Lord, through all the generations You have been our home!  Before the mountains were born, before You gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, You are God.
Ps 90: 1-2 NLT

Gracious God, we still and calm our minds and bodies before You.  As we reflect, we quietly speak your praise, as we breathe in…..and breathe out….

God our Maker,
We praise you….
Jesus our Saviour,
We praise you….
Holy Spirit of breath, of life, of love,
We praise You….

Lord of the skies and seas,
We praise You….
Lord of the fresh, clear air,
We praise You….
Lord of the mountain peaks,
We praise You….
Lord of the rustling grasses,
We praise You….

Gracious God of earth, sea and sky, we praise You. You do not change with circumstances; You always remain the same.  Thank you that we can rely on your steadfast goodness and love all of our days.

Whatever is before us today Lord, may we face it in the strength and knowledge of your steadfast, unfailing love for us and your guiding presence with us.  And may we take your creativity, your grace and your breath of life with us, wherever we are and in all that we do, for Jesus’ sake.  Amen.

Ruth Rushworth

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart I will praise his holy name.

Ps 103:1 NLT

I praise the Lord for his wonderful love
A love that lasts beyond a lifetime
A gift from heaven above
A love that embraces, forgives and sets free,
A love full of mercy that ends enmity.

A love that restores, renews and transforms,
A love that strengthens, softens and warms.
A love that reveals God’s plans for our lives,
A love that leads, a love that guides.
A love that unites and draws us near,
A love that extinguishes darkness and fear.

A love that is merciful, gracious and kind,
A love that will never turn us away, nor leave us behind.
A love of compassion to care for and aid,
The poor, the sick, the sorrowful and waylaid.

A love of justice, of truth and right,
To work for good with all of our might.
A love that promises hope, joy and peace,
And the assurance of eternal life through Our Lord, Christ Jesus.

Loving God, we praise You for wonderful love in Jesus.  As we spend time with you and reflect, we ask you to speak into our hearts by your Spirit. Amen

Ruth Rushworth

‘The Lord is near to all who call on him’.
Ps 145:18 NIV

Open my eyes to see You
Unblock my ears to hear You
Strengthen my voice to speak of You
Prepare my hands to work for You
Equip my feet to walk with You
Soften my heart to love as You
Renew my mind to think of You

Gracious God, may the power of your love transform our lives. May we walk through this day in faith and trust in Jesus. And may your Holy Spirit lead us in your ways and will, that we may draw close to you and share your love in our world. Amen

Ruth Rushworth

The Lord will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.

Psalm 138:7 NLT

Gracious God, we thank you that your love is everlasting, faithful, sure and true.  Thank you that each one of us is personally known and dearly loved by You.  Thank you that our lives have significance and purpose and we find our true selves and identity through your love in Jesus.  We thank you that your plans for our lives are good and just right for us, and You will bring them to fulfilment at the right time.

When we face a new start, or changing or challenging circumstances, may your Holy Spirit lead us along the right paths; may we rest and trust in your faithful love and may we know the peace of Jesus in our hearts. We bring before you in prayer all those facing change in their lives. Amen

Ruth Rushworth

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony…let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts…and be thankful.

Col 3:14 /15 NLT

Love in kindness
Love in meekness
Love in compassion
Love in completeness

Love in forgiving
Love in nurturing
Love in listening
Love in caring

Love in our hearts
Love in our minds
Love in our souls
Love in our lives

Loving God, we come to You today and thank You for the wonderful gift of love that gives meaning and holds everything together.  We thank you for Jesus and his greatest gift and act of love as He lay down his life for us.

Loving God, may we be clothed by your Spirit in the rich and gracious love that comes from You. Bind us together in harmony as we pray, live and act together for the needs of each other and our world, that all may know your love in Jesus. Grant us a thankful heart for all your blessings and may we know your peace in our lives. We bring our prayers to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ruth Rushworth

…God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us.
Romans 5:5 GNT

Blowing away the cobwebs
A refreshing cleansing breath,
Reaching every nook and cranny,
A holy, living guest.

Like the refreshment of the morning dew,
The warmth of the midday sun,
The coolness of the eventide,
The Holy Spirit comes.

He comes, strong as an eagle,
Yet as gentle as a dove,
With the grace and peace of God in Jesus,
Assuring eternal, heavenly love.

