Category: rejoice

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).

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). 

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). 

4.9.23: Stay close

Ruth Kirk
geralt: Pixabay.

I’m feeling physically and mentally very worn after my hospital trip, but am resting patiently in the hope that this will improve, God willing. To my great surprise, a prayer still came to me yesterday morning, though putting it into words proved really difficult.

My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me (Psalm 63:8; BSB). 

Lord, stay close to me today,
And keep me close to you.
May everything I do be kind
And all my words be true. 

Please stay close to me today,
And keep me by your side.
May all my thoughts be free from sin
Like yours, my Way and Guide. 

Lord, stay close to me today,
And keep me always near.
May I rejoice, give thanks, and pray
In sorrow, pain and fear. 

Please stay close to me today,
And keep me in your hands.
May I obey, as you did, Lord,
And serve as God commands.

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).

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).

28.8.23: When we die

Ruth Kirk
Kranich17: Pixabay.

These verses came to me yesterday as I was saying my final prayers in bed, late at night. This doesn’t happen very often. I broke off to begin working on it right away.

The Kingdom of Heaven is near (Matthew 10:7; NLT). 

When we die, Lord,
Heaven is near –
There won’t be time to weep,
Or fear,

For you will clasp us
To your breast,
And welcome us
To share your rest.

There won’t be any grief
Or pain –
Your touch
Will make us whole again.

Then we’ll rejoice
That life is done,
And sing forever, Lord,
As one.  

Those who die in the LORD will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! (Isaiah 26:19; NLT). 

You are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28; NLT).

2.8.23: I lift my mind

Ruth Kirk
The Supper at Emmaus, by Velázquez, 1622-23: metmuseum.org.

Today, I’ve dipped into my storehouse for this, one of my favourite poems:

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.
(Psalm 37:7; NIV). 

When I lift my mind in stillness,
Lord, I feel your Spirit stir;

When I lift my heart in darkness,
Lord, I see your perfect light;

When I lift my soul in silence,
Lord, I hear your still, small voice –

And I recognise your presence:
Then, with thanks, Lord, I rejoice.

Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.
(Luke 24:31; NIV).

Rosary Hospital news

My old five-decade rosary is in poor condition, so I finally managed to make myself a new one out of some of the bits and pieces left over in my bead-trays.

27.7.23: Help me

Ruth Kirk
Gadini: Pixabay.

We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them (1 John 4:16; NIV).

Lord,
Please help me, every day,
In all I feel, think, do and say,
To live in love, rejoice, and pray
For others.

Lord,
Please help me, through the years,
To walk with you, and face my fears,
Accepting sickness, loss and tears
With courage.

Lord,
Please help me: hear my plea
To live in you, and you in me,
Then all my sinfulness will flee
Your presence.

Lord,
Please help me: give me grace
To serve you till I’ve run my race,
Then I will see you face to face
Forever.

Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12; NRSV).