COME, LORD JESUS

FOOD FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION

Christ protecting St Menas, a 7^th century Coptic icon depicting our Lord with his arm round the shoulder of his disciple and friend.

St Augustine’s is trying to be a community of prayer and worship, reaching out to others with the Good News of Jesus and drawing them into a living encounter with our Risen Lord.

This page may help you to spend some time in prayer and reflection while visiting our web site.

Perhaps spend a moment in silence, focusing on the presence of the Lord who is with you now, as he always is. Look for a moment at the icon above. Imagine Jesus standing behind you as you look at your screen, placing his arm on your shoulder. Allow the strength of his peace and the power of his life-giving love to touch you, and to fill your mind and heart, your body and soul. You do not have to say many words. Simply say ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ a few times, and give Jesus the time to do his will of love for you.

After a time of silence, perhaps say this prayer slowly, thinking about each line.

Lord Jesus, you are God’s only Son,
my Saviour and Friend.
In my heart I do believe in you.
Please help my little faith.
I know you are here with me now.
You stand at the door of my life,
knocking day after day,
seeking to enter my life more deeply.
I open my life to you.
Please come to me now.
Touch my life with your grace.
Lay your hands upon me and around me.
Please forgive me for anything I have done
which has closed my life to you.
Purify and renew me now.
Grant me the wonder of your love.
Change and strengthen me by the power of your Holy Spirit.
Help me to live as a true man/woman of God,
as a true daughter/son of your Father,
and as a true follower and friend of you,
Jesus, my Lord and my God.
Come, Lord Jesus.
I welcome you into my life.

PSALMS FOR REFLECTION

Read these verses from the Psalms slowly.
Allow each line to sink into your mind.
Repeat each line again and again, making it a real prayer to God.

PSALM 63 (62)

O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water...

For your love is better than life;
my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life;
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy....

My soul clings to you.
Your right hand holds me fast.

PSALM 139 (138)

O Lord, you search me and you know me,
you know my resting and my rising,
you discern my purpose from afar.
You mark when I walk or lie down;
all my ways lie open before you.

O where can I go from your spirit,
or where can I flee from your face?
If I climb the heavens, you are there.
If I lie in the grave, you are there.

If I take the wings of the dawn
and dwell at the sea’s furthest end,
even there your hand would lead me,
your right hand would hold me fast.

For it was you who created my being,
knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I thank you for the wonder of my being,
for the wonders of all your creation.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Jesus says:
‘God loved the world so much
that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost,
but may have eternal life.
For God sent his Son into the world
not to condemn the world
but so that through him the world might be saved.’
(John 3.16-17)

Jesus says:
‘Look, I am standing at the door, knocking.
If one of you hears me calling and opens the door,
I will come in and share their meal,
side by side with them’
(Book of Revelation 3.20)

SILENCE

A Sioux Native American once wrote that 'Silence is the voice of God'. That is a deep and true insight which can transform our attitude to prayer. Do not listen firstly for words or messages from God. Simply listen to God in the silence speaking himself to you, giving himself to you, pouring out himself upon you. Be there in the silence, surrounded by God, immersed in God, and soaking in the presence of God which enfolds you.

PRAYING WITH THE TAIZE COMMUNITY

Taize is a small village in Burgundy, France, where the daily prayer of an ecumenical community of brothers has become the focus of pilgrimage for thousands of young people. For more information on the community, click HERE.

The Taize web site provides resources for daily prayer and reflection.

For twelve minutes of prayer and song from Taize in Real Audio, click HERE.

For today's Bible reading, click HERE.

For this month's Bible readings, click HERE.

For resources for a Johannine Hour, click HERE.

SACRED SPACE: daily prayer on-line

The Irish Jesuits provide an excellent resource for prayer while sitting at your computer. Click HERE.

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