“1Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”
“10When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew privately to a town called Bethsaida.” Luke 9:1,2 and 10 NKJV
Father God,
They withdrew privately. Yes to a town but to meet privately. Sometimes, it is great to go to church and we come home ready to face the week. Some Sundays we cannot go but find just what we need curled up warm with You, maybe our Bible or maybe a service on TV. Sometimes we are excited by a mid week gathering and sometimes it is an effort. Thank You God, You do not mark our card if we miss something but rejoice when we spend time with You.
It is not about how good we look to others. It is not about how much we read and learn scripture. Not about how long we sit before You or how long we sing worship. It is not just coming when we have a need or a want.
It is about spending time with You. Enjoying Your company, being ourselves. Sharing what is on our heart and mind. Rejoicing in anything that has been good. Whether we pray to Jesus, Father or Your Holy Spirit, You are One. Whenever we withdraw to spent time with You – You give us 100 per cent of Your attention. You are the only one who knows exactly how we feel and do not judge.
And it doesn’t have to fit in Your or our busy schedule. It can be when we are awake and can’t get back to sleep. Just before we sleep or when we awake. It can be over coffee, after a meal or if we have 5 minutes to ourselves. It is about keeping our relationship alive.
For we have received Your spirit of adoption as sons (and daughters) (Romans 8:15). Help us keep in loving communication with You because You want to hear from us and it always does us good.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father God,
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For the many needs, some we know, some are urgent and some prayers are because we want You in their lives.
For our ministers, pastors and youth workers and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities. For food banks and social gatherings and care and that the Good News will be shared.
For our Government, that You would shake it up so that those with the good of the nation would be seated there.
For our King and Queen and those who work for the best future for our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord we need a miracle of peace and wisdom from world leaders not division.
For Putin and Ukraine, that there would be a change in direction away from war. An end to this conflict.
For the NHS, hospitals, clinics and GP surgeries. For all those with long term illness and disability.
For those leaving hospital or living with carers. For those living alone.
For all those, in every land, whose motivation is to share Jesus. To see people choose Christ Jesus.
For ourselves, for time to spend with You and know Your love for us.
In Jesu name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 9th November 2023
To be in your presence
To sit at your feet
When your love surrounds me
And makes me complete
This is my desire, o Lord
This is my desire
This is my desire, o Lord
This is my desire
To rest in your presence
Not rushing away
To cherish each moment
Here I would stay
This is my desire, o Lord
This is my desire
This is my desire, o Lord
This is my desire
Lyrics: Noel Richards