“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV
Father God,
Whose steadfast love never ceases, and whose mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Even when I have trouble arising from my warm comfortable bed. Even the sorrowful writer of Lamentations had Your love and mercy as His foundation. But pray without ceasing? That is a challenge!
Jesus talks about prayer. Pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44), don’t pray to show off (Matthew 6:6) just be positive and direct (Matthew 7:7). He even gave us a simple but beautiful prayer (Luke 11:2-4). But non stop prayer? It is easier to talk about prayer than to do it sometimes. We sometimes spend more time sharing points for prayer in prayer meetings than actually talking to you.
Yet you hear the conversation and know our hearts desires? Perhaps voicing prayers helps us more than You -to concentrate, know we are asking You, the source of everything? I know that voicing and hearing prayer out loud is more reassuring than silent prayer sometimes.
Help us. Help us to remember to breath prayer, have a constant conversation with You whether out loud in the privacy of our own space or with my friends when the opportunity arises. And silently, in my spirit, at other times.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of steadfast love and mercy,
We bring our family and friends and church family and neighbourhood to You for their needs, for their good and to ask that they would know Your love and mercy today. Please keep calling to those who do not know You personally and open their ears and eyes to hear You and see Your compassion.
Bless Ukraine and Russia with new beginnings towards peace and the end to war. We remember all those still in shock, trauma and grief from the recent disasters and whose lives will never be the same. Be not only their rock but their provider and their healer and comfort. May human aid be plentiful and ongoing.
We pray for our Parliament. Because they need Your help and direction whatever their politics. Times are challenging. Finances are difficult. Help them come together for our Nations best future. Bless King Charles and his family and all the work they do supporting charities and encouraging volunteers.
As the rain falls we pray that You will have enabled the farmers to gather in the grain harvest and give enough dry days for them to finish. Pray for those harvesting late fruit and vegetables, help, strength and good crops
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Tuesday 26th September 2023
I love singing scripture. Singing the truth into my soul.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
God’s mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning;
great is your faithfulness, O Lord,
great is your faithfulness.
Lyrics and tune: Edith McNeill
Lamentations 3:22-23