“The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. 14 For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. 15 Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. 16 The wind blows, and we are gone – as though we had never been here. 17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! 19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. 20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. 21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will!
22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord.” Psalm 103:13-22 NLT
Father God,
Teetering at the end of November and just before the world lets loose with all the materialism and sparkle it can, to advertise Christmas and the opportunity to spend. I do like lights and a bit of sparkle but not the endless adverts for things, food and excess. What if there was a simple advert to remind us to thank You, God, for Jesus and His birth? Or would some people be offended?!
Yes, we have had unusual warmth and then stormy cold and snow in November. And plenty of bad news around the world. But Your love, Lord remains, it does not rush on and away. it remains steadfast and sure. Minute by minute, day by day, year by year. Bringing reassurance that You, King and Lord, were willing to come and then sacrifice Yourself for us. You, who created and rules the universe, powerful beyond imagination. Holy and pure, yet tender and compassionate towards those who love You. And You first loved us (1 John 4:19).
David trusted in You, God, whose salvation extended to those who were faithful to Your covenant. We too trust in You through the new covenant with Jesus. He was the faithful one on our behalf. Your Son fulfilled the law, not just in letter but in word and deed. He was the only perfect sacrifice for our sin. There was and will be no other good enough. So on a wet, windy, cold or warm day in November, like David, we will sing Your praises, with all we are.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
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). Local Council.
For our Government, advisors, diplomats and ambassadors.
For Ukraine and Russia. An end.
For all the conflict in the Middle East to ceasefire and find an end to conflict.
For those who have known only danger and war in their young lives.
For those who are still cleaning up after disasters, Japans tsunami nuclear.
Those working to keep the oceans healthy and cleaning up rivers and lakes.
For us to rejoice in You, Ruler of all, who remembers we are vulnerable and weak and need You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 29th November 2024
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
To his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore his praises sing.
Praise Him, praise Him
Praise the everlasting King!
Praise him for his grace and favor
To his people in distress.
Praise him, still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Praise Him, praise Him
Glorious in his faithfulness!
Father like he tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame he knows.
In his hand he gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Praise Him, praise Him
Widely yet his mercy flows!
Angels, help us to adore him;
You behold him face to face.
Sun and moon, bow down before him,
Dwellers all in time and space.
Praise Him, praise Him
Praise with us the God of grace!
Lyrics: Henry Lyte