“But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13 NET
God who is and always will be,
“Before the mountains were born, or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.” (Psalm 92:2) We join the Psalmist to acknowledge that You are the God of eternity. Many people believe there must have been a greater being that made the universe and yet are not interested in finding who, or checking out You! I remember finding being told there was no Santa Claus. I searched for evidence for and to the contrary before I made up my mind! Perhaps it is me that needs to test things to prove they are true!
In Christ Jesus I, we who believe, have the evidence that You not only exist but we can know You. Not just Your intent and Your commitment to us but who You are and what You are like. You are not a God we remember just with stories about Christmas and Easter but a living God who draws near and becomes a friend. We can more than believe in You (excuse grammar!) we can know You through Your Word, be held, loved and indwelt by Your Spirit. Without any fear of You, a universe creating Almighty Holy God. Because of the love of Christ, Your Son.
Help us to draw near to You – always. To remember You loved us so much You sent Christ to shed His blood for us. To give thanks, always. To remember You are the creator, our Creator and beyond our imagination always. Awesome in majesty and yet drawing near to give us Your love, always.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who is and always will be,
For family, friends, neighbours, let them see Your goodness in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).
We pray for our neighbours. Those we know and those we don’t. All have needs, hurts and worries.
Bless our church family and help it to be the best it can be. Bless the lent groups as they study.
For the Royal family. King Charles treatment success, Kates recovery and family privacy.
For our government. For both the members in the commons and the titled in the lords.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle of peace. Thwart Russia and war at every pass.
For Gaza. Give success to calls for peace talks. Help those delivering aid to where it is needed.
For a harvest of new people and believers to the churches this Easter.
For support agencies and volunteer groups across the UK. Inspire a new generation of volunteers.
For victims of crimes, scams, bullying. For those involved a change of heart or capture or both.
For us a day of worship, rejoicing even amid the normal activities of a Sunday routine. Whether we take communion or not to remember the old rugged cross, the empty tomb and the risen Christ.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 10th March 2024
Kelly had been leading worship and pastoring the worship ministry at his church for two years. He was under pressure leading and pastoring. Confident musically, he felt green in worship and people leadership. He got so busy, that his personal connection with God suffered.
One Sunday, January 1994 Kelly came home after leading worship and felt tired and down. He sat at the piano and a song just started pouring out of his heart. Kelly realized that he wanted to know Jesus more than do good works for him. Somehow he had lost connection with Jesus. He spontaneously sang “I give it all up again to hear you say that I’m your friend”, and his heart melted. He later rewrote this line to be “I lay it all down again…” which is how it’s known today.
You’re all I want
You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want
Help me know you are near
Draw me close to you
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear you say that I’m your friend
You are my desire
No one else will do
‘Cause nothing else can take your place
To feel the warmth of your embrace
Help me find the way
Bring me back to you
Lyrics: Kelly Carpenter, Vineyard worship pastor, 1994.