1Kings 13; Philippians 4; Ezekiel 43; Psalms 95,96

prayer arising:

Mark this day with joy , O Lord. I will sing to You a new song filled with thanksgiving! Thank You for creation - I don't know what it means to give thanks for creation when 20 000 people are buried under the rubble of an earthquake - my heart and mind Lord are vulnerable to not being at peace in so many ways - I pray for them Lord and ask Your peace and strengthening Spirit to be with those whose hearts and minds and bodies are shattered with the pain of such loss - guard our hearts and minds with Your peace in such loss, Jesus, You whose own body was so broken and who knew the despair of forsaken-ness.

I come to You with thanksgiving this morning, walking in Your pasture, that whatever is taking place now, there will come a time of justice and in Your holiness all will be judged fairly and that Your justice is a cause to sing and rejoice, and that all creation will be filled with Your glory. Let all my prayers be filled with such joy and thankfulness that one day, lifted up by Your Spirit we will walk in the fullness of Your glory and hear all of creation worship You when Your justice and judgement are a cause for celebration and not a provocation to harden hearts.

Lord do not let Your word to me become an abusive spiritual authority in me - bring me back always to this word of thanksgiving and joy. Thank You for the glory of what will come and let Your peace guard our hearts and minds.

Amen