Prayer for the Day - April 2015
APRIL Lead me this day, Lord, not only to be of service to others but to ensure that I find quiet moments for myself and for you. Let us pray: Slow me down, Lord! Ease the pounding of my heart by the quietening and calming of my mind. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Give me, amidst the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Steady my hurried pace with a vision of your eternal reach of time, and restore and heal me in the hours of sleep. Teach me the art of appreciating what is ordinary: of slowing down to look at and become more aware of the beauty around me; to take time to be with others, to sit and enjoy music or a good book - to give myself time for myself. Remind me each day of the fable of the hare and the tortoise, that I may know that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed. Let me look upwards into the branches of the towering trees and know that they grew great and strong because they grew slowly and well. Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life’s enduring values. Slow me down, Lord, that I may grow true and well in your light. Amen. http://angelwinks.ca/images/naturepod/naturepod673.jpg |
Let’s pause for a moment to call to mind that we are in God’s presence. (pause…) An English saint called Richard of Chichester (whose feastday it is tomorrow) wrote a short prayer that can easily be memorised and used quietly at different times throughout the day. The words of his prayer have been set to music, and the song ‘Day by day’ is found on the album of the musical, ‘Godspel’. We use his words as our prayer today: Let us pray: Jesus, Friend and Brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen. http://www.animated-gifs.eu/phone-24...cters/0007.gif |
Let us pray: Lord, we ask that we may have the vision to see when something is not right and then try to do something about it: - that we may notice when someone is unhappy or isn’t well, and set out to encourage them; - that we may notice when someone feels left out, and then do what we can to help them feel part of things; - that we may notice when something needs to be done, and then get on with it. Lord, we ask that we may notice all that is around us, and live in a positive and cheerful way. Amen. http://www.animated-gifs.eu/easter-m...neous/0007.gif |
On this day in 1968, Martin Luther King was shot dead. One of his best-known speeches was delivered at the largest rally ever held in the United States - when a quarter of a million people gathered in Washington in a Civil Rights demonstration. He said: “I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.” Let us pray: Father, sometimes I am too quick to draw conclusions about other people, and I fail to see many of the qualities in individuals Remove from me any prejudices that might lead me to think of myself as “better” than someone else. If anyone should be negative towards me, inspire me to remain positive towards them. Because we are all different, there are many things I need to learn from others, and so I ask for the gifts of understanding and wisdom and a clear vision that will lead me to treat others as I would like them to treat me. Amen. Let’s each of us think of two people in our lives at home or in school or work today whom we need to value and respect a little more. In silence, let’s think of ways today in which we can improve those relationships. (pause…) http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/...tians_5-22.jpg |
Let us pray that we may discover what is really important in life. Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer. Let us pray that we may respect and value each person who comes into our lives. Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer. Let us pray that we may be willing to learn from others. Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer. Let us pray for those who will experience hatred, abuse, and violence this day. Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer. Let us pray for people of violence, that their attitude and behaviour may change. Lord, in your mercy - hear our prayer. http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcflowers359.jpg |
Let us pray: Lord, inspire me to give of my best and make good use of the talents you have given me. Show me how to be positive in attitude, appreciating and valuing others, always being ready to encourage and give praise. Sometimes I draw conclusions about people in terms of what I think is meant by “success” and “failure”, but the “failure” of one person might count as a great “success” of someone with other talents. Lead me never to judge people but to accept others as they are, knowing that it is together, each with our differences, that we build up your Kingdom. Amen. http://angelwinks.ca/images/animated...tedpod1171.gif |
Let’s pause for a moment and think of one practical way today of showing our respect for others… (pause…) Let us pray: Lord Jesus, you invite each of us by name and you call us “friends”. Lead us to show as much respect and care for others as we would like them to show for us. Help us to look for and bring out the best in all who share our lives this day. Amen. http://angelwinks.ca/images/nostalgi...algicpod60.jpg |
