“You didn’t choose me. I chose you.” John 15:16a
God our Father,
This little verse is one of those which is almost a dichotomy. Two opposing things! Because i made a decision to become a Christian because I found You, God and yet it was really because You, God chose me!
This little verse chases away all the rejection the world offers me. Yes, I was always one of the last chosen at school to be on a sports team. But this verse reminds me that You, God choose me, because You loved me regardless that I could not hit a tennis ball, a rounders ball or catch anything thrown towards me. You have a purpose for our lives and more importantly love us for who we are. None of us are last choice. We are all like Your first born and joint heirs because of Jesus (Romans 8:17).
So we bless You Lord, and forget not all Your benefits. You forgive all our iniquities, heal all our diseases, redeem our life from destruction, crown us with loving kindness and tender mercies. Satisfy our mouths with good things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:2-5)
We are sad that some do not want to be part of Your family and live in the Kingdom of God. We continue to pray for them. Thank You for choosing us. For seeing us as Your precious sons and daughters and not as the world sometimes makes us feel. We pray that You will keep calling those in our family and friends who have not yet opened their hearts to You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer:
God our Father,
For our family, friends, neighbours, church fellowship. For their health, their well being and their knowledge of Your love.
For Kings, rulers and Governments. To be who they should be, righteous, brave and guided by You.
For HRH King Charles and HRH Duchess of Cambridge, and their families as they recover at home.
For our government, Your wisdom in decisions for the many international decisions to be made.
For nations and their rulers and governments to have a desire to make peace, and make it happen.
For Ukraine and Gaza permanent peace. Along with Myanmar, North Korea, Chine, Sudan, Syria.
For those who work away often unseen making society safer and pleasant. District nurses, dustbin men, electrician’s, reservoir keepers, police, bakers, carers, home helps, farmers . . .
For the livestock of this nation, working dogs and family pets.
For us our health and well being and to look up and forward and see all the good You are doing despite the news. And to have a good day.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 5th February 2024
O Jesus, I have promised
To serve you to the end;
Be thou forever near me,
My Master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.
Oh, let me feel Thee near me;
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
Oh, speak to reassure me,
To hasten, or control;
Oh, speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.
O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be;
And Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Oh, give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.
Lyrics: John Ernest Bode
This hymn was written by John Ernest Bode (13 February 1816 – 6 October 1874) an Anglican priest, educator, poet, and hymnist on the occasion of the confirmation of his own two sons and daughter at Castle Camps village in 1869. It was not put to music until 1881.