Monday 1st January 2024

“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” Luke 2:21

“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:19-23 NIV

God of the years and the suddenly,

Suddenly it is 2024! We worship You, our God who was, who is and is yet to come (Revelation 1:8). For You a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day! (2 Peter 3:8). Because You are in and outside of time. And You never change. Great is Thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:23), Your love is from everlasting to everlasting to those who fear You (Psalm 103:17). God of judgement – and mercy.

Jesus, the earthly name You told Joseph and Mary before He was born (Matthew 1:21, Luke 1:31).Derived from the Hebrew Yeshua/Y’shua, (Hebrew: ישע‎), meaning “to deliver; to rescue.” The Old Testament shows It took generations for deliverance to come in the person of Jesus. But it takes only a suddenly of God for Jesus to deliver a repentant heart free from sin!

It took centuries of prophecy promising a Saviour and then a suddenly for Mary to be expectant. suddenly angels in fields and suddenly a new star to guide. You suddenly sent Joseph, Mary and Jesus to Egypt. Promising not to leave them there. It did not take 40 years as with their forefathers! Suddenly it was safe to return.

Father we go through times when You seem silent and we just do what is before us. You have not left us. You speak when we need direction. Suddenly you give the next step. Help us be reassured even in the silence. To wait and still be listening. (Like the wise virgins Matthew 25:1-13). Help us to recognise when You speak suddenly and just do as You say.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer
God of the suddenly,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families.
For all areas where there is war and oppression to have peace and a new way forward. For Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Ukraine, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . . .
For refugees everywhere. Those confined in camps. Those on route from danger, war and oppression. Those who are refugees from abusive relationships and slavery even here.
For those who have had a difficult, sad or troubled year. For hope and comfort and a way forward.
For Your church and the plans for the year ahead,
For the NHS, children’s services, the emergency services and all those that keep our society safe, functioning and give help.
For ourselves, that we would worship You for Your faithfulness, Your constant provision and a new year to step into with You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 1st January 2024
God is able to send the suddenly’s, do powerful miracles and yet be gentle and love. God is not asleep or Christmas past – He is.


The suddenly of God
A sound from heaven
The government of God
Coming to earth
A holy tornado
Extraordinary power
Like a violent wind
A violent love filling the air…

Realms of glory
Lord I long to see…
Realms of glory
Lord I long to see…
A holy wild fire
Extraordinary power
Like a violent wind
A violent love filling the air…

Godfrey Birtill
CD: Godfrey Birtill, Very God, Kingsway Music

Sunday 31st December 2023

“Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they travelled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:41-52

God of 2023,

Tonight we will see out the old year and see in a new one. Some people will try to make resolutions to drastically change. We come to seek You because we know that trying harder is not the answer. We need to come to You daily, simply asking You to refine our hearts and direct our paths.

Thank you for giving us this glimpse in the Bible of how Jesus just like us, had to grow up. He did not suddenly becoming the wonder working Jesus – healing the sick, discipling fishermen, confronting hypocrisy and facing corrupt rulers. He grew daily in wisdom and stature. Help us grow daily.

You know our faults, failings and weakness. And we want to be more like Jesus and grow daily in wisdom and stature. Holy Spirit, help us grow at our own speed and retain Your wisdom. Thank you for the times You gently correct and guide us.

Thank You that it is not a matter of trying harder and harder and harder . . . and beating ourselves up when we fail. We choose Your way and accept Your forgiveness for our imperfections as we grow. We look forward to a year with You and all it holds. May Your favour rest on us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of 2024,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families. Our nation.
For all areas where there is war and oppression to have peace and a new way forward. For Gaza and the Middle East, Ukraine, Afghanistan, North Korea.
For refugees everywhere. Those who have been in camps for years. Those becoming refugees from danger, war and oppression. Those who are refugees from abusive relationships and slavery here.
For Your church that spreads the Good News and its hand of help to those who need it all around the world.
For children in countries where they are not valued and are used and abused. For change to come. For miracles and help for those that seek to help and care for them.
For ourselves, that we would give thanks and remember the good things of 2023 and trust in You for 2024.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 31st December 2023
This worship says it all for me.


