“Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”” Luke 8:22-24 NKJV
Master, Lord, God,
I have stopped at perishing for a couple of reasons Lord. Sometimes it seems to only be movies that have happy endings, life is not always like that. But here we know that this storm episode did have a happy if unusual ending. They were in real jeopardy. Perishing is worse than dying it leaves no hope for the future.
Sometimes I hear myself over exaggerating my situation and I do confess, as You already know, it is sometimes for a little sympathy. An excuse for a little personal pity party. We can all feel sorry for ourselves and sometimes justifiably! When trouble has passed or not arrived I am a little embarrassed. But our fear is our fear and it is real at the time. Sometimes it is not trivial. Help us to see when we are just feeling sorry for ourselves or when we need to ask for others to pray with us and find a sympathetic ear!
Here You had ask them to do something simple for fishermen. Cross the lake in a boat. Easy peasy – till something goes wrong. Life happens. Sometimes You do seem to be oblivious to the storms we are in the middle of. They were in real jeopardy. Other versions use danger or great danger. Jeopardy, the danger of loss, harm or failure. Exactly. Help us to know when we are, or feel in jeopardy, that You are there, fully awake, with the authority to speak peace. Whether that be through an experience, in a problem, difficulty, time of loss, failure or even death itself. Our ever present help, You neither slumber or sleep (Psalm 121).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Master, Lord, God,
We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. Be their help and strength and source of peace today. Touch those who need healing.
For our Government and our King and Queen and all those who seek the best future for our nation, to know Your wisdom and act upon it.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for miracles, ceasefire and room to bring about an end to war.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, for men and women to choose peace over endless war.
For those areas in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco that need it, to have provision for the winter.
For schools now back into the busy term running up to Christmas. May Your nativity be the focal point of planning for their Christmas celebrations.
For all those physically working on the seas. Cargo ships away from home for long periods, little fishing vessels trying to earn a living. Ferries, passenger ships and lifeboats. Let them not be in any peril.
For ourselves, for our days needs. For Your calm where we are going through real weather storms, emotional storms or if trouble as they say is rocking our boat.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thurs 2nd Nov 2023
My Jesus my Saviour. Comfort, shelter, tower of refuge and strength! Need him in the storm and the calm . . .
My Jesus, my Savior
Lord there is none like you
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You
Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of your hands
Forever I’ll love you, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.
Lyrics: Darlene Zschech