Hi there,
Last month we printed and laminated a prayer card for you, the people of Papakura East and Hunua. It is a prayer to be prayed last thing each day. It is simply entitled “Prayer for Night” and comes from the NZ Anglican Prayer Book. I have been astounded (in a good way!) at the feedback which you have given me about this prayer. This prayer seems to gift people the words to collect their day and offer it to God; that they might also enjoy the gift of sleep and rest. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of a good prayer to begin the day.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)
This statement about God’s goodness appears in the most unlikely places in Scripture. It appears in probably the bleakest and darkest description of life. Jerusalem is under siege and the conditions and atrocities are appalling. And then you have Lam 3:22-23 in the midst of it. Remarkable.
I encourage you, as you wake, to simply recite these few but powerful words. They are easily memorised. Begin your day with these words and end your day with the Prayer for Night.
Deep blessings to you all
Geoff & Ruth
(P.S. If you would like a copy of the Prayer for Night, please email me - geoff@pepc.org.nz)