“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.” Romans 1:8-10 NKJV
Wonderful God,
I do thank You for all of the faithful Christians around the world.
The book of Romans is full of wonderful truth about You. But in these verses I hear a man gushing with pride, excitement and encouragement. The early believers had been persecuted in Jerusalem and fled for their lives. Many to Rome, where they met together, kept and preached the gospel.
Paul bursts into thanksgiving because he has heard they not just survived but kept their faith and were sharing it with success. Not scared off or intimidated. Paul thanks God “through Jesus Christ”. Today we automatically end our prayers, through Jesus Christ. Almost like a ritual. But it reminds us that we have nothing apart from Christ.
Paul is excited to be able to pray for them. He can’t visit but he can pray, it is not a token gesture. He believes You answer prayer. Help us Lord to rejoice that there are places where the church is thriving and growing. Help us to pray. To give thanks for those who believe and pray for the lost to be found. For the prodigals to come home. Like Paul, keep us passionate.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Sovereign God,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church fellowship, ministers and Christian churches in the area. Revive us.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). World Kings, dictators and rulers.
For our town centres and area’s targeted for demonstrations. Lord disable evil intent.
For those who are able to speak peace and righteousness into difficult situations.
For Ukraine. Christians and their fellowships to grow. An end to war.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Solutions for peace.
For Myanmar church. Afghanistan, China. Other areas where church is persecuted.
For churches that need encouragement, restoration of faith and joy.
For Your gentle uplifting for those bowed down with worry or anxiety,
For us to find those moments in a busy day to be still and pray for others. Bless our sleep.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Wednesday 14th August 2024
A much sung hymn at the Billy Graham crusades.
To God be the glory, great things He hath done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our rapture, when Jesus we see.
Lyrics: Fanny Crosby