“But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. 43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. 45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. 48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”” Luke 8:42-48 NKJV
Lord God,
It is a long time since I have been in crowds. Not done sales, queueing or busy places. The only time recently was getting on a train and I seriously almost shouted stop pushing please. Multitudes thronged Jesus. And He asked, “Who touched me?” The disciples hadn’t a clue. Could have been anyone. But Luke showed the compassion of Jesus, even when surrounded by people and on the way to the house of Jairus, an important man, whose daughter was gravely ill.
But Jesus stopped, not annoyed or irritated or cross. But because he wanted to speak to her, reassure her of her faith and healing. So how did He say, “Who touched me?” Loud, demanding or gentle and full of assurance? And once again I am reminded how gently You speak to me even when You are correcting me. You are God and like a good parent. Not like an earthly one who bids us be seen and not heard. You want to know us. To share Yourself with us. To allow us to touch You and be made whole.
Help us to continually reach out to You. To know You will meet our needs and respond to our faith. We are not just another one in the crowd, You know us right well and love us because of Your Son.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord God,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. Soften their hearts to allow You to speak and bless and guide those who know You.
For our church and all that happens there through the week to show Your love and care.
For our Government our King and Queen and all those who seek the best future for our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miracle ceasefire and an end to terror and war.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, for men and women to choose peace over endless war.
For those areas in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco that need it, to have provision for the winter.
For safety where there are fireworks and bonfires. For our fire service and emergency services.
For all those with long term illness and disability for strength, breakthroughs in medicine and Your joy and hope throughout the day. For those that care for them, blessings in return.
For ourselves, for all we need for today to make us smile – and maybe say something kind or do good for someone else.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 6th November 2023
Bless the Lord oh my soul, oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before, oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore