“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
God our Father,
I just wanted to linger another day on this beautiful verse. It is two thirds of the way through Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. And yet is almost like a summing up, an end, a conclusion. But it is not. I have noticed that where there are chapters full of teaching and corrections, for the readers, You inspire Paul to give little encouragement breaks! You know our attention is not very long and we need breaks to digest what we are reading and learning. And You know I, and in general we respond best to encouragement!
And this is a real encouragement break. A divine comfort break to breathe in and without adverts! Reminding us that You give us eternal comfort and hope to encouragement and strength us. To be able to stand in the present, look to the future not dwell in the past. We are encouraged, not that we have got something wrong, but how to stand (Ephesians 6:13) and then go forward forgiven and loved.
I love a well done. It makes me feel so good. Even if it is for something small. I love saying a simple well done to others. Seeing someone feel good about themselves. I love Your well done when I make that phone call or say that prayer or act upon something You are asking me to do. Make encouragement a natural part of my life.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father God,
For our family and friends. Restore their hope and grant them encouragement by Your Spirit.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. Encourage them and speak well done to them.
For new church plants to be encouraged and see Your hand at work among them.
For those newly elected locally to be encouraged to do good regardless of political parties.
For the royal family. Encourage King Charles and Princess Kate as they continue treatment.
For Ukraine, we plead for peace. An end to war. May it be Your will. Encourage peace moves.
For Gaza, a good future and talks towards a peaceful way forward. Encourage peace.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all places of conflict and Military oppression. Encourage mercy.
For positive voices amidst all the negative. News of all the good things which happen daily.
For teachers to encourage their pupils and parents their children to flourish and know You.
For all those starting new jobs or moving house or undergoing disruption or change today.
For us to be encouraged. To find time to remember and give thanks for those who encouraged us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 7th may 2024
Worship from a Northern Ireland worship leader.
My hope is in the Lord,
Who has renewed my strength,
When everything seems senseless,
My hope is still in Him
Who has made heaven and earth,
And things seen and unseen.
Whatever shade of passing day
My hope is still in Him.
My hope is in You Lord,
My hope is in You Lord,
My hope is in You Lord.
For I know that my eyes shall see You,
In the latter days to come
When You stand on this earth,
With my lips I will confess
That the hope of my heart is come,
That the hope of my heart is come,
Lyrics: Robin Mark