Prayer & worship

Edinburgh 1910 Hymns

The feature of the 1910 World Missionary Conference which would be most remembered was its inner spiritual engine - the worship and prayer which lay at its heart. The hymns which were sung at the Assembly Hall in June 1910 might inspire you for chosing material in 2010. A list of 1910 hymns can be downloaded here.

Monthly Prayers

May 2010

Take time to listen to the Word of God

The two disciples got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

Luke 24:33-36; 45-48

April 2010

Take time to listen to the Word of God

Late that same day, the first day of the week, when the disciples were together behind locked doors for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. "Peace be with you!" he said; then he showed them his hands and his side. On seeing the Lord, the disciples were overjoyed. Jesus said again, "Peace be with you! As the Father sent me, so I send you." Then he breathed on them, saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit!"

John 20:19-22

Take time to ponder that Word, and to pray

We pray particularly in the name of all those who suffer and endure for the sake of the Gospel, in spite of persecution, ridicule, loss of position or support. We pray in the words of the Psalm, recalling that Jesus used these same prayers in his life on earth. We pray for courage, love and trust in God.

Psalm 69

O God, make haste to help me

O God, make haste to my rescue,
Lord, come to my aid!
Let there be shame and confusion on those who seek my life.

Let them turn back in confusion
Who delight in my harm,
Let them retreat, covered with shame, who jeer at my lot.

Let there be rejoicing and gladness
For all who seek you.
Let them say forever "God is great", who love your saving help.

As for me, wretched and poor,
Come to me, O God.
You are my rescuer, my help,
O Lord, do not delay.

O God, make haste to help me.

February 2010

Take time to listen to the Word of God

I take no pleasure in your sacred ceremonies.
When you bring me your whole-offerings and your grain-offerings
I shall not accept them.
Spare me the sound of your songs;
I shall not listen to the strumming of your lutes.
Instead, let justice flow on like a river
And righteousness like a never-failing torrent.

You thrust aside all thought of the evil day
And hasten the reign of violence.
You loll on beds inlaid with ivory
And lounge on your couches;
You feast on lambs from the flock
And stall-fed calves:
You drink wine by the bowlful
And anoint yourselves with the richest of oils;
But at the ruin of Joseph you feel no grief.

Amos 5:21 – 6:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst to see right prevail:
They shall be satisfied.

Matthew 5:6

Take time to ponder that Word and to pray

Almighty God, Creator of all, enlighten our minds and move our hearts with understanding of your will for this world and its peoples. We hear the challenge of your prophet in times long past. We hear the voice of your Son and ask the grace to follow his way in our lives. We see the distress of the suffering poor, these days in Haiti. We give you humble thanks for the courage and love of those who go to help. We see the destruction on the earth worked by greed and pride. Move us, o God, to a missionary faith that acts justly and seeks justice for the poor, in the Spirit of your Son.

Amen

Take time to ponder that Word and to pray

This month we meet across the churches in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Let us ask for the grace to see and hear one another with love and respect, as brothers and sisters of the Son of the Father.

Father in heaven, you revealed Christ as your Son by the voice that spoke over the waters of the Jordan. Grant us the grace that all who share in that sonship may follow on his way of service to humankind. Let his kingdom be shown in its beauty in all places on earth. Give us the wisdom and love to see and hear one another as brothers and sisters as we reflect on the meaning of Mission, and humbly learn to understand his way.

We make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Take time to ponder that Word and to pray

Father of Mercies, draw us once more this December to contemplate the Child in the manger – your Son, born of Mary, God become man, God here for us. Teach us how to tell this story, as the shepherds did, now, to the men and women of our time. Fill our hearts with love and concern for the children of this world, the small ones who remind us of your coming. Let your love reach out through your people, especially to children in need or oppressed. And remind us always that unless we become as children, we will never find your kingdom.

Amen

Ponder that Word, and pray

Let us pray particularly this month for all young people who look for truth and justice; that they may find help and encouragement for a life lived in the presence of God, and that adults who claim to be Christian may offer them genuine leadership and care.

Almighty God, lover of all who inhabit our earth, grant that we may recognise your Spirit at work in every time and place where mercy and justice are sought and shared. Call us and gift us to be makers of peace and to bring healing where there is pain and hurt. Inspire in us a longing for your reign to come in our hearts and in our living. Let us be true disciples of Christ the teacher and true apostles, sent in his name. Fill the minds and hearts of young men and women with the desire to know you and to serve you in their brothers and sisters, especially those in poverty and need. Hear our prayer, o Lord of all.

Amen

Take time to ponder that Word and to pray

Let us pray in particular this month for those who share in the Study Process around the world, and for the men and women chosen as delegates to the 2010 Conference.

Lord Jesus Christ, teacher and guide, we trust in your promise. Hear our prayer for those who gather to search for your way. Ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit of Truth to fill their minds and hearts. Grant them the grace to welcome that gift with humble faith and to allow that truth to lead them together into your mission in the world. Hear our prayer, o Lord.  

Amen

Ponder that Word ... reconciliation ... Christ's ambassadors ...
and let us pray

God of mercies, we give you thanks and praise that you have indeed called us to serve as bearers of the message of reconciliation. Enable us to be true ambassadors, loyal to Christ Jesus your Son, faithful to his truth, bearers of his gospel. We give you thanks for the many men and women who have accepted this mission with courage and humility. May we learn together from their witness. In your mercy, hear our prayer.

Amen 

To ponder that Word and to pray

Lord Jesus Christ, teach us to see as you see. Inspire us with your own Spirit of compassion and love. May our hearts too go out to the many who today seek safety, healing, assurance and purpose in life. Call us again as your disciples to learn together your way of mission. Enable us to reverence and encourage all those who live with faith in your presence and celebrate your glory. Together we will praise you.

Amen

... to ponder that Word, the source of mission, and to pray.

Almighty and Most Holy Trinity,
We give you thanks for the powerful love which sent Jesus into the world.

Clear the darkness from our hearts and minds, fill us with that power of love,
Make us ready to be sent, in his name and for his mission, everyday.

Amen