Let’s pray in silence for a moment for those who, today, will suffer the death of someone they love dearly… (pause…) Let’s pray in silence for a moment that, as others will help us in our times of difficulty, we, too, will be ready to stand with others in their difficulties.... (pause…) Let us pray: Loving Father, to you the dead do not die and, in death, our life is changed - not ended. We believe that all that binds us together in love and friendship does not end with death. Hear our prayers for those close to us who have died. As you have made each of them in your image and likeness and have called them by name, hold them safe in your love in your kingdom of light, happiness and peace. Your Son told us that those who mourn are “blessed”, because only those who love greatly can mourn. Bless us this day with the warmth of your love as we mourn those we have lost. Amen. Quote:
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Today is the anniversary of the end of the American Civil War in 1865. Abraham Lincoln wrote a prayer about injustice and war and all who suffer in war. We use Lincoln’s words today, as we pray for those who need justice and healing and peace in their lives: Grant, O merciful God, that with malice toward none, with charity to all, with firmness in the right as you give us to see the right, we may strive to finish the work we are in: to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for those who have borne the battle and for their widows and orphans, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. Amen. https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...LG2zdeOqv2-RnA |
Let’s simply spend a few moments in silence, reflecting on how wealthy we are, compared with the majority of people throughout the world… (pause…) Let us pray: Lord, that we may live simply so that others may simply live. https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...t9HoU8XEDu_LyA |
Let us pray: God our Father, amidst the vastness of space you treasure mankind and you call each of us by name. You so love our world that, in the fullness of time, you sent Jesus, your Son, to live among us. Inspire us each day to live in wonder and appreciation of all that is around us, and may your love, seen fully in Jesus, your Son, surround us this day and for ever. Amen. http://www.angelwinks.ca/images/religious5.jpg |
There are poems in the Bible that reflect on our place in the universe, and we use one of them as our prayer today. It is called ‘Psalm 8’, and a copy of this psalm was later left on the moon in a sealed capsule by American astronauts: Let us pray: Lord, our God and King, your greatness is seen throughout the earth. When I gaze at the heavens which your fingers have formed, and look at the moon and the stars which you have set there, I realise how small we are in the majesty of your creation. Yet you treasure us above all that you have made, and you give us control over all the works of your hand - animals both wild and tame, birds in the air, and the creatures of the sea. Lord, our God and King, your greatness is seen throughout the earth. (Psalm 8, paraphrased) Quote:
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Let us pray: God our Father, may all that we see and experience lead us to grow in wonder and respect, that we may value and be thankful for everything in our lives each day. Inspire us to choose wisely and live positively, and make good use of our knowledge and talents, both for ourselves and for the benefit of others. Amen. http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcdaisy367.jpg |
Let’s pray in silence for all who are suffering… (pause…) Let’s pray for those who care for people who have suffered tragedies in their lives… (pause…) Let’s pray for courage when we will face difficult times… (pause…) Let’s pray for those who place their own safety at risk for the good of others - for all members of the rescue services.... (pause…) http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/...John_14-27.jpg |
Regular prayer N/A Hear the words of the dancing God, the music of whose laughter stirs the winds, whose voice calls the seasons: I who am the Lord of the Hunt and the Power of the Light, sun among the clouds and the secret of the flame I call upon your bodies to arise and come unto me. For I am the flesh of the earth and all its beings. Through me all things must die and with me are reborn. Let my worship be in the body that sings, for behold all acts of willing sacrifice are my rituals. Let there be desire and fear, anger and weakness, joy and peace, awe and longing within you. For these too are part of the mysteries found within yourself, within me, all beginnings have endings, and all endings have beginnings. charge of the god - author unknown https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...dtNyFG3xLJDH3g |
Let us pray: Lord, inspire me always to have genuine care and concern for others, and may people be as generous to me as I am to them. Amen. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...N1BP2sHSABakFe |
One day, Benjamin Franklin gave someone a list of practical suggestions about getting along with others. This is what he wrote: “The best thing to give your enemy is forgiveness; - to an opponent, tolerance; - to a friend, your ear; - to your child, good example; - to your father, reverence; - to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; - to yourself, respect; - to all people, love.” Let us pray: Lord, give me patience and tolerance with everyone. Lord, show me how to be kind and generous to everyone. Lord, help me to live positively and cheerfully for everyone. Amen. http://angelwinks.ca/images/generalp...ralpod1136.jpg |
