“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”” John 20:19-21 NIV
Father,
How can we ever thank You for those first disciples who stuck together regardless of their fear and confusion. To think the whole church worldwide started with them. 11 disciples plus the faithful women and some friends of Jesus who had followed him. Not following like they do on social media just for the highlights and gossip. But because they grew to love and trust Your Son. A room of a few followers in Jerusalem leading to 2.4 billion believers worldwide today?! Well I am glad I do not have to count them.
Like me, when there is any trouble on my housing estate, Your followers were behind locked doors. And in the mist of their confusion and fear, Jesus came and appeared among them. Was it through the main door, from another room or did he just appear? We may never know! The disciples didn’t worry about that, they were just overjoyed. Filled with joy. He was dead and now He was alive. Silence or a million questions? Fall on your knees or jump about? I am a little jealous of them. But You said – how blessed are those who have not actually seen and yet believe (John 20:29) .
We too have those precious moments when we just know You are alive and we are aware of Your presence. Other times we just have to hold onto our faith. Keep us overjoyed, rejoicing, glad, believing, that You are alive, risen and always present in our hearts and with us. Even when we don’t feel it. And thank you for those faithful disciples round the world today who are building Your church.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of Peace,
For our family, friends and neighbours. For their and our daily needs, help and blessings.
For our congregation and all Your churches to know Your resurrection power, grow and show love.
For the royal family for healing and strength for Charles and Kate as treatment continues.
For our nation those in Parliament county councils and local councils.
For our neighbourhood and its well being, safety and good community service.
For those making decisions to know Your will and the best way forward for good.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar places of conflict. End to war paths to peace.
For our local hospitals, chaplains and all staff: their well being and healing for all patients.
For Your heavenly army to conquer the evil that drives men or women to murder or do harm.
For all the kind people who will do good today no matter how small.
For us to know Your presence today, whether to rest, work or do what is necessary today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 2nd April 2024
Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before You,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
All Thy works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Centre of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
Lyrics: Henry van Dyke (1907)