“During harvest time, three of the thirty chief warriors came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 15 David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 16 So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord. 17 “Far be it from me, Lord, to do this!” he said. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it.”
2 Samuel 23:13-17 NIV
Our Father,
Last Monday I reread this passage of scripture as I had quoted it. It also came to mind again as I saw an advert for WaterAid (A charity dedicated to providing parasite free water). I was also thinking about how clean my tap water is for drinking with all these sewerage spills we hear of! I am sure the fresh well water in Jerusalem did taste better than from the skin water carriers of the day. And maybe David was remembering as a boy quenching his thirst where he was raised in Bethlehem.
Tastes, aromas can stir up happy memories. I wonder if the three were a bit miffed because he didn’t drink it after all their effort? David had a dilemma. Drink the water? But would look like he valued the water over his men and the risk they took? He decided to pour it out to God – to give thanks for their safe return. Three men, a trinity. A small witness of the lengths You would later go to to give us the water of life.
Thank You for the many things which trigger happy memories. Thank You for the things that remind us of the lengths You went to on our behalf. A glass of water reminds us You are the water of life poured out for us (John 4:14). Bread and wine remind us of the cost to Jesus(Luke 22:19). You, God paying the price while we were still Your enemies. Keep us drinking the water and pouring out our worship to You. We are never shut outside Your gates.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Our Father,
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 those charities providing clean water, pumps, purifiers and new wells near villages.
For the persecuted members of church in China. Provision, protection and purpose.
For water in places where there is drought. Both for people and livestock.
For those struggling with the frozen iciness underfoot.
For us to be filled with good thoughts and happy memories and enable our day to go smoothly.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 21st November 2024
Let Your living water flow over my soul
Let your Holy Spirit come and take control
Of every situation that has troubled my mind
All my cares and burdens on to you I roll
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Sing to the Father
Father, Father, Father
Holy Spirit
Spirit, Spirit, Spirit
Let your living water flow over my soul
Let your holy spirit come and take control
Of every situation that has troubled my mind
All my cares and burdens onto you I roll
Come now Holy Spirit and take control
Hold me in your loving arms and make me whole
Wipe away all doubt and fear and take my pride
Draw me to your love and keep me by your side
Give your life to Jesus, let Him fill your soul
Let Him take you in His arms and make you whole
As you give your life to Him, He’ll set you free
You will live and reign with Him eternally
Let your living water flow over my soul
Let your Holy spirit come and take control
Of every situation that has troubled my mind
All my cares and burdens onto you I roll
Lyrics: John Watson, Vinesong.