomy 10:19; NLT).

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:44-8; NIV).

When they came to the place that is called called The Skull, there they crucified him… And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:33-4; ESV).

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NLT).

His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (Isaiah 9:2, 4-7; NLT).