St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh

Midweek Devotion 22nd June 2023

Led by Rev Douglas A O Nicol

‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practise it have a good understanding. His praise endures for ever.’ (Psalm 111, verse 10)

Let us worship God.

Scripture Reading

The Gospel according to St. Matthew, chapter 6, verses 7 - 15:

Jesus said: “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

‘Pray then in this way:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And do not bring us to the time of trial.’

But if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Reflection

Today our Lectionary reminds us that the 22nd June is the day when annually we remember St. Alban, named as the first British Christian martyr, who died for our Cristian faith around 250AD on the site of St. Albans.

He is a reminder to all of us of the sacrifices that have been made by many that we have our Christian faith and the freedom to worship as we wish. The list of those to whom we are in debt might begin with Alban, but it encompasses a myriad of saints and martyrs over the centuries and includes grandparents who fought in World Wars as well as parents and teachers who have guided us in our early years.

Above all aspects of faith, they taught us to pray, and our reading from Matthew’s Gospel today contains important advice from Jesus as to how our actions and our praying are bound together.

From time to time I lead the Daily Service in St. Giles’ Cathedral on weekdays at Noon. It is attended by people from around the world, and I always like to invite worshippers to say The Lord’s Prayer ‘in their own language and style’. It can be very special to hear the response!

May we find sustenance for daily living in the Lord’s Prayer!

Prayer

Let us pray:

God of might and valour,

your grace is all we need.

In our weakness give us strength:

support us in temptation;

make us bold in time of danger;

give us fresh vigour when we lose heart;

and help us to do your work

with a good courage,

for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Remember the nations of the world

at this time of global uncertainty.

Bring to an end all war and strife;

break down the barriers of race and creed,

that we may all live

as members of one family of God.

We pray for those we love the most,

whether we see them often or rarely.

Protect them from all dangers

and guide them in the ways of hope.

We commend ourselves to your keeping.

Grant that our hearts may find

their peace and rest in you;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,

be glory, for ever and ever.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, which art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done, in 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,

for ever and ever,

Amen.

Benediction

May the love of the Lord Jesus draw us to himself;

may the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen us in his service;

may the joy of the Lord Jesus fill our souls;

and may the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be with you and abide with you always.

Amen.

Organ Music

J.S.Bach Wir glauben all an einen Gott BWV 680