Saturday 6th January 2024

“Yes, you who trust him (Jesus) recognise the honour God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” 8 And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:7-9 New Living Translation

Honourable God,

Thank You that we did not trip and fall into this year. We did not come stumbling into it relying on ourselves. Frantically hoping to try harder. Like Hannah in 1 Samuel 2:2 we know, “There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.” And we are Yours.

In the winter winds and storms we are glad and grateful our houses are built well. (And we pray for those flooded out). But we are so much more grateful that You are our certain foundation and the cornerstone who keeps us in life’s rough weather.. The Kingdom of Heaven is secure eternally. You have kept Your church, which has Jesus as its foundation, from collapse and grown it for over 2000 years.. Whatever nation we live in we are part of Your Holy nation. Belonging to You, together, Your beloved possession.

We may not always feel it but it is true. We step daily into You. Not alone in darkness, pessimism or dread but in Your presence and light. Help us to step bravely and securely hand in hand with You. Keep us walking in the light so we can show others Your goodness and discover all the good that this year holds for us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggested for prayer
Honourable God,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. So many faces come to mind and so many hopes and desires. Hear and answer their individual needs.
For our church fellowships, ministers, church officials, congregations. Grow and enrich them.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families.
Our government for You to be in all that happens this year for good..
For Ukraine and a withdrawal of Russian troops. Peace and an end to oppression.
For all areas where there is war, military oppression and civil war. For peace and a new way forward. Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For those working to protect and help species threatened by extinction and loss of habitat.
For the farmers who are replanting hedges and leaving wildlife strips of land.
For our NHS. Every part of it, every employee and the ambulance services. For its future.
For winter rest for the land even though we do not always enjoy the cold and wet.
For those flooded out at home or business and those struggling to clear roads, railway lines.
For ourselves a day of good conversations that cheer us and the sound of Your encouragement in our hearts.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 6th January 2024

We are marching in the light of God,
We are marching in the light of God.
(Repeat)
We are marching, marching,
We are marching, marching,
We are marching in the light of God.
(Repeat)

We are living in the love of God,
We are living in the love of God,
(Repeat)
We are living, living,
We are living, living,
We are living in the love of God,
(Repeat)

We are moving in the power of God,
We are moving in the power of God,
(Repeat)
We are moving, moving,
We are moving, moving,
We are moving in the power of God.
(Repeat)

And we are marching, marching,
We are marching, marching,
We are marching in the light of God.
(Repeat)

Lyrics: Siyahamba (written down by Andries Van Tonder, and possibly composed by him, or possibly a Zulu folk song) is a South African hymn that became popular in North American churches in the 1990s. Translated as “We Are Marching” or “We are Walking” from the Zulu language.



Friday 5th January 2024

“God said, “Let the water swarm with swarms of living creatures and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” 21 God created the great sea creatures and every living and moving thing with which the water swarmed, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.” 23 There was evening, and there was morning, a fifth day.” Genesis 1:20-23 NET

God of creativity,

The sparrows and blue tits are on the bird feeders, the starlings are hoovering the lawn of worms and the fat wood pigeon’s are picking up all the sparrows drop in their squabbling! And though we are still damp and wet we are grateful there is no ice underfoot!

Dog walkers and those walking off all the Christmas indulgences are in abundance between showers. We are enjoying not an early spring but a mild winter knowing cold could come at any time! Some things cannot be predicted or come in the same order.

You created all things in order: light, water and land, vegetation, night and day, living things, and finally mankind. Today is a good day, whatever the weather, to give thanks for the earth, and all that lives on it. Even those things we don’t love or like earwigs and spiders?

We cannot imagine a world where there was just one species of bird, one variety of fish, one kind of animal! They are still discovering new species even after thousands of years. And man? Each one of us absolutely individual. We never cease to wonder at a new born baby, each one as individual as snowflakes, even if there are glimpses of a parents nose, ears or eyes. And the wonder of identical twins, but always with individual personalities!