Albert Einstein was born in Germany in 1879. He is now acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest scientists. Yet, when he applied to attend a college in Munich, he was turned down because they said that he “showed no promise”. He worked in different jobs to get the money he needed to follow his scientific interests. Important as knowledge is, without his sense of imagination and creativity he would not have been able to make use of his knowledge to make such advances in science. It’s interesting that he said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Einstein also said: “When I see the Cosmos, I can't help but believe that there is a Divine Hand behind it all.” He died on this day in 1955, having said that “Only a life lived for others is worthwhile.” Let us pray: Lord our God, you give different gifts to each of us and you are pleased when we use our gifts well. Inspire each of us to reach our potential and use our gifts for the benefit of others. Enable us by the power of your Spirit to grow in faith and in imagination and creativity, living a life for others that is worthwhile. Amen. http://angelwinks.ca/images/animated...tedpod1183.gif |
The three main religions in the world - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - all believe in one God. Jews sometimes call him “Yahweh”, and Muslims call him “Allah”. Muslims follow the religion of Islam, and their holy book is called the Qur’an (Koran). Muslims believe that it is the message of God spoken by the Angel Gabriel to Mohammed, who died in the year 632 AD. The Qu’ran is written in Arabic. From an early age, Muslims read from the Qur’an each day. Their holy book is so important to them that they learn parts of it by heart, and many learn the whole of the Qur’an by heart. The prayer we are going to use is based on the opening lines of the Qur’an. Members of each of the three world religions could use this prayer together: Let us pray: In the name of God, who is merciful: All praise be to God, who is the Lord of everything. We serve no-one but you, our God, and you are the only one to whom we turn for help. Keep us away from the path of those who stray from you. Guide us instead on the way we should go - on the path of those whom you have blessed. http://angelwinks.ca/images/generalp...ralpod1138.jpg |
Let’s pray the shortest psalm in the Bible. It invites people - not of any single country but the people of all nations - to give praise to God: Let us pray: Praise the Lord, all you nations. Speak to him, all people of the earth, because his love is great and he is always faithful. (Psalm 117) http://www.turnbacktogod.com/wp-cont...-of-prayer.jpg |
Let’s remind ourselves in silence that we are in God’s presence… (pause…) The word “prophet” means “God’s spokesman”. It’s not anything to do with trying to discover what’s going to happen in the future. We read of the prophets (God’s spokesmen) in the Old Testament. One of the prophets was called Micah. He spoke very simply about three qualities that are needed to live a good life: “To act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with God (Micah 68) We make that our prayer today: That we may act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with you, our God. They are easy words to remember, and they are the kind of words that some people learn and repeat a few times during the day, reminding themselves that God is with them. https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/i...sbtBuNr3af45cg |
Peace Prayer
May the people on this planet be changed. Changed from hatred to love, Changed from greed to giving, Changed from selfishness to selflessness, Changed from apathy to action, Changed from jealousy to joy over someone's accomplishments, Changed from intolerance to acceptance, Changed from being destructive to being constructive, Changed from fighting to peace, Changed from killing to protecting life, Changed from censorship to freedom, Changed from ignorance to education, Changed from fearing our differences to rejoicing our variety. May we each take it upon ourselves to feed the hungry, cure the sick, house the homeless, educate the illiterate, love the unloved, compete to do the right thing instead of winning at any cost, be heroes that teach our children to make the world a better place instead of glorifying violence and war, stand up and speak out against things that are wrong instead of sitting back and waiting for someone else, demand honesty from our governments, demand honesty from ourselves. May we each take responsibility for our own actions and realize that by refusing to change ourselves, we condone all the evils in the world. If one person changes, they teach others by example, who in turn change and teach more, one person becomes as a pebble rolling down a mountain, picking up more pebbles as it continues, becoming an avalanche of change. It can happen, it must happen, it will happen. To make this prayer work, you have to change yourself. Copyright 1997 Don Morris. |
