But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV
God who rules over all,
In Your Word we read about Jesus going about his life as usual. Not complaining, not overwhelmed with fear or self sympathy. He is focused and expecting You, His heavenly Father to plan, purpose and provide for Him. You remind us that people who love and desire things other than, and over You, do not do well eternally to say the least. Rich men (lovers of money more than You God) cannot pass through eye of a needle. If something else is loved, relied on more, it pushes You out.
Jesus spent HIs life serving and He loved and treasured people. Regardless of their sickness, confusion and sin. Preparing everything for the disciples future. For the birth of the church and the pouring out of Your Spirit. Even seeing forward to our future, to now. So that we could have life through Him.
If we seek a relationship with You first, as King and our Lord, You add all the things of Your Kingdom to us. Grace, peace, love a sure future . . . Help us not to let the love of anything else take Your place so we can live in Your Kingdom.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who rules over all,
For our family and friends. Each one with their own need and concerns. Send joy today too.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. Unity and enthusiasm for faith and worship.
For the royal family. For continued healing and family unity.
For our Parliament. We pray You will take out and bring in the right people for this time in history.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, all places of conflict. Bring them to the end to war. Speak peace to hard hearts. Bless peacemakers with power.
For our emergency services. Local charities. Food banks.
For farmers trying to plant amidst wet fields and mud.
For our needs today, take our worries and concerns and bless us with all we need.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 23rd April 2024
This was written in 1971 by Karen Lafferty, inspired by a Bible study on the verse “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33) at Calvary Chapel. It become one of the most well-known praise chorus’s and entered in many recent hymnals. The original version only included a single verse with a refrain of alleluias, which was sometimes sung as a round. The other verses, of anonymous authorship, were added based on Matthew 7:7 and Matthew 4:4.
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
Ask, and it shall be given unto you;
Seek, and you shall find.
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
You shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds out from the mouth of God.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
And if the Son shall set you free
Ye shall be free indeed
Ye shall know the truth, and it shall set you free
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart
He shall direct thy paths
In all thy ways acknowledge Him
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
Lyrics and music by Karen Lafferty.