February 28, 2010

Here is today's prayer...an evening prayer:

All praise to Thee, my God, this night

All praise to Thee, my God, this night
For all the blessings of the light:
Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,
Beneath Thine own almighty wings. Amen.

February 28, 2010

Here is a belated quote for today:

"Love means loving the unlovable----or it is no virtue at all."

-G.K. Chesterton

February 27, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Many of us suffer from temptations from which we have no business to suffer."

---Oswald Chambers

February 27, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Dear Lord,
I know you receive what is in my heart.
Let me be inspired by your words
and by the actions of your son, Jesus.
Guide me to make sacrifices this Lent
in the spirit of self-denial
and with greater attention to you
and to those around me.
Help me to believe that you will grant me this
because of the sacrifice Jesus made for me. Amen.

February 26, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Prayer is an effort of will."

---Oswald Chambers

February 26, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Lord, you promised a new heaven and a new earth; renew us daily through your Spirit,
- that we may enjoy your presence for ever in the heavenly Jerusalem.
Help us to work with you to make this world alive with your Spirit,
- and to build on earth a city of justice, love and peace.
Free us from all negligence and sloth,
- and give us joy in your gifts of grace.
Deliver us from evil,
- and from slavery to the senses, which blinds us to goodness. Amen.

February 25, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"The golden rule for understanding in spiritual matters is not intellect, but obedience."

---Oswald Chambers

February 25, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Lord, feed us at the banquet of the Eucharist,
- with all the gifts of your paschal sacrifice.
Give us a perfect heart to receive your word,
- that we may bring forth fruit in patience.
Make us eager to work with you in building a better world,
- so that it may listen to your Church and its gospel of peace.
We confess, Lord, that we have sinned,
- wash us clean by your gift of salvation. Amen.

February 24, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Character in a saint means the disposition of Jesus Christ persistently manifested."

---Oswald Chambers

February 24, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Loving God,
you call us back to you with all of our hearts.
I feel your call for me deep in my heart
and I know you want me back
as much as I want to return.
Please, Lord,
give me the wisdom to know how to return.
Make my journey back to you this Lent
one of grace, forgiveness and gentle love. Amen.

February 23, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"God does not have to come and tell me what I must do for Him, He brings me into a relationship with Himself where I hear His call and understand what He wants me to do, and I do it out of sheer love to Him... When people say they have had a call to foreign service, or to any particular sphere of work, they mean that their relationship to God has enabled them to realize what they can do for God."

---Oswald Chambers

February 23, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

God our savior,
bring us back to you
and fill our minds with your wisdom.
May we be enriched by our observance of Lent.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

February 22, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Obedience to the call of Christ nearly always costs everything to two people- the one who is called, and the one who loves that one."

---Oswald Chambers

February 22, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Loving creator,
I am not asking to overcome my weakness,
but to use it in some way to glorify you.

Let me be aware of
the many ways you reach out to help me today
and let me stand in awe of the power
that you use in such loving ways. Amen.

February 21, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Jesus Christ carries on intercession for us in heaven; the Holy Ghost carries on intercession in us on earth; and we the saints have to carry on intercession for all men."

---Oswald Chambers

February 21, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Let us always and everywhere give thanks to Christ our Savior, and ask him with confidence:
Lord, help us with your grace.
May we keep our bodies pure,
- as temples of the Holy Spirit.
May we offer ourselves this morning to the service of others,
- and do your will in all things throughout the day.
Teach us to seek the bread of everlasting life,
- the bread that is your gift. Amen.

February 20, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"We are not built for ourselves, but for God. Not for service for God, but for God."

---Oswald Chambers

February 20, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Father,
look upon our weakness
and reach out to help us with your loving power.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, you Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen

February 19, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Beware of reasoning about God's Word - obey It."

---Oswald Chambers

February 19, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

It is so easy to get caught up
with the trappings of wealth in this life.
Grant, O Lord, that I may be free
from greed and selfishness.
Remind me that the best things in life are free.
Love, laughter, caring and sharing. Amen.

