Daily Devotions for JUNE 2023

So I made a careful study of everything and then decided to write
and tell you exactly what took place.
Luke 1 verse 3

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 are 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 June and July we journey with LUKE and his Gospel.

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

A Prayer for the Month of JUNE

Dear Jesus,
You proclaimed that You were the way, the way to a better life.
You came to show us how to help provide a better life for everyone worse off than ourselves.
Lead us now, strengthening us to care for those who are vulnerable and the strangers in our midst.
Amen

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

Tuesday Tuesday

As we journey through these closing days of May 2023….and after the global prayer venture of Thy Kingdom Come….

At Liberton Kirk we usually set aside a Tuesday each week and provide a place with space – the UPPER ROOM – a place for time-out in our busy days above the Kirkgate Cafe. This is a safe place for you to be.

The Upper Room will be open once again this Tuesday…with a creative flavour….and you are invited to take time-out with God at some point…7.30am – 7.30pm….and to pause with Him….reflecting…praying….

This is a quiet place…..a safe place for you and God to take time-out together

* A space for you to be still in a busy world
** To pause and pray with God at this time – the God of all comfort, wisdom, mercy and hope
* To listen to God – Father Son and Holy Spirit – in these times

There are opportunities to pause and pray with others at 8am, 12 noon and 7pm….and John and others gathered then will be happy to see you at any of these times…..or you can arrange to pray with the Prayer Team at some point suitable for you….

You are also invited to walk round the Kirk, pondering some of the words laid out at the various stations from the Bible……or to visit the Offering House – beside the gates – 8am-5pm each day – there are several helpful reflections and prayers – and helpful leaflets and booklets about our faith and our Kirk. There is also a Prayer Request Box situated here for you to leave your own personal requests – our Prayer Team will prayerfully support those you name.

Our Prayer Team also invite you to Prayer for Healing – a safe place with a small trained team – each Tuesday in May and June. This will be available in the McDonald Room (near the cafe foyer) 1-2pm and 6.30-7.30pm.

You are also encouraged to use the bench at the top left of the Kirkyard (under the large tree – weather permitting!) to pause and pray – to be still with God – to ask, seek, knock, wait and receive.

The Daily Devotions have been taking us to a daily time of considering God’s Good News with God’s written Word – and you may want to pause to pray with others at the start of each day as we consider the truths behind the words of this part of the Bible. During May our focus will be on Thy Kingdom Come as we continue on the theme of Telling Others the Good News . This is available on the Kirk website blog and our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter from 7am- and in the church magazine.

And – don’t forget the brief Sunday morning Reflection at 8am…….and the Thy Kingdom Come global prayer venture daily reflections on our YouTube channel….from members of our Church Family providing a reflection over the 11 days period. This year the venture ran 18-28 May. Will you still be praying for 5??

May we each and all experience time-out with the Living and True God – whenever – wherever – as we journey through the month of May 2023.

Prayer Ministry Team

Would it help to talk?
Our Prayer Team is available

If it would help to meet a member of our Prayer Team, to talk and receive prayer support, please make your way to the Prayer Station at the East Door after either of our Sunday services.

If you would prefer…there are prayer request boxes beside the East Door and in the Offering House. You can place your request there.

Or you can contact John and Lindsay Young at jyoung@churchofscotland.org.uk

Prayer for Healing
Each Tuesday in May and June 1-2pm and 6.30-7.30pm
You are invited to the McDonald Room, Kirk Centre, if this is something for you, or someone you know.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.”

Thursday Evening Prayer with Others

As we step into a new month – with God – together – you may want to revisit the great truths from today’s Daily Devotions from ROMANS 8 verses 31-39 – as we continue to consider the GOOD NEWS about Jesus through 2022

We PAUSE with the Lord in prayer as the day closes

We REJOICE in the blessings He has given this day – to us and to others

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

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

Daily Devotions for Thursday 30th June, 2022

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

Reading : ROMANS 8 verses 31-39

Meditation : take time and consider these great words this morning.
God’s Love in Christ Jesus.
Which words stay with you?

Then pause to praise and pray to this faithful and good God

All your creatures, LORD, will praise you,
and all your people will give you thanks.
They will speak of the glory of your royal power
and tell of your might,
so that everyone will know your mighty deeds
and the glorious majesty of your kingdom.
Your rule is eternal,
and you are king forever.
The LORD is faithful to his promises;
he is merciful in all his acts.
He helps those who are in trouble;
he lifts those who have fallen.

And so we bring our sacrifice of praise to you, our God
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Midday
Pray God’s blessing on those affected by leprosy in Nepal.
God of grace…hear our prayers and pour a blessing we ask on each and all

Evening
Reading : read these verses again from ROMANS 8 verses 31-39
Reflect on the words and images – at the end of your day
and Pray with praise 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
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Evening Prayer with Others

As we journey through this week – with God – together – you may want to revisit the great truths from today’s Daily Devotions from ROMANS 8 verses 18-30 – as we continue to consider the GOOD NEWS about Jesus through 2022

We PAUSE with the Lord in prayer as the day closes

We REJOICE in the blessings He has given this day – to us and to others

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

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