“So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. 2 On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” Genesis 2:1-3 NLT
God of rest,
Its interesting that when we look at a verses we are very familiar with and think about it how Your Holy Spirit can trigger new thoughts! I always thought of God taking a day off literally and just resting looking at the beauty of all he had created, the universe, the earth and across the diversity of creatures, with his pleasure resting on man and woman as he walked in the garden.
But it actually says You rested from creation. That was actions done. Boxes ticked. But You still had to Govern it’s ongoing and its future. Jesus, Paul reminds us was before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17. Jesus reminded us that His Father, You God, are always at work to this very day, working with Him (John 5:17).
So even though You rested from creation You were still reigning and enabling and direction creation to continue and were sovereign over all.
And I am reminded of one of my favourite Psalms which says my help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth who neither slumbers or sleeps (Psalm 121:1).
Thank you that You know even when we have responsibilities that we still hold we can rest. And You carry them with us. You understand. And You never stop giving and being there for us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of rest,
We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For a blessing today.
For those who work tirelessly to ensure we have electricity, gas, clean water, farm the land, and run our hospitals.
For our town, local council and MP’s to make wise choices. For our King and His family.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for the miracle of resting from war and finding peace.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, an end and soon to war.
For ongoing comfort, help and relief for those in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco and where there has been flooding in the UK.
For our world, for Governments to see the great benefits to of resting from aggression and seeking good.
For ourselves, to be able to find rest in our hearts and minds even while doing chores, work and essential things.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Saturday 28th October 2023
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
Your mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning,
new every morning:
great is your faithfulness, O Lord,
great is your faithfulness!
Lyrics: Edith McNeill
Inspired by Lamentations 3:21-23