He comes with a love transforming,
To enrich our everyday lives,
To reveal the fullness of Jesus,
That in Him we may abide.

Loving God, we simply come to You; we come with thankfulness for Jesus, for his life and love; a love beyond measure; a love that can never be extinguished…..

We come in quietness, in stillness, setting aside the demands and tasks of the day to focus on You.  As we breathe in, may we breathe in the peace, the presence and the refreshment of your Holy Spirit; your peace in Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us……

We come, we lay down our lives and open our hearts to You…. We thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit and reflect on your transforming love in our lives…… Amen.

Ruth Rushworth

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Eph 6:10 NIV

Burrowing deep into eternal foundations,
Secured, supported, sustained.
Stretching onwards and outwards,
Reaching up to lofty skies,
The mighty oak stands,
Nourished with light, goodness and love,
Protected from all harm.
Displaying it’s strength and beauty,
For all the world to see.

Almighty, sustaining God, You are our God and we praise You. We thank You for your goodness and provision in our daily lives.  As we reflect, we draw on the nourishment of your love, your strength and protection in all we do today….

Almighty, sustaining God, may we sink our roots deeply into Jesus; may we be grounded in his words and teaching; may we open our arms more fully to receive his gracious love.

May we stand firm in his strength, in days of sunshine and storms; and may we offer a strong and secure shelter that others may be attracted to your love in Jesus. Amen

Ruth Rushworth

Open my eyes, to see the wonderful truths in your law. 

Ps 119:18 NLT

Open our eyes to your truth
Enlighten our mind to your Will
Lift our spirit to your Holy Spirit
Bear our load in your strength
Confirm our purpose in your plan
Renew our strength in your love

Loving God, we thank you for the power of your love in our lives, we thank you for your words of love, truth, wisdom and grace in the Bible, we thank you for the wise counsel of others and we thank you for your love, your goodness and your presence with us today and every day.

Loving God, as we consider the day ahead and all that it holds, we open our hearts and commit our day to You…..
May we see situations from your perspective, speak a timely word, act in love and kindness and bring all things to You in prayer. May we walk in step with the enabling power of your Holy Spirit and the saving grace of Jesus. Amen.

Ruth Rushworth

For God….has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Cor 4:6 NIVUK

God made his light
Shine in our hearts.
It shines brightly;
as in fragile jars of clay.
We do not lose heart,
For inwardly Jesus renews us,
By his Holy Spirit day after day.

Gracious God, we are so grateful for the light and love of Jesus. We thank you that he became vulnerable as he gave his life, for each of us, on the cross.  We thank you for your mighty power and strength that raised Jesus, giving us new life and hope, both now and for all eternity.

Loving God, may your love shine through our lives, through our vulnerability and weakness, that your love in Jesus may be visible to all, as we serve you and tell others of your love. Help us not rely on our own strength, but on the strength You promise and provide day by day…..

May your healing, restoring love shine through the the brokenness in our world and bring your renewal, wholeness and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the light and life of the world. Amen.

Ruth Rushworth

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth!

Ps 100 NIV

Jesus, Our Lord, our Saviour and King,
You created our beautiful world,
You spoke; and it came into being.

You adorned the heavens with starry skies
The fullness of the sun brings life, light and colour to our eyes.

Mountains high, valleys low, majestic peaks and rivers that flow, all point to a love that we may know.

The mighty oceans vast and deep, brim with creatures and fish, too numerous to assimilate.

Animals, birds, plants and trees, leave us gasping in awe, as we care for so many species.

A world of wonder, a world of might, a world of beauty….. yet in a plight!

Gracious God, we praise you for the gift of our wonderful world and your generous, plentiful provision. We thank you for love, life, light and colour, for the beauty and sounds of nature, for the very air we breath……..

Loving God, You ask us to be good stewards and care for our world and each other. Forgive us when we have misused and depleted resources, and caused harm to our environment and our neighbours. Forgive us when we have not shared what we have with others, for You have provided enough for all.

Loving God, You make all things new, show us how to repair and take care of our world and relationships. Encourage us, that we may have the heart, the mind and will to embrace the changes we need to make. Amen.

Ruth Rushworth

Image M.P. McKellar -used with permission