“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Deuteronomy:8:2,3 NIV
God Omniscient (all knowing),
You knew what You had taken on creating man and woman. Though we are sometimes under the circumstances, hindered by circumstances and sometimes confused. You are not. You are God and are working Your purposes out. You tried to teach You people to depend on You in all their circumstances. To come to You first for help and direction. But they often preferred to dwell on their need, grumble or blame You. All You wanted them to do was ask You for help, first. And now knowing Jesus You desire us to do the same. Be our first thought, first port of call, first on prayer speed dial!
Today You are still working Your purposes out. We are still dealing with circumstances and often confused But one day You will fill the earth with the Glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14). But until You come again remind us there are over 2 billion of Your adopted children in Christ worshipping with us and the number is growing.
We are humbled at Your unconditionally love, forgive us absolutely and providing for us daily. Like a pupil with a teacher, an apprentice with an artisan, a child with a Father. (Alas not all of us had fathers we knew or were close to, help us see past that). Keep us willing to ask when we need help and not be afraid to ask for miracles. You are a generous God.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father God,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our fellowship and congregation members, our ministers, servers, wardens.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government, advisors, diplomats and ambassadors.
For Ukraine and Russia. We will not stop asking for an end to war Lord God almighty.
For Israel, Lebanon, the Middle East. Countries in conflict. Your purposes override those of man.
For the persecuted members of church in China. Provision, protection and purpose.
For grumblers to see all the good in their lives, to look up and know Your love.
For all the new Christians to have Your Spirit to keep them safe and friends to encourage them.
For our local community and schools and hospitals and charities. To do much good and kindness.
For us to know when we turn to You You are there and with us in a tangible way. Moments of glory in amongst the daily chore.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 20th November 2024
As she prays at the end of the singing add prayers for the children and young people you know.
Prayer gently lifts me to highest Heaven,
From Earth’s confusion to Jesus’ breast;
My sin and weakness, my doubt and sorrow,
Are lost forever in sweetest rest.
Colonel Hal Beckett (Salvation Army)wrote the chorus while in charge of The Salvation Army’s work in Iceland and the Faeroe Islands. He and his wife also establishing corps (churches) and children’s homes in China from 1917 to 1924. By 1928 there were 84 centres in China. However, political conflict saw The Salvation Army expelled from China in 1951.
The Chinese Christians left behind shared their faith. Today more laws make it increasingly difficult for the church to use the Internet and meet together, but the church has seen astonishing growth despite pressure and persecution.