Empty handed
That is how he wanted me
He commanded
I left my own plans at his feet
‘Till I had nothing
Nothing of my own
Then he filled my life
To overflowing (overflowing)

Oh how I wanted
To be godly
All the things I planned
That I would do for good
But my life was so full
With plans of my own
That I couldn’t see
The gifts he had for me

Empty handed
That is how he wanted me
He commanded
I left my own plans at his feet
‘Till I had nothing (I had nothing of my own)
Nothing of my own (until he filled my life)
Then he filled my life
To overflowing

Dadada dadadada

He lived among us
And never owned much
And he laid aside his life
To God’s will
And all we ever put in his hands
Was the cross he bore and the nails that tore

I’m empty handed
That is how he wanted me
He commanded
I left my own plans at his feet
‘Till I had nothing
Nothing of my own
Then he filled my life
To overflowing

Yes empty handed
That is how he wanted me
He commanded
I left my own plans at his feet
‘Till I had nothing
Nothing of my own
Then he filled my life
To overflowing

Oh yes he fill your life to overflowing

John Pantry
CD: John Pantry, The Best of John Pantry, ICC.

Saturday 30th December 2023

“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marvelled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:22-38 NIV

God of consolation,

Beginnings and endings, and we approach the birth of the new year. We remember the beginnings of Jesus who would be the the firstborn of the dead (Colossians 1:18). Two doves sacrificed to consecrate Him according to the law. He went on to fulfill the law. And we worship You knowing there is now no veil of the law to separate us from You, the end to endless sacrifices for sin. No priests to go through. We can begin to worship You in Spirit and in Truth and You accept us, wash us clean and pure and love us completely.

There are moments when scripture jumps off the page and moments we understand You clearly. Simeon and Anna had the amazing joy of seeing the baby Jesus and absolutely knowing He would become the consolation of Israel. The redemption of Israel. Hanging around the Temple, God’s house, every day, praying. Had it become monotonous? No they were there at the right time. Just two ordinary people but God centred. And they did not miss their moment. What an honour, to pray for baby Jesus at the start of His life.

Thank you for these two ordinary people who had an extraordinary experience because they kept their eyes on You. Help us to have blessed experiences as we wait for You to come again. Help us to honour each other, as we honour Simeon and Anna, for their insight and prayers.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

God of consolation,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families.
For peacemakers everywhere. In governments, in families, in churches, in disputes.
For all areas where there is war and oppression to have peace and a new way forward. For Gaza and the Middle East, Ukraine, Afghanistan, North Korea.
For refugees everywhere. From danger, war and oppression. From abusive relationships and slavery.
For grandparents and relatives who help care for children.
For Your church as they plan for the coming year to worship You, grow and do good.
For ourselves, for a blessed day whether it be busy or quiet. And a blessed night of rest.


In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 30th December 2023

Master, speak! Thy servant heareth,
Waiting for Thy gracious word,
Longing for Thy voice that cheereth
Master, let it now be heard.
I am listening, Lord, for Thee;
What hast Thou to say to me?

Speak to me by name, O Master,
Let me know it is to me;
Speak, that I may follow faster,
With a step more firm and free,
Where the Shepherd leads the flock
In the shadow of the Rock!

Master, speak! though least and lowest,
Let me not unheard depart;
Master, speak! for oh, Thou knowest
All the yearning of my heart.
Knowest all its truest need;
Speak! and make me blest indeed.

Master, speak! and make me ready,
When Thy voice is truly heard,
With obedience glad and steady,
Still to follow every word
I am listening, Lord, for Thee:
Master, speak, oh, speak to me!

Francis Ridley Havergal
CD: The Hymn Makers, Cecil Frances Alexander & Frances Ridley Havergal, Kingsway Music