“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
God of comfort,
Comfort? Chocolate, a heated blanket in winter, a cool fan in summer, my own bed . . . visit of family or friends? Paul takes up this theme of comfort briefly in his letter to the Corinthians. He reminds them of his troubles (and he had plenty!) and acknowledges that they too have struggles and troubles. Becoming a Christian, a follower of Jesus does mean not being saved from trouble in the world. And the world has trouble. We have to live in it – this fallen world.
My parents were not big on comfort, Father God. They were busy working and I suspect their parents were not overly affectionate either. Being ill was an inconvenience. But friends showed me what You are really like. Hand delivering a meal when recovering ill health, words of prayer over the phone and tea and sympathy when sorrowful.
It is like a circle knowing Your comfort God, then comforting others, who then know Your comfort through us and go on to comfort others . . . a virtual circle which endlessly grows.
Thank You for comfort. Your comfort and the comfort offered us by others. We need each other as well as You. Help us to learn how to comfort others. We need Your promptings to tell us when and how.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of comfort,
For our family and friends and neighbours. For their needs and comfort when they need it.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. Comfort them as they serve in tough places.
For new and long established churches to grow in strength and numbers.
For the royal family. Comfort, heal and restore.
For all Kings and rulers to rule with kindness and comfort not oppress and dominate.
For Ukraine, we plead for peace. Miraculously change for the desires of Russia to be peace.
For Gaza, empower talks towards next steps and peaceful way forward.
For aid and medicine to reach all the areas where there is need across the Middle East.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all places of conflict and Military oppression. Peaceful changes.
For Nurses, counsellors, teachers, friends who console and give comfort at times of need.
For those disappointed, let down, bereaved, depressed who need comfort. Your arms of comfort.
For a day when You lift our spirits and smile into our hearts.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 11th May 2024
One Sunday in January 1994 Kelly came home after leading worship at his faith community and felt tired and down. He sat down at his piano and the song just started pouring out of his heart. He realized that he wanted to know Jesus more than he wanted to do more good works for Him, and somehow he had lost that connection with Him. When he spontaneously sang “I give it all up again to hear You say that I’m Your friend”, his heart melted. Kelly later rewrote this line to be “I lay it all down again…” which is how it’s known today.
Draw me close to you
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear you say that I’m your friend
You are my desire
No one else will do
‘Cause nothing else can take your place
To feel the warmth of your embrace
Help me find the way
Bring me back to you
You’re all I want
You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want
Help me know you are near
Lyrics: Kelly Carpenter, Vineyard worship pastor January 1994.