But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” 30 Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” Luke 10:29,30
36 So which of these three do you think was neighbour to him who fell among the thieves?” 37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10: 36,37
God,
A priest a Levite and a Samaritan. A parable to show compassion is not about status, job title or being seen to do good. It is about how we act, react and respond to what and who we come across in life. From before the moment You saw man and woman’s first disobedience (eating forbidden fruit) in the garden of Eden, You knew Your plan! You knew we could not be perfect and met our need, had mercy, and stepped in to help. A very long term plan and You did more than bind our wounds, pay the care bill – You sent Your Son, Your only Son to pay the price for us.
Mercy – compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. You could punish but offer compassion. Help us react with love and mercy. A non-judgemental closing of the mouth, a changing of our attitudes, a remembering that You died for us while we sere still sinners (Romans 5:8) Mercy, kindness, love to friend and enemy alike? Not easy.
Help us to have mercy, practice forgiveness and generosity. Practice is a good word. And above all help us to be grateful for the love and mercy we receive daily, moment by moment, from You, right now.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God who binds our wounds,
We pray,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their many individual needs and hopes. Keep them from evil and open their eyes to good. For our ministers, pastors and all in our congregations.
For those who need to move themselves from harmful and dangerous relationships and struggle to forgive. For those who need aa place of safety. For those trapped in harmful relationships.
For our Government, King, Queen and their family. For reconciliation where there is ongoing division.
For those in Iceland in the dangerous areas and those evacuated.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord. Lord, continue to enable both sides to see the value of ceasefire. Send relief.
For Putin and Ukraine. For a beginning to the end of this war, conflict and bloodshed.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those who are being good neighbours to those they meet on the way.
For relief agencies, giving medical support, food and water, where needed without prejudice.
For those who are being eaten up by unforgiveness. Help them let go and let You be judge.
For ourselves, thank You for a new day. Thank You for all those who help make our life richer and safer and good..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 1st Dec 2023
You, God our best thought in all situations.
Be Thou my vision, oh Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Be Thou my wisdom and Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one
Be thou my battle-shield, sword for a fight
Be thou my dignity, Thou my delight
Thou my soul’s shelter and Thou my high tower
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou my inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, the first in my heart
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art
High King of Heaven after victory won
May I reach heaven’s joys, oh, bright heaven’s sun
Heart of my own heart whatever befall
Still be my vision, oh Ruler of all
Be Thou my vision, oh Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light