Sheltering together though apart in the days of COVID19
I have been praying for a minister in Mount Pleasant this week who is of a different denomination and whom I have never met. People all over are doing things they would not have anticipated just a month ago. I would be interested in hearing from you in the comments panel about a number of things:
What are you doing that has been uplifting or that has blessed you?
What do you see God doing in the midst of our changed circumstances?
What are some of the lasting effects of our isolation that might be good for us individually or as a nation?
What praises do you have for Him?
We are living separately, but I encourage you to “meet” and pray and encourage others in new ways as we show nonChristians the joy of our salvation is unflagging in the face of dire circumstances.
This is not the week for my monthly blog, but I wanted to share the following sermons, devotionals, etc., that have brought me such joy in the recent weeks of isolation:
The link below is to a sermon that is full of joy. You will get some insights into Charles Spurgeon that will surprise you— in a good way. If you like this sermon, you can see the entire conference. (Sent to me by a young friend who led the Bible study I took last summer. I love it when the younger generations teach me as they do so often. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/conferences/made-in-the-image-of-god/christ-the-image-of-god/?
This devotional from John Newton is right on target for today.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?view=fimg&th=170fe8f1710d1e4a&attid=0.1.1&disp=emb&attbid=ANGjdJ_EKhI9bdm8WPzKzHLKrq5w2DVHsxTnAGXr1PSu5XRFfTFolerPakoToTjI8noM5QsYdSRMeJaF5iE9rxk00BzTmZPvzpom8YAHjvst97iKiHOuwtMh4PtAedk&sz=s0-l75-ft&ats=1584820506229&rm=170fe8f1710d1e4a&zw&atsh=1
Help a Mom who is new to homeschooling her children this week. Send a video of a Scripture or a Bible story or even a silly joke as I did to my young friends. I had hermit hair and did a simple video on my phone, but I got a video back from them that was awesome!
Below is a prayer attributed to St. Patrick. The fervency of this prayer is how I prayed one morning this week. This was sent to me by a wise woman who has taught me in Bible studies and through her example:
This prayer is known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate. It is found in the Book of Armagh, from the early ninth century, along with Patrick's authentic "Confession." Attributed by legend to Patrick.
I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of the Invocation of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.
I bind to myself today
The virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with His Baptism,
The virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,
The virtue of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
The virtue of His coming on the Judgment Day.
I bind to myself today
The virtue of the love of seraphim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the hope of resurrection unto reward,
In prayers of Patriarchs,
In predictions of Prophets,
In preaching of Apostles,
In faith of Confessors,
In purity of holy Virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.
I bind to myself today
The power of Heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.
I bind to myself today
God's Power to guide me,
God's Might to uphold me,
God's Wisdom to teach me,
God's Eye to watch over me,
God's Ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's Hand to guide me,
God's Way to lie before me,
God's Shield to shelter me,
God's Host to secure me,
Against the snares of demons,
Against the seductions of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who meditates injury to me,
Whether far or near,
Whether few or with many.
I invoke today all these virtues
Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul,
Against the incantations of false prophets,
Against the black laws of heathenism,
Against the false laws of heresy,
Against the deceits of idolatry,
Against the spells of women, and smiths, and druids,
Against every knowledge that binds the soul of man.
Christ, protect me today
Against every poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against death-wound,
That I may receive abundant reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the fort, [i.e., at home]
Christ in the chariot seat, [i.e., travelling by land]
Christ in the stern. [i.e., travelling by water]
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of an invocation of the Trinity,
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.
Pause a moment and listen to the beauty of “Do Not Be
Afraid.” (Sent to me by my long time prayer partner and much loved friend.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aNISuvsP5M
Blessings on all of you. Please don’t hesitate to share the smallest thing in your Comment.