“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”” 1 Corinthians 1:27-31 NIV
Lord God,
Thank You. I cannot argue with that. Sometimes, I really am a foolish thing. That You chose us not according to what we have, what we look like or what we can do is beyond understanding. You know we are foolish! Your love for us in Christ Jesus is not fully comprehensible. Yet Christ gives us our righteousness (our right standing with You our creator), our holiness (as if we had never sinned), and our redemption (payment for our righteousness and holiness).
Now that’s something to pause and think about! And wisdom, we need Your wisdom.. Wisdom is not static and it does not always have to do with knowledge and learning. It is God centred. Though education is very valuable, it does not always make us wise . . . Hearing Your voice, once again telling me that You lead me into good decisions and the enemy pushes me into not so good ones. So I learn to stop and see if I am being led or pushed!
I remember times when pray has come first and things have been considered that no-one had thought about previously! Wisdom has come. Help us to seek Your Holy Spirit first and listening for HIs gentle, inspiring guidance. Thank you that in Christ Jesus we have the resources and guidance we need to make good choices – and Your present help when we have been foolish.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Lord God,
For family, friends, neighbours, hold them safe, send them the wisdom they need to have a good day.
For our church family and their needs today, those not well, those with family worries. Bless them.
For all the lent groups that are meeting across our community, nation and throughout the world!
For the Royal family. Healing physically, strength to serve and mending of broken relationships.
For our government. Amidst all the talk and speeches we pray Your gentle wisdom will be heard in their hearts focussing them on the truth, the good and doing their best.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle of peace. Have mercy. Bless and prosper those delivering aid and medical care.
For Gaza an end to all the killing, hostage taking and hate. Give desire for peace talks and help those trying to deliver aid to where it is needed.
For all those groups meeting together for lent. Bless those who do not fully understand yet, a revelation of Your Son, Jesus and the life they can have through Him.
For those who enable us the everyday luxuries. Those who keep our services running, water, electric, gas, council dustbin workers, farmers, parcel deliveries.
For us if we have to make decisions that You will give us wisdom. And we are grateful if we have a quiet day. Whatever the day holds we give thanks You are committed to being with us, in and through it.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 6th March 2024
Seems right to use the version sung by an Irish worship leader. See the story of the hymn below.
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one
Be thou my battle-shield, sword for the fight;
be thou my dignity, thou my delight,
thou my soul’s shelter, thou my high tower;
raise thou me Heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only first in my heart
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art
High King of heaven, after victory won
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Lyrics: Dallán Forgaill
This hymn is based on a Middle Irish poem most attributed to Dallán Forgaill, an early Christian Irish poet born in 530AD.
In 1905, nearly 1500 years later, the forgotten hymn re-emerged from the mists of time. Mary Byrne, a 25-year-old university student, discovered the 14th century copy of “Rop tú mo Baile” and translated it into English. In 1912, an Irish woman named Eleanor Hull set the words to music. The melody she set it to was none other than “Slane,” the medieval tune written in honor of St. Patrick. It first appeared in a hymnal in 1919.