February 18, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading."

---Oswald Chambers

February 18, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Dear Jesus, I come to you today
longing for your presence.
I desire to love you as You love me.
May nothing ever separate me from You. Amen.

February 17, 2010

Here is today's quote (a little late, but still today!):

"It is no great thing to be humble when you are brought low; but to be humble when you are praised is a great and rare attainment."

---Bernard of Clairvaux

February 17, 2010

Here is today's prayer for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent:

Father in Heaven,
the light of your truth bestows sight
to the darkness of sinful eyes.
May this season of repentance
bring us the blessing of Your forgiveness
and the gift of Your light.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Creative Video Winner

Thought I would share this video...it was the winner in the DugDownDeep short movie contest that Covenant Life Church held.

DugDownDeep_Carnahan.mov from Covenant Life Church on Vimeo.

After watching the video, share your thoughts with us. Some of the things I would like to see discussed are:
-what do you think of the cinematography?
-what was most striking about the content?
-do you agree or disagree with the creators thoughts?

Peace,

Russell

BTW Tristan Carnahan was the creator of this piece and you can see the winners announcement by clicking here.

February 16, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"The world is my parish."

John Wesley

February 16, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Dear God, never allow me to think that I have knowledge enough to need no teaching, wisdom enough to need no correction, talents enough to need no grace, goodness enough to need no progress, humility enough to need no repentance, devotion enough to need no improvement, strength sufficient without Thy Spirit, lest, standing still, I fall back forever more. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 20.

February 15, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"When a man becomes a Christian, he becomes industrious, trustworthy and prosperous. Now, if that man when he gets all he can and saves all he can, does not give all he can, I have more hope for Judas Iscariot than for that man!"

John Wesley

February 15, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Lord, I am far too much influenced by what people think of me;

Which means that I am always pretending to be either richer or smarter than I really am. Please prevent me from trying to attract attention.

Don't let me gloat over praise on the one hand and be discouraged by criticism on the other, nor let me waste time weaving the most imaginary situations in which the heroic, charming, witty person present is myself.

Show me how to be humble of heart. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 22.

February 14, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"The bible knows nothing of solitary religion."

John Wesley

February 14, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Dear God, You know my needs before I ask, my heart before I pray, and my gratitude before I even offer my thanks. You understand me better than I understand myself, and I thank You for communicating with me in the language of the heart. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 30.

February 13, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon Earth."

John Wesley

February 13, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

The light of God surrounds me;
The love of God enfolds me;
The power of God protects me;
The presence of God watches over me;
Wherever I am, God is! Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 42.

February 12, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"The neglect of prayer is a grand hindrance to holiness."

John Wesley

February 12, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Please, Lord, teach us to laugh again; but God, don't ever let us forget that we cried. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 48.

February 11, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer; support the tottering knees. Have you any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down."

John Wesley

February 11, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Lord, Help me remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that You and I together can't handle. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 46.

February 10, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Do all the good you can by all the means you can in all the places you can at all the times you can to all the people you can as long as ever you can."

John Wesley

February 10, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

I need to be forgiven, Lord, so many times a day.
So often do I stumble and fall. Be merciful, I pray.
Help me not to be critical when others' faults I see.
For so often, Lord, the same faults are in me. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 34.

February 9, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"It is no marvel that the devil does not love field preaching! Neither do I; I love a commodious room, a soft cushion, a handsome pulpit. But where is my zeal if I do not trample all these underfoot in order to save one more soul?"

John Wesley

February 9, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Dear Lord, today I pray:
The way is long
Let us go together.
The way is difficult
Let us help each other.
The way is joyful
Let us share it.
The way is ours alone
Let us go in love.
The way grows before us
Let us begin. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 32.

February 8, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"I am well assured that I did far more good to my Lincolnshire parishioners by preaching three days on my fathers tomb than I did by preaching three years in his pulpit."

