It is suggested you view the Church Service of 16 August as an introduction to the weekly series of “Weekly Prayer Points” around The Lord’s Prayer that can be found on “Weerona Recorded Church Services” page.
SUNDAY 16th of August
The Lord’s Prayer
Given our core theme for these four weeks, each Sunday will be a musical rendition of The Lord’s Prayer. May you pray these beloved words with new insight, greater depth and bask in musical beauty.
Enjoy Andrea Boccelli singing this classical version of our Lord’s prayer.
MONDAY 17th of August
Words of prayer from the Ancient Church
This prayer was written by Clement of Alexandria, one of the early church patriarchs. Clement lived from around 150-215CE, so his words would have fed the very early followers of Jesus, and may they feed us still today.
O Educator, be gracious to thy children, O Educator, Father, Guide of Israel, Son and Father, both one, Lord. Give to us, who follow thy command, to fulfill the likeness of thy image, and to see, according to our strength, the God who is both a good God and a Judge who is not harsh.
Do thou thyself bestow all things on us who dwell in thy peace, who have been placed in thy city, who sail the sea of sin unruffled, that we may be made tranquil and supported by the Holy Spirit, the unutterable Wisdom, by night and day, unto the perfect day, to sing eternal thanksgiving to the one only Father and Son, Son and Father, Educator and Teacher with the Holy Spirit.
TUESDAY 18th of August
Music from the Modern World
The phrase “God Only Knows” has been frequently stated and questioned recently, but our faith is to put our trust in God that God truly DOES know. This more recent version of the classic Beach Boys song is truly stunning, and has been a calming and prayerful gift in these recent months.
Enjoy John Legend and Cynthia Erivo singing “God Only Knows”
WEDNESDAY 19th of August
Story
My deep love of Picture Story Books continues to flourish and grow as I constantly discover new, wonderful tales and insights, opened up in surprising ways for young and old alike.
We’re not allowed to read stories in our broadcast worship, but we can share versions that others have been allowed to offer to the world. This story connects with our reflection last Sunday about the “OUR” that begins the Lord’s Prayer- the reminder (constantly needed) that we are united in our common humanity and united in our invitation to dwell in relationship with God.
Enjoy “Wherever You Are” by Mem Fox, illustrated by Leslie Staub
THURSDAY 20th of August
Modern Words of Prayer
FRIDAY 21st of August
Music from the past…
I often feel blessed that I enjoy waves of classical music wafting over me- and I’m never sure where my love for particular pieces comes from. Sometimes they’re connected to a time or a place, or a person. I’ve not always made the connection with composer though, and recently realised how many of my favourite pieces are composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. So I share this recent recording by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Specifically, I invite you listen to the second movement: Allegretto, which begins at about the 20 minute mark of this recording, but it you have the time, listen to the whole composition.
Enjoy the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra playing Beethoven’s 7th Symphony
SATURDAY 22nd of August
Poem
It is a deep lament that more poetry is not read today, and that so little is read aloud. While I offer the words to this poem here for you this day, I’ll be reading aloud via a live video on facebook, and hope the poems written and spoken words will bless you into prayer and conversation with God this day…
“The Poor Can Feed The Birds” by John Shaw Nielsen
Ragged, unheeded, stooping, meanly shod,
The poor pass to the pond: not far away
The spires go up to God.
Shyly they come from the unpainted lane;
Coats have they made of old unhappiness
That keeps in every pain.
The rich have fear, perchance their God is dim;
’Tis with the hope of stored-up happiness
They build the spires to Him.
The rich go out in clattering pomp and dare
In the most holy places to insult
The deep Benevolence there.
But ’tis the poor who make the loving words.
Slowly they stoop; it is a Sacrament:
The poor can feed the birds.
Old, it is old, this scattering of the bread,
Deep as forgiveness, or the tears that go
Out somewhere to the dead.
The feast of love, the love that is the cure
For all indignities—it reigns, it calls,
It chains us to the pure.
Seldom they speak of God, He is too dim;
So without thought of after happiness
They feed the birds for Him.
The rich men walk not here on the green sod,
But they have builded towers, the timorous
That still go up to God.
Still will the poor go out with loving words;
In the long need, the need for happiness
The poor can feed the birds.
May God Bless your living and praying in the coming weeks.