“Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marvelled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” Luke 8:24,25 NKJV
Lord God,
End of this Bible story and they all were safe. Breathe. But there was a lot of fear and not understanding getting trouble doing what He asked them to do. First the fishermen were afraid of the wild water. Well Lord, they knew how serious storms could be. But then they were afraid of, and marvelled at Jesus Himself. From being in jeopardy of loosing the boat and worse still drowning, to being in fearful awe of a man who could sleep through a storm and speak to control nature.
I would have been exactly the same, terrified! I would have wondered who on earth this person was who could tell the weather off and command it to stop right away. And they questioned who He was among themselves even though he was right there with them.
Sometimes we go from extreme worry to still because of Your intervention and are overawed. Sometimes we have to battle through a storm of life for a long time. And sometimes we have to wait till it naturally abates. Like the actual storms battering the UK at the moment.
Help us to have faith that You are always in the boat and in the storm with us. If it helps send other disciples to encourage us. Sometimes we need to come together to ask for Your help. Grant us the assurance of Your presence and when it looks dark or stormy the promise that You will hold us fast.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord God,
We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. Be their help and strength and source of peace today.
For our Government our King and Queen and all those who seek the best future for our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miracle ceasefire and 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 safety where there are fireworks and bonfires. For our fire service and emergency services.
Again 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. Those in bad weather and their families praying for their safe return.
For safety as people prepare for bonfire night at home or for public displays.
Bless all those affected by the storms this week. And help the storm blow itself out to calm.
For ourselves, still any storms in our family and lead us beside quiet waters and restore our souls (Psalm 23:2).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 3rd November 2023
Beautiful old hymn updated with new melody.
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Saviour loves me so
He will hold me fast
Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Saviour loves me so
He will hold me fast
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
‘Til our faith is turned to sight
When He comes at last!
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Saviour loves me so
He will hold me fast
Lyrics: Ada Ruth Habershon 1906
Tune: Matt Merker 2013