“Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sin has been your downfall!” Hosea 14:1
“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger will turn away from them.
5 I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily, he will send down his roots like a cedar of Lebanon. 6 His young shoots will grow; his splendour will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. 7 People will reside again in his shade; they will plant and harvest grain in abundance. They will blossom like a vine, and his fame will be like the wine from Lebanon. Hosea: 14:4-7
Lord our God,
I remain with Hosea’s call. Your call echoing through eternity. Return to Me, the Lord Your God. Our sin was our downfall, it all started in a garden with a simple disobedience. A simple act that in itself did not seem wrong. Picking a piece of fruit and tasting it. But Your warned them. Then You sent Your people guidance in the form of 10 commandments. But men and women have thought they know better and have ignored Your warnings ever since!
You sent prophets and then You sent Son. They killed them and then Him too. You knew we would and yet He still came. Such love. So we too could be adopted, grafted into Your family like a branch grafted on Your vine. (John 15:1).
Like morning dew refreshes, refresh us with the water of life every morning. Help us blossom like creation with both the colour and the aroma of Christ. Help us develop the fruit of Your Spirit. Help us to have the beauty of Jesus living in us. Go before us into the lives of those we meet and help us to find ways to share Your love with those around us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord our God,
For our family and friends and neighbours. Healing, hope, happiness or just an uplifting day.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Encourage and renew them in love.
For the royal family. Thanksgiving and continued healing and help.
For our nation, good growth, good government, good management, positive way forward.
Ukraine, show Your power for peace and disassemble this war.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Pause, a time to talk, a time to not throw stones, talk peace.
For Bible translators and those who take Bibles where they are needed.
For our schools and those who help children diagnosed with learning disabilities.
For farmers and those who take care of the countryside and our protected nature areas.
For Your help today in our work, chores, must do’s and at home. Give us cause to smile.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 24th May 2024
A hymn I slip in again because I can and I never tire of it.
Wonderful grace that gives what I don’t deserve
Pays me what Christ has earned then lets me go free
Wonderful grace that gives me the time to change
Washes away the stain that once covered me
And all that I am I lay at the feet
Of the wonderful Saviour Who loves me
Wonderful love that held in the face of death
Breathed in it’s final breath forgiveness for me
Wonderful love whose power can break every chain
Giving us life again setting us free
And all that I am I lay at the feet
Of the wonderful Saviour Who loves me
John Pantry
CD: The Gifts of God Series, Grace, Mission Worship