John Wesley

February 8, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Yes, Lord I hurt.
The pain is deep,
And I feel the mountains
Are so steep.
I cannot seem to stand.
Please, dear Lord,
Take my hand.
I cannot seem to find my way.
For me the sun
Is not shining today.
I know You're there;
I've felt Your presence near
But now, my Lord,
My heart is gripped with fear.
Lord, help the sun to shine
And to know
That You are mine.
Heal this pain I feel;
Make Your presence
Very real.
Today, Lord, I give You all.
Help me, dear Lord,
Not to fall.
And if I fall,
Hold me tight,
So I can feel
Your strength and might. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 24-25.

February 7, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Though we cannot think alike may we not love alike?"

John Wesley

February 7, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

God, I turn my will and my life over to You this day for Your keeping. Your will, Lord, not mine. I ask you for Your guidance and direction. I will walk humbly with You and Your fellowman. You are giving me a grateful heart for my many blessings. You are removing the defects of character that stand in my way. You are giving me freedome from self-will.

Let love, compassion, and understanding be in my every thought, word, and deed this day. I release those to You who have mistreated me. I truly desire Your abundance of truth, love, harmony, and peace. As I go out today to do Your bidding, let me help anyone I can who is less fortunate than I. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 23.

February 6, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Beware you are not swallowed up in books! An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge."

John Wesley

February 6, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Thank You, God, for all You have given me.
Thank You for all You have taken from me.
But, most of all, I thank You, God, for what You've left me:
Recovery, along with peace of mind, faith, hope, and love. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 22.

February 5, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"Get all you can, save all you can and give all you can."

John Wesley

February 5, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

These are the gifts I ask of Thee,
Spirit Serene:
Strength for the daily task,
Courage to face the road,
Good cheer to help me
Bear the traveler's load;
And for the hours that come between,
An inward joy in all things heard and seen. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 20.

February 4, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"The person who bears and suffers evils with meekness and silence, is the sum of a Christian man."

John Wesley

February 4, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

O blessed Lord, You ministered to all who came to You.

Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of Your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 15-16.

February 3, 2010

Here is today's quote:

"If I leave behind me 10 (pounds), you and all mankind bear witness against that I lived and died a thief and a robber"

John Wesley

February 3, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Thank You, dear god, for another day,
the chance to live in a decent way,
to feel again the joy of living,
and happiness that comes from giving.
Thank You for friends who can understand
and the peace that flows from Your loving hand.
Help me to wake to the morning sun
with the prayer, "Today, Thy will be done,"
for with Your help I will find the way.
Thank You again, dear God, for another day. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 5.

February 2, 2010

Apparently I am not yet into the grove this year with our new feature "Quote of the Day". I will try to do better in the weeks and months to come. For the next couple of weeks or so, I thought we could explore some of the quotes of John Wesley.

Here is today's quote:

"The best of it is, God is with us."

John Wesley

February 2, 2010

Here is today's prayer:

Lord, slow me down.

Ease the pounding of my heart by quieting my mind. Steady my hurried pace. Give me, in the confusion of my day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tension of my nerves and muscles. Help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep.

Teach me to take minute vacations by slowing down to look at a flower or a cloud, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines from a good book. Remind me that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than increasing speed.

Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.

Lord, slow me down. Inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values that I may grow toward the stars of my great destiny. Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 4-5.

February 1, 2010

I realized that there was no prayer posted today, so I thought I would fix that really quickly!

For the next couple of weeks, I am going to share prayers from the 12 step recovery community (I think you will be able to relate to many of them whether you are a part of the 12 step community or not). Then, beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 17th, we will have a very special series of daily prayers for the season of Lent and Easter. As always, thanks for joining me on this journey of daily prayer!

Here is today's prayer:

O Lord, I ain't what I ought to be,
And I ain't what I want to be,
And I ain't what I'm going to be,
But O Lord, I thank You
That I ain't what I used to be! Amen.

Taken from the 12 Step Prayer Book Second Edition (italics my addition), pg 4.