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Opening reflection and prayer: “Prayer of St. Patrick”
In preparing this devotion for Peace congregation in the absence of meeting physically this week, I was trying to recall where I had placed the hardcopy of a prayer I have loved for a long time and once tried to memorize, called St. Patrick’s Breastplate. Nearly given up in that search, I started researching on the web where I found this recent hymn by the Townend family* which captures the beautiful essence of the very long Prayer of St. Patrick. Please use this prayer throughout these days of caution and potential crisis, saying it again and again. It is centering. It is comforting. It places us where we always are, right in the heart of God’s caring embrace. Let these words hold you: Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me and before me. Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in hearts of all who know me. Christ in mouth of friend and stranger, Christ in quiet and in roar. Love, blessed Trinity of three, Bound in unity Who guides my journey. I will arise with strength of heaven Trusting in Your light To guide my journey Shine before me Lead me home. Power to guide me, might to hold me, Wisdom teach me, watching o’er me. Ear to hear me, hand to guard me, Love to conquer every fear. *Emma Townend, Joseph Townend and Stuart Townend Copyright © 2018 Townend Songs (Adm. by Song Solutions www.songsolutions.org This prayer recognizes the closeness of Christ in every part of our lives. He is within us, beside us, in those around us, and we can call on him to provide us with all the protection and resources that we need in our daily walk with Christ. The ‘Prayer of St Patrick’ was originally a prayer for protection in battle, but we have battles in many forms today. One of the greatest battles we have faced in a long, long time faces us now with the coronavirus advancing. The bottom line of this prayer is that we are surrounded by God from every single angle, and the protection that He brings us in every area of life. Sermon: “Oh No!! Wash your hands!” Use this link: https://youtu.be/gyfLIyOtWX4 Peace Prayers of Intercession for Sunday March 15 Our intercessions this week are inspired by the prayers that you the congregation have submitted. Turning our hearts to God who is gracious and merciful, we pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need. O God of living water, you give life to all. As we join in prayer, we look to you for good health, and for food to meet our daily needs. Thank you for all the blessings you provide! Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. O God of living water, your purpose is that all might live, that all might have both food and water to sustain them, and also living water that wells up to eternal life. Keep us on the path to be passionate about our mission to serve and help others. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. O God of living water, as your son Jesus crossed boundaries that separated people, help us to be an inclusive community. Teach us better how to invite others, especially those who are different from us. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. O God of living water, you continue to refresh and revive us as a congregation. We pray that you guide us to the future, take our hand as we select a pastor to lead us. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. O God of living water: Come to the aid of all who face tragedy and suffering. Give courage to those who face infectious disease, grant safety for those who care for them. Grant wisdom and compassion to leaders of all nations, and our own. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. For all those who are in need of your grace and care today we pray: for Mike Wilms. Comfort all who are grieving, especially the Sullivan family on the loss of Carol’s brother-in-law and Melissa Michael’s uncle; and for the family of Jean Hawkins, sister of Carol Wojnarowski, who passed away last week. May all who mourn be comforted by the promise of eternal life. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. We pray now also for those we name before you either silently or aloud,…. And for ourselves and the concerns that we lift up to you and the joys for which we give you thanks…. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Benediction: May God who created us from the dust of the earth, And claimed us as children of the light, Strengthen us on our journey to new life. The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord’s face shine upon us with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon us with favor and give us (+) peace. Amen. Go in peace, serve the Lord. Thanks be to God Please let us know how you are doing – or if you, your neighbor, or someone you know has any need! Pastor Dale Church office: 847-438-4400
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