“Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil.” Jeremiah 13:23
Father of all creation,
I love wildlife programmes. Though I cannot watch the brutality of one animal killing another. Its a dilemma. I know it is the way it is now and they are trying to survive. But I long for the day when death will be no more. Will there be wildlife in glory? You did symbolically picture the wolf with the lamb (Genesis 11:6).
The Ethiopian is born with his beautiful skin and the leopard is born with its individual spot pattern. Neither needs or wants to change! But Jeremiah is saying who you are shows to God. He is trying to tell Your people in and around Jerusalem their spots of sin are so obvious and they live as if You made then that way!!! So You allowed invaders to come from the North and take them captive. They were so stubborn when they could have changed their sin spots for Your love and protection, they dug their heels in and refused to.
Are we ever blind to our sin spots, or stubborn in our ways? Holy Spirit we ask You to walk with us, teach us and show us how we can be ourselves but more like Jesus. Where we have those spots of selfishness or thoughtlessness help us exchange them for Your goodness and kindness. Thank you for Your endless patience.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father of all creation,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours. Miracles.
For our church fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For Paralympians, family and coaches and those supporting.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). The Royal family’s continuing health.
For Ukraine. May Your will be to end war, soon. Protect and bless Your church.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Peace, peace talks, an end to retaliation and hostage release.
For the autumn term at school starting and the staff and pupils.
For the House of Commons resitting.
For our overcrowded prison system, justice system and those who work in support organisations.
For a change of heart in those sentenced for rioting and violence and looting recently.
For those who have suffered bereavement and trauma from stabbings and murder recently.
For us to be aware of our own weaknesses and allow You to be our strength. To know You love us just as we are on the journey, we do not have to wait to be good enough.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 5th September 2024
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
Will you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I’ll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
Lyrics: John L. Bell & Graham Maule