Tag: Daily Prayer Devotional

Saturday 22nd June 2024

“A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:8 NKJV

Almighty God,

I remain in Ecclesiastes, Lord God, because though it is the Old Testament it still reminds me of the New Testament. History yet to come. The writer of Ecclesiastes (the aged Solomon) seems to be summing up his previous 7 verses. It comes down to this – there is love and there is hate. Between individuals and in a wider sense, internationally there are times of war / conflict and times of peace. We see it in our own lives and those around us. People love and people fall out of love. Marriages end, families feud. Friends love like family, family falls out. At any one time there are several nations at war with others or within themselves! It has always been the same and at some times more are involved. We could be as depressed today as the author was then. Except . . .

There is a purpose to everything under heaven, because You are God, You created us and in the right season and time You sent Jesus. And He said, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…” (Matthew 5:43). He showed us Your time to provide peace with You.

He showed us Your Peace, Your agape love, not romantic and slushy, but everlasting, sacrificing, free and unconditional. Freely available. Because Jesus paid the price, took all the sin and hate of the world, trampled and defeated it on the cross.

It is hard to love the sinner and hate the sin. Forgive people who have hurt us and treat others as we would like to be treated (Matthew 6:12). So help us just one day at a time, one step at a time by Your Spirit. Lest we get ahead of You . . .

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Almighty God of love,

For our family, friends, neighbours. A day of peace, good health and happiness. Know Your love.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. To share Your life and generosity and know peace.
For our neighbourhood, for families and individuals to want to find out about our Christian God..
For the Royal family. Good health and relationships. Opportunity for healing family ties.
For our nation and the members yet to be elected to Parliament.
For preparations for the Olympics in Paris and all those competing for good health.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Lasting solutions for the good of all.
For families torn apart by war, disputes or broken relationships. Heal scars, wounds. Make a way.
For Ukraine, those living there or abroad. A mighty move of Your Spirit to end war, soon.
Charity shops, food banks, support groups and those who help neighbours.
For those brainwashed into hate. A miracle of a changed heart.
For us a day to be at peace no matter what we are doing. To find contentment in what must be done or what cannot be done.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 22nd June 2024
We turn from the news of wars and conflict. Ukraine, Gaza and UK politicians! to our Father in Heaven. I thought this was an old hymn but seems it is more recent.

Children of the Living God, Come and sing, Sing out loud!
Children of the Living God, Sing to the Living God!
Sing of the wonders He has made, Bird in flight, Falling rain
Sing of the wonders He has made, Sing to the Living God!

How He loves us with great love, He who sits enthroned above
For our lives He spilled His blood, Sent His Spirit like a flood
Children of the Living God, Sing to the Living God!

Sing of His gentle healing hands, How they found the lowliest man
Sing of His gentle healing hands, Sing to the Living God!
Sing of the mercy that He gives, though we sin, He forgives
Sing of the mercy that He gives, Sing to the Living God!

How He loves us with great love, He who sits enthroned above
For our lives He spilled His blood, Sent His Spirit like a flood
Children of the Living God, Sing to the Living God!

Sing for the morning when He comes in the clouds, Glorious Son!
Sing for the morning when He comes, Sing to the Living God!

Lyrics: Fernando Ortega








Friday 21st June 2024

“a time to rip, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak.” Ecclesiastes 3:7 NET
“A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak” Ecclesiastes 3:7 NKJV

God,

Today we are told to recycle our clothes and even to make something new out of old. Your people, Israel would tear their robes as a sign of how distressed they were. They valued cloth. They would only mend them after a specific length of time. It was a visible sign, to those who did not know, that there had been a death in the family or something terrible had befallen them. The Victorians wore black arm bands. It gave those wearing it permission to grieve and those seeing it to be kind and understanding.

I know the author of Ecclesiastes is writing from his depressed view that all is meaningless (Ecclesiastes1:2) – but even he acknowledges it has been interesting in parts . He built gardens, parks, reservoirs. He amassed, slaves, flocks, gold (Ecclesiastes 2:4-8). And, there was a time to mourn, maybe a loved one or a friend. Or what he wished he had done or not done?

We too mourn. People we have loved, change, the passing of time. Opportunities missed. There is a time to show deep feelings and express strong emotions. There is a time to sew back joy and hope. There is a time to be quiet and a time to speak out. Lord help me to know the times to be silent too!

