“The Lord is near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:5b-7 NIV
Lord and Father,
Anxiety. Worry starts in the head I believe, anxiety seems to affect the body too! In Philippians we are shown the opposite of anxiety is the God’s peace, guarding the mind and the heart. Anxiety threatens our good sleep, our sanity and can make us physically ill. We cannot get rid of it by trying not to think, by distraction ourselves or drugging it away. I know this! It often disrupts our behaviour so we are short-tempered, intolerant, irritable. I confess! Lord, You know us well. And sometimes it makes us work hard to hide it, to protect others, pretending we’re fine.
I have learned that You do not always remove the cause of our anxiety. We do not always have all the answers. But You offer to carry our anxiety and grant us heavenly peace. Paul says we should tell You God all about them even though You already know! But perhaps in speaking them out we can root them out of our deep places and give over our self sufficiency and worry to You.
Sometimes You change the situation and other times You carry us. Help us to bring all our anxiety to You. Even if we think it is small in comparison to others. Your care about everything that disrupts our peace. May Your Holy Spirit keep our hearts and minds safe, guarded and secure in You, in every situation.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord and Father,
For family, friends, neighbours, their urgent needs and future hopes and freedom from anxiety.
For our neighbours and the wider community where we live. To be open to the message of Easter.
For our church family each and every member and attender. Bless the lent groups as they study.
For the Royal family. Ongoing healing and opportunities for Harry to be reconciled.
For our government. Work in their hearts and minds with Your wisdom and peace.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle of peace. Change the hearts of both nations to desire peace.
For Gaza. A way forward to peace and living in peace. Help those delivering aid and medical help.
For a harvest of new people and believers to the churches this Easter.
For the NHS and all the specialist units. A&E, maternity, surgery, cancer . . . and the people who work in them. For their inner peace in mind, body and soul.
For the emergency services as they deal with trauma, accidents, and crime and violence. Keep their hearts at peace and restore them from the trauma of what they deal with.
We pray for those with murder or suicide in their hearts. In place of turmoil, dark and evil plant Your peace – and hope.
For us a day where anxiety is handed over to You. A day of Your reassurance, peace and company.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 11th March 2024
John Newton was ordained a curate of Olney Parish in Buckinghamshire, England after working as a sailor and slave trader. He organising spiritual gatherings during the week. Thursday afternoons for children, to explain the Scriptures to them in a simple way and in the evenings for adults.
He began to compose little bits of verse to be sung, to summarize the Scripture lessons. He was not a poet and did not pretend to be. He wanted to write for ordinary people. The hymn “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” was published under the title “The Name of Jesus.” It was based on Song of Solomon 1:3: “Your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you.”
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole
And calms the troubled breast;
’Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary, rest.
Dear Name! the Rock on which I build,
My Shield and Hiding Place,
My never-failing Treasury filled
With boundless stores of grace!
Jesus! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest, and King;
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.
Weak is the effort of my heart,
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see Thee as Thou art,
I’ll praise Thee as I ought.
Till then I would Thy love proclaim
With every fleeting breath,
And may the music of Thy name
Refresh my soul in death.
Lyrics: John Newton.