“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God;
For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the broken hearted And binds up their wounds.
4 He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.
5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.
6 The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.
Psalm 147:1-6 NKJV
Great Lord,
We want to praise You this first Sunday in Advent. Following on from Psalm 146 last Sunday this Psalm is perfect. You, God count the stars it tells us. You who made the stars individually. You called one of Your stars to speak astrologically to the magi and set off to search for a King. Not any old star a new one that those magi (possibly astrologers) found and followed.
We marvel, wonder, are amazed as we consider You, our God, You, who not only created the stars and galaxies but who knows all their orbits and gravitational pull and every detail. So You have no trouble knowing each one of us and even how many hairs we have on our head! (Luke 12:7) Your understanding is infinite (impossible to measure or calculate).
And even though You are all powerful, God of all creation – You choose to gently gather the outcasts, heal the broken hearted and lift up the humble. Because at the heart of Your power is love. Love for Your creation, for all You have made. So much love You sent Your Son to live and die, in this messy fallen world, for our sin.
But the wicked You will cast down? It is our choice. We can choose to know You who counts the stars, or reject Your love and forgiveness. We choose to follow not a star but You, through Jesus. Help us to both live in and follow You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Great God,
We pray,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their many individual needs and hopes. We pray they will know the true meaning of Christmas.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services that visitors will attend. That visitors will be blessed and drawn to come again to meet You not just to sing about baby Jesus.
For those who read horoscopes and worship created things, that they may see beyond and see You, the creator.
For our Government, King, Queen and their family.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord bring another cease fire into being and guide them to peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. End this war, conflict and bloodshed.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For the loving way You lead us Your children both as a Father and in Your church family.
For ourselves, we thank You for today. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You the author an finisher of our faith as we begin looking to the anniversary of Your birth.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 3rd December 2023
Some of us may not be called to mission work overseas or to ministry but we can carry people to You in our hearts . . . in prayer . . . and touch those we know who live without Your love . . .
I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save
I who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord, Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go, Lord, If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my words to them.
Whom shall I send?
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will send the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide,
‘Til their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?