“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:1-4 NKJV
God who made heaven and earth,
This is one of those Psalms Lord I remember when I awake in the night and cannot get back to sleep! But like with many hymns I can remember the first half easily but struggle with the second half! It is also my go to scripture when I want to counter those who worship creation and not the creator. Stood on the top of a lake district Crag , the Malvern Hills, Snowdonia or even Mow Cop I marvel at the amazing views, the wonder of creation, but more so at the wonder of Your love who formed them. The children of Israel felt that high places were somehow more Holy. But we are not closer to You, God – just more apart from the noise of mankind.
Sometimes we feel church is the place to meet You. Perhaps that too is a place where we can escape from the noise of mankind. The true wonder is that Jesus showed us that we have You, God, available personally through Your Holy Spirit, wherever we are. You are not some idol limited to Your temple. Our help comes from You, who is, who was and always will be creator of the world, the Saviour of the word and the one who gives us limitless love. You are not part of creation, You made it.
We worship and thank You, You who never slumbers or sleeps but is always there for us. Specially when we wake in the night.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God who made heaven and earth,
For family, friends, neighbours, to have their hopes met and health, strength and peace.
For our church families to grow and reach out beyond the walls.
For the Royal family to know and trust You. For Charles treatment to go well and not be unpleasant. For Prince William, Princess Anne and Queen Camilla as they take on his duties.
For our government and MPs and their families.
For Your wisdom in decisions made by international world Governments. For the USA and their future leadership to be for good.
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 who suffer from lack of sleep, the inability to sleep or broken sleep. Make up the rest to their bodies and their minds.
For all the volunteers who make life better at food banks, on phone help lines, helping neighbours and supporting the vulnerable.
For us, a day of rest and perhaps company and smiles? Remind us as the snowdrops break through that spring will surely come and we do not have to wait for You. You are here now.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 11th January 2024
I have not heard this for many years possibly back in the 1990’s? But I love it.
I lift my eyes up, to the mountains
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from You
Maker of heaven, Creator of the earth
Repeat . . .
Oh how I need you Lord
You are my only hope
You’re my only prayer
So I will wait for you
to come and rescue me
Come and give me life
Lyrics: Brian Doerkson and Psalm 121.