Sometimes it feels like there is no end to the violence in this world. My heart was heavy to hear of additional shootings of police officers on July 17 in Baton Rouge, LA. I ask that you again this week join me in a prayer for peace, love and mercy.

Pray for the friends and families of those who lost their lives: Officers Montrell Jackson, Matthew Gerald, and Brad Garafola.

Pray for the one who was responsible for these deaths: Gavin Long.

As you join in prayer, I want to share a wonderful prayer resource with you.

Earlier this year, I was given this book as a gift 30 Days with Wesley: a prayer book. In the book, there are scriptures, prayers, and reflection questions for a morning and evening prayer time. The book includes historic reflection questions that come from Wesley’s own faith journey and are an opportunity for deep reflection. The pattern of morning and evening prayer was established centuries ago. Christians used to pray on the “hours” at 6 am, 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm, 9 pm, 12 am, and 3 am. Some monastic communities still follow this practice and others select which hours to pray. The concept of morning and evening prayers stems from this ancient pattern.

This week, I challenge you to give it a try. Pray intentionally at least twice a day. Try praying the following breath prayer every morning: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

And I invite you to pray this evening prayer from 30 Days with Wesley: a prayer book each evening.

Self-examination

(Reflect on the day, using the following questions as a guide, confess any departures from the law of love, and ask God for forgiveness.)

Have I done anything that was not in some way to the glory of God?

Have I failed to do what good I could?

Have I unnecessarily grieved anyone by word or deed?

 

Opening

O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me (Ps. 69:2)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning is now, and will be forever. Amen.

 

Revelation 19:1-2

Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments.

 

Intercessions

(Offer personal prayers)

 

The Lord’s Prayer

 

Dismissal

O Shepherd of Israel, graciously receive us this night and ever into your protection. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Peace,

Pastor Jill