“Joseph could stand it no longer. There were many people in the room, and he said to his attendants, “Out, all of you!” So he was alone with his brothers when he told them who he was. 2 Then he broke down and wept. He wept so loudly the Egyptians could hear him, and word of it quickly carried to Pharaoh’s palace. 3 “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them. 4 “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. 5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.” Genesis 45:1-5 NLT
Father God,
After reading all the comings and goings, till Joseph got all the brothers to come to Egypt, I still shed a tear of joy at the reunion. And that Joseph is so overwhelmed with love and affection after all he has been through. To be able to now serve them and see His Father again. No malice at all.
I know sometimes I allow my earthly feelings to dampen my love for others. We are made weak and helpless sometimes by our emotions. And it is no use denying them! Father we are easily distracted and offended. Help us to put our feelings aside, like Joseph put the unnecessary people out of the room. The just confused and interfered with the reunion.
Help us come to You today and on Sunday’s to communion and worship with a heart to love and forgive as we remember Your shed blood and broken body. You know the things we need to forgive. It is not as easy to remove the memories. Help us to gently search and then allow You to cleanse our hearts (Psalm 51:10) and renew our minds (Romans 12:2). And praise You, God, from whom all blessings flow. Unforgiveness just eats away and harms us. You will be their judge and ours.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 17th January 2024
There is a musical introduction – just let it settle you to pray this worship . . .
Holy Spirit, living breath of God
Breathe new life into my willing soul
Bring the presence of the risen Lord
To renew my heart and make me whole
Cause Your Word to come alive in me
Give me faith for what I cannot see
Give me passion for Your purity
Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me
Holy Spirit, come abide within
May Your joy be seen in all I do
Love enough to cover every sin
In each thought and deed and attitude
Kindness to the greatest and the least
Gentleness that sows the path of peace
Turn my strivings into works of grace
Breath of God, show Christ in all I do
Holy Spirit, from creation’s birth
Giving life to all that God has made
Show Your power once again on earth
Cause Your church to hunger for your ways
Let the fragrance of our prayers arise
Lead us on the road of sacrifice
That in unity the face of Christ
Will be clear for all the world to see
Lyrics: Keith Getty and Stuart Townend