“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.