Monday 11 March 2024

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Today is Monday the 11th of March, in the fourth week of Lent.

The Porter’s Gate sings, ‘New Every Morning’. What could God be making new in you this very day?

You are not what you have done

Or what has been done to you

You are something like the rising sun

Can't you see that you are new

You might have your father’s name

Or bear the shame he left behind

But there's new life flowing through your veins

Leave some room to be surprised

You are new every morning

You are new every morning

Each day a resurrection waiting to break through

You could try just for a start

To put the judge back on thе shelf

All the lovingkindness in your hеart

Have a little for yourself

You are new every morning

You are new every morning

Each day a resurrection waiting to break through

You are new

You think hope is lost but it's just underground

The flame might be an ember but the fire won’t go out

All the evidence is pointing to the truth

That daily resurrection is still happening in you

You are new every morning

You are new every morning

Each day a resurrection waiting to break through

You are new

Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 65:17-21

For I am about to create new heavens

 and a new earth;

the former things shall not be remembered

 or come to mind.

But be glad and rejoice for ever

 in what I am creating;

for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy,

 and its people as a delight.

I will rejoice in Jerusalem,

 and delight in my people;

no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,

 or the cry of distress.

No more shall there be in it

 an infant that lives but a few days,

 or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;

for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,

 and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.

They shall build houses and inhabit them;

 they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, gives a vision of new heavens and a new earth – a renewed creation filled with delight and joy where everyone will live a long and peaceful life.

As you hear this vision, what is your deepest desire for the world today?

Share this with God.

Where do you long for joy in your own life or in the lives of others you know?

Tell God about this too.

Resolve to look for joy and celebrate it.

As you listen again, allow the Spirit to bring to mind a distressing situation in our troubled world. Ask Jesus to be present there.

In these final moments of prayer, close your eyes and imagine the beautiful new earth God promises to create. Thank God for this vision.

You have given all to me

To you, Lord, I return it

Everything is Yours, do with it what you will

Give me only your love and Your grace

That is enough for me

Amen.