“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-8 NKJV
God of grace,
In this letter, after the usual greetings, Paul launches into praise and thanksgiving of Your generosity. So much so that I think Paul forgets we need full stops to breathe! It is hard to read this from the New King James Version out loud as it is such a long sentence, Lord!
It is like a very rich layered sandwich! Bread of life first of course with Your Son Jesus Christ. Layers of protein next, utterance and knowledge. Then flavoured with their testimonies of Christ. With extra topping of never ending thick relish, Your gifts. And finally with the broken bread of life which paid for our forgiveness and keeps us blameless. As Isaiah says, “Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in fatness.” (55:2 KJV)
Timeless. Written to one particular church over 2,000 years ago yet it speaks to us now. And will go on speaking to more generations. Even without full stops! Thank You that we and our fellowship get all of You through Your Son, just as the Corinthians and Paul did.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of grace,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church fellowship, ministers and neighbouring churches.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). World leaders and rulers.
For town centres, police peacekeepers, our judicial system. Melt aggression..
For the harvest here and overseas. For families who only have what they grow.
For Ukraine. Christians and their fellowships to grow. An end to war.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Solutions leading to cessation of fighting and long term peace.
For Myanmar church. Afghanistan, China. Other areas where church is persecuted.
For all those preparing for the Paralympic games starting 28th August. Best health possible.
For the ongoing talks with Doctors. For the NHS and a good future.
For us to know the power of the risen Lord, Your Son in our everyday doings. Restoring sleep.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 15th August 2024
Some people think You’re distant, just some words on a page
That You’re nothing more than fables handed down along the way
But I’ve seen You part the waters when no one else could pull me from the deep
That’s who You are to me
Some people think You just live in cathedrals made of stone
But I know You live inside my heart, I know that it’s Your home
And I’ve seen You in a sunset and in the eyes of a stranger on the street
That’s who You are to me
You’re amazing, faithful, love’s open door
When I’m empty You fill me with hunger for more
Of Your mercy, Your goodness
Lord, You’re the air that I breathe
That’s who You are to me
Who You are to me
Sometimes I have my doubts, I’m sure that everybody does
And I wonder when I stumble, am I still worthy of Your love?
But I know that I get stronger when I’m talking to You down on my knees
You’re everything I need
You’re amazing, faithful, love’s open door
When I’m empty You fill me with hunger for more
Of Your mercy, Your goodness
Lord, You’re the air that I breathe
That’s who You are to me
Who You are to me
You’re forever Holy
You’re the Lamb who is worthy
My forgiveness (My forgiveness), my healer (My healer)
The Messiah, my Redeemer
You’re amazing, faithful, love’s open door
When I’m empty You fill me with hunger for more
Of Your mercy, Your goodness
Lord, You’re the air that I breathe
(Lord, You’re the air I breathe)
That’s who You are
You are greater, higher over it all
In Your presence, Jesus, I stand in awe
Of Your mercy, Your goodness
Lord, You’re the air that I breathe
That’s who You are to me
That’s who You are to me
Lyrics: Chris Tomlin