27th March 2020. Daily Devotion.

Jesus said ‘I am with you always, to the end of the age’ Matthew 28:20

Good morning everyone,
Here is today’s devotion:

Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.’

Please read the whole of Psalm 91 and Philippians 4 in your own Bible.

Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Perhaps our greatest need at this time is guidance in prayer and I have compiled this selection courtesy of the Parish of St Mary Portsea near Portsmouth. Use them as seeds for your own thoughts and prayers and today pray especially for the poor of India who have little chance to escape crowding and who face the loss of even a subsistence wage.

Sadly, Morag Wilkinson’s mother died last evening. May I ask you to support Morag and her sisters with your prayers and love. May God continue to bless and keep you. Colin

Prayer for those who heal.

Dear God, your son, Jesus Christ, healed all kinds of sickness,
continue his work among us;
bless and heal the sick,
give to all doctors, surgeons, nurses, and all carers wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience.
Send down your blessing on all
who work to relieve suffering and pain, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer for those I love.

O Heavenly Father,
I commit to you all those I love,
Keep them from harm in mind, body and soul,
free them from all anxious fears.
Help them to know that you are always near, and that we are all precious in your sight. Amen

Prayer before an operation.

O God, you understand my feelings at this moment, you know my fears and nervousness, you know the thoughts I cannot put into words.
I thank you for all the skill and wisdom of the surgeon, the anaesthetist, and the nursing staff.
Give them strength during all their work this day, and help me to place myself in their care.
Teach me to know that nothing can separate me from the love of Christ Jesus, and like my Saviour long ago said, ‘Father into your hands I commit myself… may your will be done’. Amen

A short set of prayers for the day.

Jesus said
‘Come to me, all that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.’ Amen

Thank you Lord,
for watching over me during the hours of darkness
and for bringing me safely to the beginning of this new day.
I give myself, my fears and all this day holds to you.
Please help me to receive the strength I know you will give me. Amen

I will lift my eyes to the hills,
from where will come my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
who has made heaven and earth. Amen

A short set of prayers for the night.

The Lord is my help and my salvation,
the Lord is the stronghold of my life.
In you is the well of life,
and in your light shall we see light. Amen

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch or weep this night,
and give your angels charge over those who are sleeping.
Tend your sick ones, give rest to your weary ones, sustain the dying, calm the suffering, and pity the distressed;
all for your love’s sake, Christ our Redeemer. Amen

I will lay me down in peace and take my rest.
Save us O Lord while waking,
and guard us while sleeping,
that awake we may watch with Christ. Amen

Prayer for the Sick.

May you be wrapped up in God’s love. Found deep in his everlasting wings. Carried and kept, safe and cherished. May the healing power of Christ breathe across your being now. Amen.— Unknown