Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be
Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.
Lyrics: Thomas Obadiah Chisholm
“Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.” John 21:7-14 NIV
God who came and loved us,
153 fishes. So exact a number. It reminds me that You, God do not do things slap dash or by chance. And who added them up? The fishermen? To show it was a miracle!? For me the number of fish can be a distraction from the real miracle. The risen Lord waiting for them, to serving them. The risen Lord waiting to give them their daily bread and encourage them. The risen Lord waiting to assure them that He was not dead, all they had learned was true and to give them hope for the future.
We wake up and start the day. Risen Lord, You are there waiting to greet us, feed us, encourage us. Love us. What a miracle. Help us to remember right at the start of our day. And to respond as Peter did, rushing to speak to You first. Even if it is only to say good morning my Lord, my King and my friend.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of miracles,
For our family, friends and neighbours. For Your joy God, and good health to greet them as they awake, along with the knowledge they are loved.
For our church fellowship. Ministers and all who serve and attend worship and mid week events.
For the royal family. Healing. Strength for those stepping in to cover engagements.
For our Parliament, county councils and local councils. Raise up good men and women this summer to stand in the next general election.
For our local community, those who live and work near us.
For school teachers and staff and pupils a good break and enthusiasm for next 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 give aid and help.
For those who do not have the security of daily bread or fresh water. Provide and send aid.
For us thank you for our daily bread. For all those who have toiled to provide.
Lord in Your name we pray, Amen.