“Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful. 6 It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 New English Translation
God Almighty,
We all need boundaries, rules. Some of us learned the hard way and got into a few scrapes and a bruised ego. But on the whole they kept us from harm or we had to shoulder the responsibilities when we broke them. Here, You set out clearly Your nature, how You created us to be and how we can live for the best. Not all the thou shalt not’s but showing us the positive possibilities. How to live like Jesus. Is this the attitude You glimpsed in Noah over the rest of mankind? Was it what You saw in the heart of David – even if You knew He was not perfect?
Jesus, our visible image of Your love, and You, our invisible God. (Colossians 1:15). And we rejoice that He didn’t give up on us even when every one gave up on Him!. We mess up and You are patient and kind. We get full of ourselves and You gently humble us. You believe in us, hope the best for us, endure our pettiness. Never stop loving us. If You do discipline us it is for our good (Hebrews 12:5,6). Because of His sacrifice.
You, God are kind, patient, not envious. You do not need to brag. You are never rude, selfish, angry for the sake of it or resentful. You took our sin at the cross, endured death, took our punishment and rose again. Your love is life eternal. Help us learn to love like You.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God Almighty, God who is love,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. Show them Your love in answered prayer and give them Your grace and provision for their every need.
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations. Let love flow through them and us.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family. A return to good health. Direct and guide them.
For our government and their families. Raise up the right people to stand in the elections, grant us a good Government to serve all the people of this nation.
For Ukraine and Russian. A miracle, many miracles . . . Peace an end to war.
For wherever there is unrest, war, military oppression: Myanmar, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria, China . . . change people, situations, hearts, politics.
For international relationships and politics.
For love, righteousness and reconciliation to flow where there are gangs and criminal activities.
For dentists, chiropodists, hairdressers, physiotherapists, chiropractors, opticians, hearing specialists and those who bring relief, help and comfort into daily life.
For those who are on the Samaritan and child help lines. Callers and listeners.
For our doctors, nurses and emergency services.
For ourselves, what we need to keep us full of love today and see the best in people.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 26th January 2024
Lord I come to You
Let my heart be changed, renewed
Flowing from the grace
That I’ve found in You
Lord I’ve come to know
The weaknesses I see in me
Will be stripped away
By the power of Your love
Hold me close
Let Your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to Your side
And as I wait
I’ll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You
Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love
Lord unveil my eyes
Let me see You face to face
The knowledge of Your love
As You live in me
Lord renew my mind
As Your will unfolds in my life
In living every day
By the power of Your love
Hold me close
Let Your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to Your side
And as I wait
I’ll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You
Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love
Lyrics: Geoff Bullock