“For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 New Living Translation
Father God,
When we hear news of hostages released, even though we do not know them, we are relieved and overjoyed. And to know they will be restored to their families.
Father, I, we were hostages to sin. You planned from eternity and sent Jesus to be our rescuer. You paid the outstanding debt for my, our sin and led me, us to safety. To know You, the Light of the world (John 8:12) and be led into green pastures and by still waters (Psalm 23). To become part of Your family. You purchased my, our freedom at such a great cost. Help me, us to recognise darkness and avoid it and step out of it if we are tempted or misled (Luke 17:1). Not to wander where we can be taken hostage again.
Like hostages coming from fear and darkness it times to adjust. Thank you, that You, Father welcome us and give us a life time to adjust and learn about Your Kingdom. Loving all the damage of sin away. Help us to be kind to one another as we learn to grow good in You.
Most of all, thank You for rescuing us. As we walk through lent: help us to understand Your journey from glory to the grave, from the grave to glory. To understand the Good News and the difference it makes to us personally.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,
For our family, friends and neighbours. Those in particular who have health and family and personal needs.
For our church family. Our ministers and church leadership.
For the Royal family. Their health and well being.
For our government. House of commons, House of Lords, civil servants. Honesty, unity, respect.
Our prisons, prison chaplains. Youth justice system and al those involved.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle. End war and reunite families on both sides.
For Gaza. a way to end hostilities and broker peace. Medical and food aid for all who need.
For the many Christian charities and missions changing lives for good around the world.
For patience with ourselves and a day to do good and know freedom in Jesus.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 16th March 2024
“I don’t know how you feel right now, but I feel like there’s so much bad news in the world. Every time I turn on my TV, every time I look at my phone and see notifications that tell me there’s another tragedy or there’s something horrible going on. And it’s totally overwhelming. The gospel means “good news” And good news has a name: Jesus Christ. He came down from heaven to rescue each one of us. He came down to change our situations. He came down to lift us from the mud. Jesus is a rescuer and that’s why we wrote this song”. – Rend Collective
He’s our rescuer
He’s our rescuer
We are free from sin forevermore
Oh how sweet the sound
Oh how grace abounds
We will praise the Lord our rescuer
There is good news for the captive
Good news for the shamed
There is good news for the one who walked away
There is good news for the doubter
The one religion failed
For the Good Lord has come to seek and save
Chorus
He is beauty for the blind man
Riches for the poor
He is friendship for the one the world ignores
He is pasture for the weary
Rest for those who strive
Oh, the Good Lord is the way, the truth, the life
Yes, the Good Lord is the way, the truth, the life
Chorus
So come and be chainless
Come and be fearless
Come to the foot of Calvary
There is redemption
For every affliction
Here at the foot of Calvary
Repeat . . . So come and be . . .
Chorus
Lyrics: Rend Collective.