“Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. 8 Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle. 9 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. 10 Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Heaven’s Armies-he is the King of glory. ” Psalm 24:7-10
“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:10-12
Lord of Hosts (angelic armies),
The children of Israel went to the Temple together on festive days, feast days, when they needed help as a nation. They went personally when they wanted to give thanks or needed forgiveness for some sin from breaking a religious law. For every eventuality of life. Same today but thank You that You meet us where we are. We do not have to get to Jerusalem or a holy building.
“Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good” Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. Perhaps it depends whether I am contemplating clouds or You Lord. We need to be heavenly minded to know how to live on earth, here and now. And if I remain in You, You will remain in me (John 15:4) and there will be no end. Serving You, God is not long prayers, endless Bible reading and sermon listening. It is about living with and in You. It is sometimes serious but sometimes joyful and always rewarding.
Our body is Your holy temple where the Holy Spirit lives! (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Psalmist wanted to serve You as a doorkeeper we have become Your temple. Help us just live at peace with You day by day.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord of Hosts,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. We bring our worry, our anguish, our joy and our hopes for each of them
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations to prosper and serve the community.
For all those involved in Christian radio and TV, Song of Praise and leading singing in church.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family. Speak into their lives to guide them.
For our government and their families. That Your will be done in them in these aggressive times.
For Ukraine a withdrawal of Russian troops. Peace an end to war.
For all areas where there is war, military oppression and civil war. Myanmar, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For those who are struggling with temptation, addiction or lack of faith.
For our local community neighbours, doctors, dentists, police and schools.
For all those who provide essential help in our community, food banks, district nurses, home helps, friends, neighbours, family.
For ourselves, a blessed day filled with contentment, support, and direction where needed.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 17th January 2024
How lovely is your dwelling place
Oh, Lord Almighty
For my soul longs and even faints for You
For here my heart is satisfied
Within Your presence
I sing beneath the shadow of Your wings
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
One thing I ask and I would seek
To see Your beauty
To find You in the place Your glory dwells
One thing I ask and I would seek
To see Your beauty
To find You in the place Your glory dwells
My heart and flesh cry out
For You, the living God
Your Spirit’s water to my soul
I’ve tasted and I’ve seen
Come once again to me
I will draw near to You
I will draw near to You
Lyrics: Matt Redman