Miracles happen where we are honest about how we feel, both to You and each other. Hurts heel when we stop verbally picking at the scab. Holy Spirit help us to be sensitive to Your timing.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God who speaks things into being,

For our family, friends, neighbours. Time to share and time to mend any misunderstandings.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. To be the comfort for those rending their hearts.
For the neighbourhood, its prosperity, good relations and safety and health.
For the Royal family. Strength for today and a successful end to treatment for Charles and Kate.
For our nation and our future representatives in Government.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Move those with power to make a way to peace. Talk before war.
For Ukraine, continued support from other nations and a move of Your Spirit to end war, soon.
For those bereaved. Those just born.
Charity shops, food banks, support groups and those who help neighbours.
For our local councillors, local magistrates and neighbourhood police.
For us a day to be robed in Your comfort, love and blessings whether sunshine or rain!

In Your name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 21st June 2024
I love this tune and the words.


Life is a journey; long is the road,
And when the noontide is high
Souls that are weary faint ‘neath their load,
Long for the waters, and cry:

Chorus
The well is deep and I require
A draught of the water of life,
But none can quench my soul’s desire
For a draught Or the water of life;
Till one draws near who the cry will heed,
Helper of men in their time of need,
And I, believing, find indeed
That Christ is the water of life.

Life is a seeking, life is a quest,
Eager and longing desire;
Unto the true things, unto the best,
Godward our spirits aspire.

Life is a finding; vain wand’rings cease
When from the Saviour we claim
All we have longed for, solace and peace,
And we have life in his name.

Lyrics: Albert Osborne

Thursday 20th June 2024

” a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,” NIV
“A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away;” NKJV

God of time and purpose,

A time to keep. I can’t think this is about keeping possessions or wealth. Remembering what You said warning the man in the parable wanting to building bigger barns! (Luke 12:18-20). I cannot think it means keeping things just as they are, or we would still be washing everything by hand! You constantly tell us we are on a journey whether resting, walking or running! (Proverbs 3:6, Hebrews 12:1).

What are the things I treasure and keep? I do have items of no value which remind me of good times. I treasure my friends. Do I treasure my relationship with You in Jesus Christ more than all? The pearl of great price (Matthew 1345,46). Do I really treasure You! Not always perfectly – but then I remember You treasure me always. This is what the enemy would love to steal (1 Peter 5:8). Our peace from sin forgiven, our trust in the cross, our hope of our wonderful future with You.

Now is the time to recognise, reject and throw away his doubts, contradictions half lies and lies. Especially when he comes when we are vulnerable and weak. Hebrews 12:2 also reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He endured the cross, scorning its shame. The enemy can make us doubt. But he cannot separate us from You (Romans 8:38,39). We are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17) and we are loved eternally (John 15:9).Help us keep and treasure Your truth in our hearts.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God our Father,

For our family, friends, neighbours. Their needs for today and blessings to show You love them.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Encouragement and guidance of Your Spirit.
For the neighbourhood where we live and those who live around us, run the shops, doctors, school teachers, dustbin men.
For the Royal family. Strength for today and a successful end to treatment for Charles and Kate.
For our nation and our future representatives in Government.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Move those with power to make a way to peace. Talk before war.
For Ukraine, continued support from other nations and a move of Your Spirit to end war, soon.
For those who are struggling to keep the faith and are hurt, disappointed or in pain.
For our local councillors, local magistrates and neighbourhood police.
For us a day to remember and treasure all the times You have been faithful and blessed us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 20th June 2024
The second verse came to mind today and I had to search to hum and sing till I remembered how it started!

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea;
a great High Priest whose name is Love,
who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
my name is written on his heart.
I know that while in heav’n he stands
no tongue can bid me thence depart,
no tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
and tells me of the guilt within,
upward I look and see him there
who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
my sinful soul is counted free;
for God the just is satisfied
to look on him and pardon me,
to look on him and pardon me.

Behold him there, the risen Lamb,
my perfect, spotless righteousness,
the great unchangeable I AM,
the King of glory and of grace.
At one with him, I cannot die;
my soul is purchased by his blood.
My life is hid with Christ on high,
with Christ my Savior and my God,
with Christ my Savior and my God.

Lyrics: Charitie Lees Bancroft