“Who is wise? Let them realise these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”
Hosea 14:9 NIV
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV
Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
We sing forgive our foolish ways. Foolish ways? I occasionally say to myself, “What a fool.” when I do something wrong. But Hosea is not showing us a different way to do the same thing. He is summing up his whole book to tell us that here is only one way, God, Your way, to do the right thing. Hosea knows people always think they know better than You, Lord but they did and we can keep tripping up and stumbling.
Hosea is not talking about those of us who slip up, seek forgiveness and step out again forgiven. He is talking about those who will not accept and believe in You, God or who have given up or been offended by someone or something. Or do not like the idea of You showing them how to live. Many of us did not like to be told what to do! I remember a teacher who so terrified us that we did what she wanted before she even came in the class room!
But we have learned You are a wise, kind and faithful God. As generous as You are Holy. We are learning and indeed have learned that Your way is best. Lord You echo’s Hosea’s words in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. We know the power of the cross, the power of love through Christ and the wonder of walking with You. Direct our hearts minds and steps today. And help those who have a wrong concept of what You are like discover the truth.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
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, a good government now and after the election and a 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 police local and international. Who monitor and prevent terrorism and organised crime.
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 our mental heath service. Those who work with those whose needs are complex.
For answers to our own prayers and light to guide and comfort us even in the sunshine..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 25th May 2024
Day by day, day by day,
O, dear Lord, three things I pray:
to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly,
follow thee more nearly, day by day.
Day by day, day by day,
O, dear Lord, three things I pray:
To see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly,
follow thee more nearly, day by day,
by day, by day, by day.
This song is from the musical Godspell (based on parables from Matthews gospel).
But it originates from a13th-century prayer by the English Bishop, Saint Richard of Chichester ;
May I know Thee more clearly,
Love Thee more dearly,
Follow Thee more nearly.
It became the hymn “Day by Day” in 1940, in the Protestant Episcopal Church USA hymnal.
Matched with a new singable tune in 1970 for Godspell many thought it new.