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Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.

Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian (350 A.D.)

O  Lord and Master of my life, this day, give me not the spirit of laziness, despair, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of sobriety, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages.

Thank You Lord

Sometimes I stop and wonder why you're still here; Or what is good about me, and why you even care.

You're always there with me to help me out each day; Even though I seldom listen to the words you have to say.

The things I always pray for, I know they will come true; My joy and peace you give me when each day is new.

You continue to forgive me for all that I have done; When nights are filled with sorrow, the day will bring the sun.

In days full of trouble, and friends won't say hi; I know you will be there with me to take me if I die.

For who am I to deserve the grace you have shown; Thank you Lord for keeping me, when life for me was cold.

by Gary R. Ferris

Benediction

Lord, support me all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over and my work is done. Then of Thy mercy, grant me a safe lodging, and a holy rest and a peace at last through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Think of the day ahead in terms of God with you, and visualize health, strength, guidance, purity, calm confidence, and victory as the gifts of His presence.

Personal Touch

2 Kings 2:1-8 (NIV)

The Ascension of Elijah (Part 1)

Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you."

So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, "Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?" And he said, "Yes, I know; keep silent."

Elijah said to him, "Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho." But he said, "As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho.

The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, "Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?" And he answered, "Yes, I know; be silent."

Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan." But he said, "As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So the two of them went on.

Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.

Notes on the Scripture

The names of all the Old Testament prophets are confusing. Understandably. The more recent sections of the Old Testament cover a period of 3000 years, and even the Anglicized names are taken from distant (and sometimes forgotten) languages.

lijah is second only to Moses as the great prophet of Judaism; some would say they share the honor. He is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Nobody knows anything about his origins -- he simply appears on the scene, ranting against a host of heathen deities. He lived approximately 900 years before Christ. We don't even know his birth name for sure (although he is sometimes called Elias) -- Elijah is a Hebrew phrase meaning either "Yahweh is God" or "Yahweh is my God". He performed many miracles and predicted the coming of a Messiah. Just before Christ's crucifixion, he appeared with Moses to Christ and several of the disciples.

Elisha was Elijah's spiritual heir, and like him, was a worker of miracles and a great prophet, continuing his work. But although he was a great prophet, and is also revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims, he was not the great figurehead that Elijah was. Elijah was special, a direct forebear of the Messiah, carrying the promise of salvation not only in his words, but in his being.

Daily Inspiration

“ For Such A Time As This ”

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