“After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. Now this is how he did so. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael (who was from Cana in Galilee), the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of his were together. 3 Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.” “We will go with you,” they replied. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 When it was already very early morning, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 So Jesus said to them, “Children, you don’t have any fish, do you?” They replied, “No.” 6 He told them, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they threw the net, and were not able to pull it in because of the large number of fish.“ John 21:1-6 New Living Translation.
God,
God of the open spaces,
God of the windswept sea,
Lord of the lofty mountains,
I open my heart to Thee.
Sometimes, most mornings Lord, I find it hard to leave the comfort and warmth of my bed. Then I get caught up in teeth cleaning, dressing, breakfast and forget to say good morning to You! The words of Flora Larsson (Salvation Army) come to chide me! Best way to start my day. Opening my heart to You and picturing my favourite views of Your creation – the sea, the mountains. Their sight and smell! Then to picture He who was not created, Jesus, standing on the wet sand, patiently waiting and providing for His disciples.
Sometimes I feel like the disciples. Not sure what to do and and yet cannot be idle. So they did what they knew, together. There You were with them and for them. Help us to do what we can. Remind us it is not always about being a missionary, famous evangelist or doing great deeds. Sometimes it is about being a Christian right where we are. In whatever stage of life we are at. Being in harmony with others. And there You always are to guide and bless.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord God,
For our family, friends and neighbours. Thank You for answered prayer. We bring each one.
For our church fellowship. Ministers and all who serve. Healthy relationships and open hearts.
For the royal family. Healing. Well being, strength for those stepping in to cover engagements.
For our Parliament, county councils and local councils. Wisdom of Solomon. Raise up good men and women this summer ready to stand in general election.
For our local community, those who live near us and have their own challenges. Blessings.
For school teachers and staff and pupils good break and enthusiasm for coming term.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, places of conflict. End war and drive them in paths of peace.
For all those affected by the earthquake in Taiwan. Those seeking to help.
For fishermen around the world. Fishing for us who eat fish or to keep their family alive.
For all who make their living at sea. Who are away for months, years. For Lifeboat crews.
Thanks for marine life. Diversity of creation: singing whales, luminescent jellyfish, sea lions, . . .
For those who need encouragement and a faith building experience of Jesus.
For us a smooth and refreshing day and one to reflect how You are wait to greet us each morning.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 5th April 2024
Wonderful words, the chorus bursts out like a flower bursting into bloom.
Laura was driving down a mountain road, eyes fixed on the majesty of her Creator, when she started worshiping and singing, “Indescribable…uncontainable…You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name…”. She added verses later and finished the song while reading God’s own description of His power and might in Job Chapter 38.
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation’s revealing Your majesty
From the colours of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
Repeat chorus
Lyrics: Laura Story.
“Indescribable” was brought into churches around the world when Chris Tomlin recorded it. Laura didn’t think congregations would want to sing it in worship. But she later said, “It’s humbling and amazing. When I was looking for it, I couldn’t find it. When I just started worshiping, He blew me out of the water.”