“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. and he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
“And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. ” 1 John 5:20 NIV
“So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me.” John 8:28,29 NIV
God Almighty and Father,
Emmanuel, You with us, God and Your gift of Salvation. Which leads us to worship – an expression of reverence and adoration. Our faithful, unchangeable God. You gave Yourself to us and for us. Became one of us. So we learn that we can trust you, amidst this inconsistent world of mankind. The only creator, the only God, who has kept and will keep all His promises.
We cannot fully understand what Jesus gave up. Leaving the perfect fellowship and unity with You God and the Holy Spirit. All powerful, the all knowing ruler of all creation. To do what? Be a dependant, helpless baby in a hostile world, that would reject Your truth and kill You. From the beginning of his life, Jesus was in danger. No hygienic delivery room, no clean new cot, and before long a refugee, a foreigner in another land.
Jesus knew people inside and out. You know us, understand us (John 2:24,25). Jesus rubbed shoulders with the rough, needy, sick, capable, needy, self sufficient and proud. He knew disappointment, rejection, family life, broken relationships, death of a loved one. He understand making hard decisions. So You really understand us. You walked in our shoes. You did not give up, change you mind how you felt about us or decide it was a waste of time. You touched all those who came to you with love, healing and truth. It cost you.
You saw all the negativity we see, poverty, politics, sickness, lust and greed. But You saw the good in people, You stood up for us and in our place. Help us to live in our time in history your way, look for good, be good, do good. Thank you for the faithful saints that have gone before us in their own time.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God, Father of Jesus,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Parliament resitting start of September.
For world kings, dictators, leaders and rulers.
For Ukraine. Please end war, soon.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Solutions for a reconciliation and lasting peace. Keep them talking.
For other countries with uneasy borders. India and Pakistan. North and South Korea. Peace.
For tolerance and patience. Pervade the minds of extremists to see others points of view.
For refugees here and in terrible camps overseas. Hope and a future.
For Bermuda pummelled by hurricane Ernesto.
For continued peace upon our streets and city centres.
For us restful hearts, help with decisions we must make next week and joy in coming to You. You know how we feel.
In Jesus beautiful name we pray. Amen.
Worship Monday 26th August 2024
There is a prayer of thanksgiving before the worship song starts. I remember this song from March for Jesus in the late 1980’s.
He walked where I walked (echo)
He stood where I stand (echo)
He felt where I feel (echo)
He understands (echo)
He knows my frailty (echo)
Shared my humanity (echo)
Tempted in every way (echo)
Yet without sin (echo)
God with us, So close to us
God with us Emmanuel
God with us, So close to us
God with us Emmanuel
One of a hated race (echo)
Stung by the prejudice (echo)
Suffering injustice (echo)
Yet he forgives (echo)
Wept for my wasted years (echo)
Paid for my wickedness (echo)
He died in my place (echo)
That I might Live (echo)