We praise You for the breadth of Your creativity and the breath You give to every living, moving thing. This day, this year, help us to rediscover our sense of wonder at creation, to not take any of it for granted and do our bit to keep it good and unpolluted.

In Jesus name we give thanks, Amen.

Suggested for prayer:
God of the open spaces,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their hopes and needs for this year. That those who do not believe will know You and Your Son and find faith this year.
For our church fellowships and those who need Your healing touch and encouragement.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families.
For our churches and ministers and those who work tirelessly to serve with hands or prayers.
For Ukraine and a withdrawal of Russian troops. A way to peace and an end to oppression.
For all areas where there is war and oppression. For peace and a new way forward. For Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For those working to protect and help species threatened by extinction and loss of habitat.
For the farmers who are replanting hedges and leaving wildlife strips of land.
For those working to help keep our oceans and rivers clean.
For winter rest for the land even though we do not always enjoy the cold and wet.
For ourselves we bring our own personal needs for today, this week and this year.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 5th January 2024
 It was a vocal Version of the famous “Ode to Joy” melody of the final movement of Beethoven’s final symphony No 9. Below the lyrics is the authors opinion of the hymn in 1907 and I agree in 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 Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Centre of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Singing 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.

Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Draws us through the Son of man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us onward
In the triumph song of life.

Lyrics: Henry van Dyke

In 1907, Van Dyke wrote of this hymn:
These verses are a simple expressions of common Christian feelings and desires in this present time—hymns of today that may be sung together by people who know the thought of the age, and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy religion, or any revolution on earth overthrow the kingdom of heaven. Therefore this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope.

Thursday 4th January 2024

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was without shape and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the watery deep, but the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water.” Genesis 1:1 NET

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. 2 The Word was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5 And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it.”
John 1:1-5 NET

God who is,

People seem to have taken their decorations down early this year and the streets look all dark again. And the rainy skies have been dark and oppressive. I wonder Lord, when the rain clouds first appeared? Was it in the garden of Eden or after Adam and Eve were sent out from there?

Thank You for the times the clouds clear and we glimpse blue. And for the rainbows I have seen brightening up the sky. You are still here reminding us that the light of Your love never stops shining. In the beginning there was You, the Word, and Your Spirit was moving . . . You were complete in harmony, character and purpose.

In a changing world we are grateful for the truth that does not change. Giving us solid ground to stand on. Your Truth to believe in and You, a God on the throne who is working Your purposes out for our good.

Now, is always a good time to praise You. You who was , and is, and is to come. Who will ever be our light, who lights up our faith on dark days. And when we see something creative or look at the cross we can hear You say, I did that for You. For me. (Just think of that!) And I worship You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In Jesus name we give thanks, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who always will be,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their hopes and prayers. For the many different blessings they need today.
For our church fellowships and all those who are touched by its worship, midweek meetings and clubs.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families.
For our government and the hearts of those who serve there to be selfless and dedicated.
For Ukraine and a withdrawal of Russian troops. The miracle of peace. An end to war.
For all areas where there is war and oppression. For peace and a new way forward. For Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For our NHS and all who work in medicine, research or treatment.
For those in prison. Bless the work of the Chaplains.
With thanks for all the good that people do every day, above and beyond, for neighbours and charities.
For ourselves and our needs and to give You our thanks for Jesus.

Thank You for all the good and beauty we see and have in our lives.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 4th January 2024

Who paints the skies into glorious day?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Who breathes His life into fists of clay?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Who shapes the valleys and brings the rain?
Only the splendour of Jesus.
Who makes the desert to live again?
Only the splendour of Jesus.

Teach every nation His marvellous ways;
Each generation shall sing His praise.
He is wonderful, He is glorious,
Clothed in righteousness,
Full of tenderness.
Come and worship Him,
He’s the Prince of life,
He will cleanse our hearts
In His river of fire.

Who hears the cry of the barren one?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Who breaks the curse of the heart of stone?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Who storms the prison and sets men free?
Only the mercy of Jesus.
Purchasing souls for eternity?
Only the mercy of Jesus.