“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Colossians 4:5,6 NKJV
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15 NKJV
God of eternity,
Almost June, already. No not tomorrow 31 days in May! But Saturday. This year has flown by and yet we know that each day measures the same! You, God, talk about time in Paul’s letters to the churches in Colossae and Ephesus. You tell them and us to redeem the time. More recent Bible translations say “Making the most of opportunities” NET and “Make the most of every opportunity” NLT. Not that we should be Bible bashers, quoting scripture at everyone, all the time! But our days are still evil in 2024 and people still need You. Help us remind ourselves, and others that we can still trust and hope in You now and for the future.
I love the thought of seasoning our conversation with salt. I have a little salt grinder for cooking. I only use it to sparingly to bring out the taste or flavour. We need to always sprinkle Your grace in our speech! Your grace (love in Christ) is patient, kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Help us to speak like this – and when we can’t – to keep silent.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of endless love and grace,
For our family and friends and neighbours. Encourage each one and help us to speak lovingly.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Opportunity to share the wonders of Your love.
For the royal family. To be able to plan and execute their duties regardless of politics.
For our nation and Government. Be the God of our nation. Lead those who would stand.
Ukraine, show Your power for peace and disassemble this war. Turn Putin and His advisors.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Our hope is in You for a way to peace.
For families in half term, and child carers and for teachers to be rested and refreshed.
For the overseas missions we support to prosper and grow. Schools, orphanages, hospitals.
For missions who provide clean water, sanitation, help with agriculture and Bible teaching.
For those who enslave, bully, abuse. Help those who provide a way out, freedom and a new life.
For those who need healing and pain relief.
For us to let go of anxiety and be able to enjoy this new day in Your strength. Busy or alone.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 30th May 2024
This makes me smile because I am not an early morning person! And the blackbirds sing by my window at 5 am. But I can praise the Lord for a brand new day.
Morning has broken
like the first morning,
blackbird has spoken
like the first bird.
Praise for the singing!
Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing
fresh from the Word!
Sweet the rain’s new fall
sunlit from heaven,
like the first dewfall
on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness
of the wet garden,
sprung in completeness
where God’s feet pass.
Mine is the sunlight!
Mine is the morning
born of the one light
Eden saw play!
Praise with elation,
praise every morning,
God’s recreation
of the new day!
Lyrics: Eleanor Farjeon
This hymn was first published in 1931. Written by English author Eleanor Farjeon it was inspired by the village of Alfriston, East Sussex. It was added to Songs of Praise 1931 edition as there was need for a hymn to give thanks for each day.