Today is Saint George’s Day, the patron saint of England, and we pray for all English people. It is also the day on which William Shakespeare was born in 1564. He died on his birthday in 1616. In his play, Richard II, (the second) Shakespeare has one of his characters say: “I count myself in nothing else so happy as in a soul remembering my good friends.” (Richard II,Act 2, Scene 3) Each of us can think for a moment of a few individuals who have improved the quality of our lives, whom we remember as good friends. (pause…) In Shakespeare’s play, King Henry VI, (the sixth) the king says: “O Lord, that lends me life, Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.” (‘King Henry the Sixth’, Part 2, Act 1,Scene 1) Let’s take these ideas and pray: Lord, as you lend me life, lend me a heart full of thankfulness, that I may treasure good friends and be appreciative of all who are part of my life. Inspire me each day to live positively and cheerfully, living in such a way that I express thanks and encouragement to others, so that, together, we may bring out the best in each other. Amen. http://www.angelwinks.ca/images/heartsaroundglobe.gif |
Let us pray: Loving Lord, we need the power of your Spirit in our lives to build on what is good, and to help change what needs to be changed. We pray that we may be faithful in responding to your call to grow as the people you have called us to be, that we may ring out your praises through the way we live each day. Amen. http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcsleepingbaby1.jpg |
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, we remember that you said that you would be with us, so we do know in our minds that you are present. But there’s a difference between knowing that you’re present and growing in the faith that you are beside us. We ask for the power of your Spirit in our lives each day, so that we may live more fully in your presence. Only then will our attitude and words and actions better reflect yours. Amen. http://www.animated-gifs.eu/phone-24...erubs/0072.gif |
Let us pray: God our Father, with the gifts you have given to us we have responsibilities and duties. Lead us to do our best and act responsibly. Give us courage when we face difficulties. Inspire us to make our choices wisely, always remembering that there are consequences to what we choose to do. Amen. http://angelwinks.ca/images/nostalgi...algicpod79.jpg |
Yesterday, 26th April, in 1994, saw the start of voting in South Africa’s first elections to include people of all colours. “The Rainbow Nation” is the phrase often used by President Nelson Mandela about South Africa’s multi-racial society. We are going to listen to a translation of some of the words of South Africa’s new National Anthem. We can make the words our own prayer for our own nation: Let us pray: Bless our nation, Lord, and let your mercy come among us. Let justice triumph in our land as we live and strive for freedom. Let our people stand before you as you come to judge us. Stretch out your hands, O Lord, and have compassion on us. http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qcgirl481.jpg |
Let us pray: God our Father, inspire us with a great respect for all human life from the time of the child growing in the womb to the point of death. May that respect lead us to grow in a sense of responsibility for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world, knowing that, where one person suffers and is degraded, all of humanity is belittled and abused. May we grow in a sense of love and care for those less fortunate than ourselves, and lead us to do something about the difficulites in our world. Amen. http://angelwinks.ca/images/iq/qc2bearswbutterfly1.jpg |
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, when you met Zacchaeus, the tax collector whom everyone hated, you looked at him and called him by his name. In doing that, you gave him back his dignity, and he changed his life around. He was able to see himself in a better way, and so he gave back to others the money he had cheated from them. Lead us to show respect for each person as an individual, treating others in the same way that we would like to be treated. Amen. http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/...sians_6-10.jpg |
A German-speaking boy was often physically abused - beaten by his father for the smallest thing he ever did wrong. The father did not call him by his name. Instead, whenever the father wanted the boy to come to him, he whistled for him, as if his son was a dog. Sometime later, the boy discovered that his grandfather (whom he hardly knew) was Jewish. In his twisted way of thinking, he thought that his grandfather’s “Jewishness” somehow must be the reason why his father was so cruel and nasty towards him. Having been insulted and abused by his father, the boy grew up with strange views about himself, and with strange views about Jewish people. This boy was Adolf Hitler. After leading Germany and Europe and much of the world in devastation and war, costing the lives of so many people (including millions of Jews), Adolf Hitler committed suicide on this day in 1945 in his bunker deep under the ruined city of Berlin. Let us pray in silence for a moment, thinking of all who died during that war… (pause…) Let us pray for all who suffer from hatred and prejudice, from abuse and ill-treatment, and for all who are victims of other people. Let us pray, too, for the people of violence, that they may change their ways and learn to respect others. Let us pray for ourselves, that when we face what is negative or evil we may have the courage and generosity to break the cycle of violence, taking responsibility for the direction in which we want our lives to go. Let us pray that we may always do to others as we would wish them to do to us. Amen. http://angelwinks.ca/images/nostalgi...algicpod83.jpg |
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