“For he is our peace, the one who made both groups into one and who destroyed the middle wall of partition, the hostility . . .” Ephesians 2:14 NET
Father of peace,
This tiny little verse speaks about God’s power to break down of walls of hostility. Back when it was written, it was hostility between Jews and gentiles. To reunite His people with His other people of creation. The church was having to learn to overcome prejudice and love each other. They came from different backgrounds and different cultures and were all having to learn to value and respect each other to live the Jesus way.
We can count to ten, meditate, have a cup of tea . . . But You are our real peace. Yet Father, I find myself wakeful on occasions and remembering words spoken or hurt or picky little things that have annoyed me. You never gave up on the disciples and You never once tried to get your own back, or bear grudges.
You tell us to keep our account short with God and with other people around us. Forgive others as You have forgiven us. Even if we cannot trust them. You even forgave from the cross. You do not keep account of all our faults to remind us of them. You were never sarcastic, unkind or argumentative. Your love is kind even when hard. You spoke the truth on occasions but in such a way it was for their good. Help us give up, hand over to You our hurt and irritation and unforgiveness and swop it for Your peace. Help us not take it up again.
Help us see when and how relationships can be made even better or mended. If they are harmful, help us to step aside with dignity.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father, God of peace,
For our family and friends. For all their needs today. To find ways to keep in touch and encourage.
For our neighbours and neighbourhood to prosper and grow. To care for each other.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. To be a place of living powerful peace in You..
For the royal family. For peace of mind, continuing healing, family support and unity.
For our Parliament. In a world of turmoil to be calm and hear Your leading, together.
For those waiting results of medical tests, results, interviews or outcomes.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, all places of conflict. Bring an end to war. Speak peace to stubborn hearts. Bless the peacemakers with power.
For those who find it hard to let go of anger, unforgiveness.
For good marriages and Your help in those that are struggling.
For our own needs and hopes today, both little and large. To put down our irritations.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 19th April 2024
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury, your pardon Lord
And where there is doubt true faith in You
Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness only light
And where there’s sadness ever joy
Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
It is in giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we are born to eternal life
Lyrics: Sebastian Temple