Wednesday Evening Prayer

8:00pm, Girdwood Chapel Parking Lot

August 5, 2020

Invocation (UMBOW 574)

Light and Peace in Jesus Christ

Thanks be to God!

Opening Prayer (UMBOW 575)

In the brightness of your Son, we spend each day;

In the darkness of the night you light our way;

Always you protect us with the umbrella of your love.

To you, God, be all praise and glory forever. Amen.

Expression of Faith (From Northumbria Evening Prayer)

Lord, You have always given

bread for the coming day;

and though I am poor,

today I believe.

Lord, You have always given

strength for the coming day;

and though I am weak,

today I believe.

Lord, You have always given

peace for the coming day;

and though of anxious heart,

today I believe.

Lord, You have always kept

me safe in trials;

and now, tried as I am,

today I believe.

Lord, You have always marked

the road for the coming day;

and though it may be hidden,

today I believe.

Lord, You have always lightened

this darkness of mine;

and though the night is here,

today I believe.

Lord, You have always spoken

when time was ripe;

and though you be silent now,

today I believe.

Scriptures

1 Kings 19:11-13

Then the spirit of God said to Elijah: “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.

When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Psalm 85:8-13

Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.

Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.

Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.

The LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.

Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.

Matthew 14:22-23a

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.

Today’s Reflection: (Godfrey Birtill, Northumbria Community)

When I stop at the cross

I can see the love of God.

But I can’t see competition.

I can’t see hierarchy.

I can’t see pride or prejudice

or the abuse of authority.

I can’t see lust for power.

I can’t see manipulation.

I can’t see rage or anger

or selfish ambition.

I can’t see unforgiveness.

I can’t see hate or envy.

I can’t see stupid fighting

or bitterness, or jealousy.

I can’t see empire building.

I can’t see self-importance.

I can’t see back-stabbing

or vanity or arrogance.

I see surrender, sacrifice, salvation,

humility, righteousness, faithfulness, grace, forgiveness,

love! Love … love…

When I stop! … at the cross

I can see the love of God.

Prayers – for ourselves and others

Prayer: (Prayer for the Church and for the World, UMC Book of Worship)

Grant, almighty God,

That all who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your live, and reveal your glory in the world.