“For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20 Amplified Bible
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 NKJV
Lord God Almighty,
We know that You are always with us by Your Spirit and You promise You will never leave us. Yet here You are reassuring us, promising us, that where we gather in Your name, on Your business, You are in the midst, a family gathering! With the head of the household. Not just separate believers but joined together by Your blood.
I have been to a lot of meetings, committees and gatherings. We know the frustration of a chair who waffles, wanders of the point or who is bias. Groups function best with a focused leader – and one who serves. How true. We function to our very best when we get together and submit to Your leading. As if You were there in person having the first word and the last word, by Your Spirit in us. Humbly submitting to each other in love.
Thank You for those times when we have been so aware of Your presence. When something has been said that we all know was inspired by You. When Scripture speaks into a situation and there is agreement. For being an almighty God who is the only one to sit on the Throne, comprehend us in our mess and be willing to persevere with us for our best. Help us to keep gathering in Your name and calling upon Your presence with us together, to cheer and to guide.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of the moment,
For our family and friends. For mercy, healing, help and whatever their needs are today.
For our church, Ministers and the leadership of denominations to pray and plan for the future.
For the royal family. Strength, healing and no fear.
For our Parliament, Commons and Lords for the Spirit to be in their midst.
For our local community, those who live and work near us.
For our hospitals, police and all those who keep our community safe, well, caring and growing.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, places of conflict. End war and press towards peace..
For all those affected by the earthquake in Taiwan. Comfort and provision.
For all those who meet to pray, few or many. Those who run 24 / 7 prayer meetings.
For us to appreciate our freedom to pray and worship and remember those who have to meet in secret or not at all! Those persecuted.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 8th April 2024
AS WE ARE GATHERED Jesus is here;
One with each other, Jesus is here.
Joined by the Spirit, washed in the blood,
Part of the body, the church of God.
As we are gathered Jesus is here,
One with each other, Jesus is here.
Lyrics: John Daniels