Tag: Create in me a clean heart O God

Tuesday 9th January 2024

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 KJV

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT

God of peace,

A leap into the New Testament to a little verse which is my thinking censor! And whose mind does not wander sometimes . . . You know me full well my Lord. And worth reading twice – in the authorised and a modern translation. Double reminder to start with thinking truth and end with giving praise!

After a whole letter about unity, humility, suffering for Christ, and pressing on, Paul adds this verse as a ‘finally’, ‘one final thing’. He felt it drew everything together and was important. Before sending greetings and news. Still so relevant today in a world that sends our thoughts all over the place.

True, honest (honourable), just (right), pure, lovely, good report (admirable), virtue (excellence) worthy of praise, rule! Now there is something to think about. Do I filter out the rest? Things true but not lovely or worthy of praise. Unkind thoughts. Just, we may be right but do we need to keep letting everyone know? Is it admirable?

Paul when He met Your Son, Christ on the Damascus Road had his whole way of thinking changed. You touched and altered his outlook on life and his joy. He writes of his personal experience of the change in his way of thinking You made. Help us to fill our minds with all that is good for us. Help us to recognise when I minds go off track and cast out any negative, small minded, selfish or unkind thinking.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of peace,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. Thank You and hear our prayers for each one of them.
For our church fellowships, ministers, church officials, congregations. May Your Spirit lead them.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family as they seek to serve the nation. Make a good way forward amidst his family troubles.
For our government and their families. Help our country get the best Government for the future.
For those who censor films, TV, radio, the press. Those who watch the internet to try to shut down and catch those who promote pornography, suicide and evil of all kinds.
For Ukraine a withdrawal of Russian troops. Lead them to peace and 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 our local community to prosper: our neighbours, doctors, dentists, schools, shops.
For winter rest for the land even though we do not always enjoy the cold and wet.
For all those in terrible flooding and made homeless. And for those living in worry of flooding.
Thank You for answered prayer.
For ourselves and our needs for this day, may it be full of warmth and comfort and encouragement..

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 14th January 2024

Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew a right spirit within me

Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew a right spirit within me

Cast me not away from Thy presence, O Lord
And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me
Restore unto me, the joy of Thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me

Lyrics: Keith Green

Tuesday 24th October 2023

“Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. 25 God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:24-25 NLT

“You shall not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.“ Matthew 5:27-28 NLT

God of faithfulness,

God spoke for the seventh time and there was an abundance of life but animal life and though some do pair for life, as swans do I believe, some will keep several mates like lions so they can be more productive!

The seventh commandment reminds us that this is not the day we were created. Life is more than just breeding. It is about relationships. Being faithful to You, God and being faithful in all our relationships. Relationships do fail and there is forgiveness where it is impossible to go on. Where their is danger or unacceptable behaviour. But it seems that Jesus is saying we should not even be looking or thinking or comparing.

Thank You for the gift of marriage and those who have made a commitment to be together for life. For the stability of society we pray that You will help this and the next generation to value and appreciate the value of lasting relationships and fidelity and the value of family.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of faithfulness,

We pray:

For all our family, friends, neighbours, our church family. For our neighbours old and new.
For our town, our local council and the well being of locality.
For those getting married and those seeking help through marriage guidance.
For Gaza and the Middle East, not just containment but an end to the terrorism without bloodshed. A miracle Lord.
For Putin, the Russian people and end to war in Ukraine. Let it not go on endlessly Lord.
For help, relief and comfort for those in need in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco. For ongoing aid and medical agencies.
Help the next generation to value staying faithful in marriage and relationships and to work through the tough times.
For ourselves, that we would be faithful in all our relationships and faithful to You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 24th October 2023
Based on Psalm 51 written by David in repentance for Bathsheba. Words which challenge us regardless of whether we live together, alone or still with parents to keep sin from finding room to settle in our hearts.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Thy presence;
Take not Thy holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation;
And renew a right spirit within me.

Lyrics: Keith Green