“To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah:61:3
Lord God Almighty,
We know “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16). But there are those Old Testament scriptures which are more familiar, more personal and which give strength and comfort difficult times. For me Father, this is one of those.
Isaiah was talking to those who mourned for Zion, a rebellious nation. There is a promise for the present and a glimpse of the future. When a rebellious world would be offered a way to You through Jesus Christ. He now offers comfort to those who mourn. We can testify to that. We do not have to walk about in sackcloth and ashes. You forgive us, we can know it so. Jesus offers the beauty of Your total forgiveness in the place of guilt and sin. We have Your indwelling love even when life is tough, heavy. We can praise You and have our spirit lifted because You are our shield, our glory and the lifter of our heads (Psalm 3:3).
We can be like righteous trees rooted and grounded in Christ, (Ephesians 3:17 KJV). Made beautiful in the glory of Christ. Even when we still live in a world or sin and rebellion. But today we have real hope realised in Jesus.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord God Almighty,
For family, friends, neighbours, to have their deepest needs met and their lives enriched.
For our church families to grow and blossom and extend to reach those who do not know You.
For the Royal family to know and trust You. For Charles to be healed and family rifts to be healed.
For the governments in the UK. England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Stability and Your leading.
For Your wisdom and purpose in decisions made by the international world Governments.
For Ukraine and Gaza permanent peace. Along with Yemen, Myanmar, North Korea, Chine, Sudan, Syria and other countries where there is war, aggression, oppression, dictatorship, slavery.
We pray for Israel that they would hear You at this time and make wise choices for peace.
For those going through tough times. Needing healing, employment, good mental health, help with broken relationships, freedom from addiction . . .
For families during the half term break. Grandparents who help child mind and rest for teachers. For the many churches and charities across this nation doing good and run by volunteers and donors.
For us and our needs to be met today. Practical, emotional or spiritual and to know Your provision.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 10th January 2024
All I I know is this scripture was put to music in 1984. I think that was when I learned it – along with the scripture. I hope the use of smart phones and the Bible on line does not stop young people having scripture in their memory.
He gave me beauty for ashes
The oil of joy for mourning
The garment of praise
For the spirit of heaviness
That we might be trees of righteousness
The planting of the Lord
That He might be glorified
Isaiah 61:3