“For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
5 A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to search, and a time to give something up as lost; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
7 a time to rip, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak.
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
God of comfort and God of joy,
We are all different, whether by family genes, upbringing or our own particular characteristics. Some of us wear our hearts on our sleeves and some of us are stoic (endure pain or hardship without showing any feelings or complaining!). Some of us cry easily and some of us go quiet and dry eyed.
But Lord God none of us go through this life without times when we want to weep and times when we cannot help but laugh. Thank goodness for laughter! Times when we mourn and times when we feel like dancing. But then again some of us are more inhibited. Extroverts, introverts and all mixes in-between. There is no right or wrong.
The disciples panicked at the thought of having to find food for 5,000 hungry people (Matthew 14:16). And there must have been great joy after when all were fed and there was enough left over for them to eat! (Matthew 14:20). Jesus wept when he heard Lazarus had died (John 11:35). But joy when he called him forth alive. I cannot imagine Mary’s pain seeing Jesus crucified (John 19:25). But Sarah laughed when You, God promised Isaac a son in their old age (Genesis 18:12-15)!
We too laugh and cry and we too have You to be both our God in sorrow and Joy and all things in between. How sad when someone blames You for the sorrow and cannot accept Your help. Be our God in all circumstances and send the laughter along with the comfort.
In Jesus name we worship and pray, Amen.
God of comfort and God of joy,
For our family, friends, neighbours. Balm for sorrow, laughter for healing.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Joy amid the sorrow and hard work.
For the neighbourhood where we live and those who work and labour in it.
For the Royal family. A season of restored health and joy.
For our nation and future Government. Guide us into a government of good men and women.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Move those with power to make a way to peace.
For Ukraine, a move of Your Spirit to change hearts and end war, soon.
For our armed forces and the many duties they do peacekeeping around the world.
For the national Health service, our justice system and police force. Growing for the future.
For us to know You are with us whatever the day holds and to have laughter to lift our spirits.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 17th June 2024
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising
Give me joy in my heart, I pray
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising
Keep me praising ’til the end of day
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the King of kings
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna
Sing hosanna to the King
Give me peace in my heart, keep me resting
Give me peace in my heart, I pray
Give me peace in my heart, keep me resting
Keep me resting ’til the end of day
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving
Give me love in my heart, I pray
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving
Keep me serving ’til the end of day
Lyrics: Anon.