“So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come! 18 And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 In other words, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s trespasses against them, and he has given us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!” 21 God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
God of righteousness,
A new day dawns and it is still winter and dark and wet and not too warm! Even if it is, they say, getting lighter by a couple of minutes a day! Yet how amazing that we awake in Your light, reconciled, forgiven, not counting our trespasses against us, made new. A new creation, not repaired. We get all we need. But what do You get out of it? Fellowship, friendship? You must love us more than we can imagine or comprehend to give us so much. So we bring our worship and love because it is all we have to give.
Not repaired- we are a new creation. Not having to carry around past failures and hurts and experiences as baggage or wounds. Not having to keep beating ourselves up. You don’t keep a record. We cannot always forget – so we ask You to heal the memories and remove the painful scars and shame. Help us to forgive ourselves and see ourselves as You do, a new, beautiful, whole, restored, healed, washed, beautiful, holy creation. Child of Yours.
Lord we are all important to You. We are Ambassadors for Christ here on earth! Us!! Thank You that we are reconciled to You every miniscule second. Living and breathing in Your love for us. Thank You forever and help us not be ashamed of the gospel.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer
God of Righteousness,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their hopes and needs for this year. That those who do not believe will know You and Your Son and find faith this year.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families.
For our churches and ministers and those who work tirelessly to serve with hands or prayers.
For Ukraine and a withdrawal of Russian troops. A way to peace and an end to oppression.
For all areas where there is war and oppression. For peace and a new way forward. For Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For those not sure about what this year holds to find support, help and faith.
For the NHS, children’s services, care givers, care homes, the emergency services and all those that keep our society safe, functioning and give help.
With thanks for all the good that people do every day above and beyond for neighbours and charities.
For ourselves we bring our own personal needs for today, this week and this year.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Wednesday 3rd January 2024
Good to hear the original hymn. A reminder that even lockdown did not stop people worshipping.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I am found
Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come
‘Twas grace has brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home
When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright, shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I am found
Was blind, but now I see.
John Newton