Daily Prayer – Page 208

Wednesday 3rd April 2024

“Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee . . .

. . .Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” ¹¹So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. ¹²Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ¹³Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. ¹⁴This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.” John 21:1, 10-14 NIV

Father God,

Your resurrection appearances show you meeting the disciples where they were. It often involved eating. It was the meal, the breaking of bread and praying that enabled two disciples to recognise Jesus on the Emmaus Road (Luke 24:30-31).

For grieving fishermen to clear their heads and not sit idle, fishing was a natural outlet. Jesus went to meet them where they were. It is so easy to think Jesu is closer when we are reading the Bible, praying or in a service.

You showed us that being holy and wholly Yours is not just about spiritual feelings but about a living relationship. Jesus built relationships by spending time with people where they were often over a meal. Whether it was a small gathering like at Zacchaeus house ( 19:5), or many like the crowd of 5,000 (Matthew 14:18-21). He wants to be with us when we are relaxed as well as studying His Word.

As we bask in the celebration of Your resurrection, help us appreciate everyday life with You. Whether it be as we eat breakfast, talk to someone during the day or just hear the birds beginning their spring chorus. And to build good relationships with You Lord and others – perhaps over coffee and a biscuit or two . . .

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,

For our family, friends and neighbours. Healing, comfort, strength, joy . . . individual needs.
For our congregation and all Your churches to grow in new believers.
For the royal family for healing and strength for Charles and Kate as treatment continues.
For our nation, our Parliament, county councils and local councils. Wisdom of Solomon.
For our neighbourhood and its well being, good community and security from evil.
For those still on holiday – refreshment. Those who are back at work or have not had a break.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, places of conflict. End war drive them down paths of peace.
For our hospitals, chaplains and all staff: their well and healing for all patients.
For the multitude of unseen workers who keep our society safe and healthy . . .
For all the kind people who will do good today no matter how small.
For us a good day, upheld by You and lift our heads to see Your light in this world as well as the approaching spring.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 3rd April 2024

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares can destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord at the noon of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

Lyrics: Jan Struther (1901-1953)

As well as the creation of the character Mrs Miniver in a fortnightly column in The Times, Jan Struther is remembered for her many hymns for children, including “Lord of All Hopefulness”, “When a Knight Won His Spurs” and “Daisies are Our Silver”. These resulted from an approach by Canon Percy Dearmer of Westminster Abbey, Words Editor of the enlarged edition of Songs of Praise 1931. She was said to be an agnostic, although she did go to church!

Tuesday 2nd April 2024

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. ²¹Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”” John 20:19-21 NIV

Father,

How can we ever thank You for those first disciples who stuck together regardless of their fear and confusion. To think the whole church worldwide started with them. 11 disciples plus the faithful women and some friends of Jesus who had followed him. Not following like they do on social media just for the highlights and gossip. But because they grew to love and trust Your Son. A room of a few followers in Jerusalem leading to 2.4 billion believers worldwide today?! Well I am glad I do not have to count them.

Like me, when there is any trouble on my housing estate, Your followers were behind locked doors. And in the mist of their confusion and fear, Jesus came and appeared among them. Was it through the main door, from another room or did he just appear? We may never know! The disciples didn’t worry about that, they were just overjoyed. Filled with joy. He was dead and now He was alive. Silence or a million questions? Fall on your knees or jump about? I am a little jealous of them. But You said – how blessed are those who have not actually seen and yet believe (John 20:29) .

We too have those precious moments when we just know You are alive and we are aware of Your presence. Other times we just have to hold onto our faith. Keep us overjoyed, rejoicing, glad, believing, that You are alive, risen and always present in our hearts and with us. Even when we don’t feel it. And thank you for those faithful disciples round the world today who are building Your church.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of Peace,

For our family, friends and neighbours. For their and our daily needs, help and blessings.
For our congregation and all Your churches to know Your resurrection power, grow and show love.
For the royal family for healing and strength for Charles and Kate as treatment continues.
For our nation those in Parliament county councils and local councils.
For our neighbourhood and its well being, safety and good community service.
For those making decisions to know Your will and the best way forward for good.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar places of conflict. End to war paths to peace.
For our local hospitals, chaplains and all staff: their well being and healing for all patients.
For Your heavenly army to conquer the evil that drives men or women to murder or do harm.
For all the kind people who will do good today no matter how small.
For us to know Your presence today, whether to rest, work or do what is necessary today.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 2nd April 2024

Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before You,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Centre of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Lyrics: Henry van Dyke (1907)

Easter Monday 1st April 2024

“Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?” They all said, “Crucify him!”He asked, “Why? What wrong has he done?” But they shouted more insistently, “Crucify him!”When Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but that instead a riot was starting, he took some water, washed his hands before the crowd and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. You take care of it yourselves!” Matthew 27:22-24 NET

Lord God,

Getting together with family and friends especially those who are like minded and love You, God is priceless. Everything is better if it can be shared with those who care. And I am still aware of hand washing and not sneezing and coughing too near anyone – not because Covid is still about but spring colds seem to be abounding! It reminds me so vividly at this time of year of Pilate thoroughly washing his hands to try to wash off the responsibility he felt over Jesus. Thinking he could make himself unaffected and innocent again.

He could not and we cannot wash away our sin. Whether we haven’t done something we should have or have done something we wish we hadn’t.

Pilate may have spent the rest of his life regretting giving in to the crucify calls. He was even warned by his wife not to (Matthew 27:19). I wonder if he remembered every time he washed his hands? Every time I wash my hands I remember You wash my all. My past and my present. Pilate may have simply tried to put it all to the back of his mind. But it is still there! How wonderful that we have the gift of honesty, confession and forgiveness. ‘Not guilty’, stamped on all those things we are sorry for. You judge us and then remind us You paid the price, took the punishment and set us free. As we wash our hands free of germs keep us washed by Your redeeming love.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord God,

For our family, friends and neighbours. For their healing if needed, happiness and hopes.
For the royal family for healing and the knowledge they are in Your care.
For our nation to desire to continue being a Christian nation.
For all those facing operations, diagnosis and treatment. Your healing.
For those making decisions, to know Your will and the best way forward for good.
For Ukraine, Gaze, Sudan, Myanmar places of conflict. End to war paths to peace.
For those who have to make judgements in court. To know Your heart and the truth.
For Your heavenly army to conquer the evil that drives men or women to murder or do harm.
For Your church to know Your resurrection power and grow and show love.
For Easter Sunday joy to remain alive in us and lift us up.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 1st April 2024
An old hymn with old fashioned wording. But for those of us that understand – it has a profound meaning.

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you walking daily by the Saviour’s side?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;
There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,
O be washed in the blood of the Lamb!

Lyrics: Elisha Hoffman

Graduating from Union Seminary in Pennsylvania, Elisha was appointed in 1868 as a preacher. He worked in many churches and chapters in Cleveland and in Grafton USA in the 1880s. He also served with the Evangelical Association’s publishing division in Cleveland for eleven years. Through his lifetime, he penned more than 2,000 gospel songs including “Are You Washed in the Blood?” (1878) and “Leaning on the everlasting arms” (1894).