Day 166 | Tuesday, 1 September 2020

Day 166 - Audio Version

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Day 166  |  Tuesday, 1 September 2020
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COVID update -  396 cases, 138 in Battalion 3, 190 in B - 1
 
A Beginning:
“God give us a day at a time.  Long enough for laughter to follow any tears; deep enough for prayer and silence to dance together; time enough to help someone in need; plenty of time to notice beauty and praise the Maker; sufficient time to build a bridge of forgiveness or tear down a wall of resentment; the right time to embrace a friend, smile at strangers, play with children and praise God.  Praise God for this day we are given.”
 
A Prayer of Invocation:
“Ever-present God, forever seeking us and always teaching us: open our minds to the truth of your care.  Open our hearts to the gentle caress of your love.  Open our lips to share stories of faith.  Open our hands to create beauty, do justice and show kindness.  Open our souls to the breath of your Spirit.  Open our mouths to speak your praise.  Amen!”
 
A Prayer of Confession: for Renewal and Zeal
“Sometimes our hearts grow cold, Lord.  How is it that time and cares of life can dull our zeal for your kingdom?  Sometimes our faith becomes dry and casual, a formal thing without life and power.  Please, Lord, help us.  Stir us up to be zealous for the glory of your name and restore us to that strong devotion to your Son which we once knew.  We pray that your Spirit may revive us.  Amen!”
 
A Prayer: A Testimony on Aging
“Though eyes grow dim, I can see the smile in your words.  Though sounds grow faint, I can hear the laughter of your embrace.  Though today gets muddled, I can remember the music from a wedding, a child’s first steps, a first date.  Though my bones are bent and sore, I can feel the tenderness of your song.  Though longtime friends are fewer, God’s love is strong and surer.  Thanks be to God for all the days and seasons of life.  Amen!”
 
Wisdom (Proverbs 3)
“My children, says the Lord, do not forge my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life they will give us.  Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you, says the Lord.  Inscribe them on the tablet of our heart!  Then, O Lord, shall we find favor in your sight, and good repute among the people.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Honor the Lord and turn away from evil.  It will be healing and refreshment for your body.  Keep sound wisdom and prudence, and they shall be life for your soul.  Then you shall walk on your way securely, for the Lord will be our confidence.”
 
An Affirmation of Faith:
“We believe in God, Creator of beauty, source of every breath, foundation of every movement.  God leads us beside still waters, makes us lie down in green splendor and lets nature heal and restore us. 
We believe in Jesus, the risen Christ, who loved the least, the last and the lost.  Christ loves us, calls us by name and cleanses us from our sins.
We believe in the Spirit, who gathers us into a rainbow-colored community, gives us a song to sing and prepares a feast for us all.
We live as God’s people, filled with everlasting hope and showered with blessing.”
 
Quote: Relying on God has to begin all over every day as if nothing had yet been done.” -C.S. Lewis
 
Today: With the arrival of September, prayers for the farmers and the fall harvest.