“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good thing you do or say.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NET
Father God,
Thank You for Your eternal comfort and positive hope. Good hope. I have never thought of hope being good can it be bad? I suppose it can be hollow? But Your hope will not disappoint us.
The Psalmist says “hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12) Yes, when hope is promised and is not kept, or never materialises, it is just words. It disappoints and can makes us sick.
Father, thank You that You are honest. You only promise and give us hope for those things which are certain. Your hope Father, does not disappoint us because Your love has been poured out in our hearts by Your Holy Spirit who You gave us (Romans 5:5). Remind us of the difference that the coming of Your Holy Spirit, to live in us, makes. As we approach celebrating Pentecost in two weeks. (Acts 2:4) help us remember You are still with us by Your Spirit. Pentecost, to the world is just a bank holiday week end. For us, Your indwelling Spirit of love, helps us ‘bears all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things’. (1 Corinthians 13:7). Hope brings light as the dawn brings day. Hope brings rest and restores the soul. We put our hope in You God.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,
For our family and friends. Restore their hope provide their needs. Feed their souls.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. Revive them and strengthen all who believe.
For the royal family. All generations to the very youngest.
For Ukraine, we plead for peace. An end to war. May it be Your will.
For Gaza, a good future and talks towards a peaceful way forward.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all places of conflict and Military oppression. Easing of persecutions.
For aid agencies and medical help in the midst of many countries turmoil. and danger.
For positive voices amidst all the negative. News of all the good things which happen daily.
For all those starting new jobs or moving house or undergoing disruption or change today.
For a day to notice all the things we can give You thanks for. For good health, mind, body and spirit.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 6th May 2024
Composed in 1985 in a stressful time in Daniel life. He was balancing full-time college, full-time worship leading at Zion Christian Church, and raising two daughters with his wife. Finishing his homework for a College composition class, he rushed to prepare music for evening service. “I felt so pressed by the hands of the clock, and I felt a real need for added energy. I knew it would help me if I would relax and wait on God. I sat down at the piano and began to play spontaneously to the Lord, as I often had done during such a time. As I was playing and singing, suddenly from my ear came, ‘My life is in You, Lord.’ The words and melody kept coming until the whole of a song was given to me.” (cited in Terry, 2008, p. 185).
My life is in You, Lord,
My strength is in You, Lord
My hope is in You, Lord
In You, it’s in You.
Repeat . . .
I will praise You with all of my heart.
I will praise You with all of my Strength
With all of my life, and all of my strength.
All of my hope is in You.
My life is in You, Lord,
My strength is in You, Lord
My hope is in You, Lord
In You, it’s in You.
Repeat . . .
Lyrics: Daniel Gardner