Daily Devotions for DECEMBER 2023

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9 verse 6

During 2022 we were looking daily at the theme of GOOD NEWS as we journeyed with Paul through his letter to the ROMANS.
In 2023, we have been looking at TELLING OTHERS THE GOOD NEWS with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and pausing at our times of Midday Devotion to pray for others in our church family, our city and our world.

In December we journey through ADVENT together.

We are all invited to listen for God’s voice and make our response as we journey together in our ‘rhythm of devotion’ in 2023.

These Devotions are but one way to feed on God’s Word in the morning, at midday, in the evening… to pray with Him continually through the day and even to share with others the treasures or hurdles you discover.
The Church website and Facebook page (even on a handy mobile) provide a fuller daily devotional page. However it all follows the pattern below which the information provided fits into, based on the Kirk’s origins of the Celtic and Northumbrian traditions which we started as a church family in 2015.

Morning
Reading and Meditation on the content and Prayer of response
Midday
Prayer – mostly for others
Evening
Verse(s) from the morning reading
Reflection and Prayer at the end of the day

Prayer for the Month of DECEMBER

Wonderful Counsellor
Prince of Peace
Son of God
Son of Man

Be born afresh in us
Live in us
Live through us
Living Lord Jesus

Amen and Amen we pray.


The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your kingdom come
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory.
Now and for ever
Amen

Evening Prayer with Others

As we step into this particular weekend….. with God – together – you may want to revisit today’s Daily Devotions from LUKE chapter 2 verses 39 and 40– as we continue to consider the GOOD NEWS about Jesus through 2022 – on this particular Friday

We PAUSE with the Lord in prayer as the day closes

We REJOICE in the help and blessings He has given this particular Friday – to us and to others

We ASK for His presence, peace and strength – for ourselves and for others in our church family and our nation and in our world at this time

We YIELD – say Yes – to His Kingdom ways for tomorrow

Thursday Evening Prayer with Others

As we journey towards a New Year….. with God – together – you may want to revisit today’s Daily Devotions from LUKE chapter 2 verses 36-38– as we continue to consider the GOOD NEWS about Jesus through 2022 – on this Thursday….

We PAUSE with the Lord in prayer as the day closes

We REJOICE in the help and blessings He has given this particular Thursday – to us and to others

We ASK for His presence, peace and strength – for ourselves and for others in our church family and our nation and in our world at this time

We YIELD – say Yes – to His Kingdom ways for tomorrow

Daily Devotions for Thursday 29th December, 2022

Morning
Look Upward and Pray to hear and receive from Father God

Reading : LUKE 2 verses 36-38

Meditation : take time and consider these words this morning.
Anna.
Which words stay with you?
What is your response to God’s Word today?

Then pause to praise and pray to our faithful and merciful God

And so we bring our sacrifice of praise to you, O Faithful One
We believe
Help our unbelief
Make us faithful like Anna
And teach us your Kingdom timing we ask
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Midday
Pray God’s blessing on our Big Idea partners in Edinburgh
God of grace…hear our prayers and pour a blessing we ask on each and all

Evening
Reading : read these verses again from LUKE 2 verses 36-38
Reflect on the words and images – at the end of your day
and Pray with honest words in response to this God – our God

People will speak of your mighty deeds,
and I will proclaim your greatness.
They will tell about all your goodness
and sing about your kindness.
The LORD is loving and merciful,
slow to become angry and full of constant love.
He is good to everyone
and has compassion on all he made.

O LORD, hear our evening prayers
Forgive us our sins of this day
As we forgive those who have sinned against us – even today
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Evening Prayer with Others

As we journey through this week….. with God – together – you may want to revisit today’s Daily Devotions from LUKE chapter 2 verses 22-35– as we continue to consider the GOOD NEWS about Jesus through 2022 – on this particular Wednesday….

We PAUSE with the Lord in prayer as the day closes

We REJOICE in the help and blessings He has given this particular Wednesday – to us and to others

We ASK for His presence, peace and strength – for ourselves and for others in our church family and our nation and in our world at this time

We YIELD – say Yes – to His Kingdom ways for tomorrow

Daily Devotions for Wednesday 28th December, 2022

Morning
Look Upward and Pray to hear and receive from God

Reading : LUKE 2 verses 22-35

Meditation : take time to consider this servant of God.
Simeon.
What are you challenged and encouraged by this morning?

Then take the time to Pray to his God, our God of Hope

In Jesus’ Name
Amen!

Midday
Pray God’s blessing on our SEECAT partners in SE Edinburgh
O LORD God, have mercy on each and all and hear our prayers this day we ask.

Evening

Reading : read these verses again from LUKE 2 verses 22-35 – in another version?
Reflect on the truths behind the words…. And then pray to the LORD our God

I go to you for protection, LORD;
rescue me from my enemies.
You are my God;
teach me to do your will.
Be good to me, and guide me on a safe path.
Rescue me, LORD, as you have promised;
in your goodness save me from my troubles!

Hear our evening prayers, O God, as this day ends.
We believe and trust in You and lay ourselves before You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.