Tag: Daily Prayer Devotional

Sunday 16th June 2024

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NKJV

God of beginnings and ends,

We reach, for me, the hard line: a time to kill and a time to heal. Theses few verses raise some deep questions for me about death and war and killing. And we don’t always find answers this side of heaven. Or we look from different angles and see only part, as through a mirror darkly? (1 Corinthians 13:12). We do have Your 10 commandments clearly stating no murder, but is war sometimes justified? I love the children’s version of the 10 commandments:

1. Thou shalt have no more Gods but me, 2. Before no idol bow thy knee.
3. Take not the Name of God in vain: 4. Nor dare the Sabbath–day profane.
5. Give both thy parents honour due. 6. Take heed that thou no murder do.
7. Abstain from words and deeds unclean: 8. Nor steal, though thou art poor and mean.
9. Nor make a wilful lie, nor love it. 10. What is thy neighbour’s do not covet.

It is a dilemma when we think what would have happened in the last world war, had no one fought. And when we look at Russia and Ukraine. Solomon (if he is the author) is speaking out of his experience. He was forced to take up arms and fight when peace and his peoples freedom was threatened. And should there be a death penalty? We mourn at man’s sin and we pray that You will help us and our world find peace and healing.

We wait with faith, eyes fixed on Jesus. And know that whatever happens – You are with us, you are still God. We can put all our hope and trust in You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of beginnings and endings,

For our family, friends, neighbours. For todays needs, for healing, peace, provision, well being.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. A boost of faith and hope and love.
For the community where we live and those who keep it safe and serviced.
For the Royal family and Charles and Kates return to duties and ongoing treatment.
For our nation and future Government. Lay the foundation of peace for the next government.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Move those with power to find a way to peace.
For Ukraine, a move of Your Spirit to change hearts and end war.
For our armed forces and the many duties they do peacekeeping around the world.
For the national Health service, all those who work in it. Those who need it.
For us to know Your security amid the many changes and challenges. For peace in our lives and families.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 16th June 2024
Sometimes we struggle with what’s going on in the world. This song reminds us it is a mess but that God is still God. He will always prevail. I only remember the words of the chorus and that is the bit I need.

Where o where’s Your presence o God?
In this dry and weary land?
So many people drifting away,
How we need to understand;

You’re still God;
Even when we’re unbelieving.
Still God;
When we’re desperate for our healing.
Still God, still God, You’re still God.

You’re still God;
Even when our friends desert us.
Still God;
Even through the things that hurt us.
Still God, You’re still God;
So I will, be still, and know you are God.

Where o where’s Your Kingdom O God?
We have let holiness go.
So many idles litter our land;
We’ve got to let this nation know.

You’re still God;
When the government has no answers.
Still God;
When the media lowers the standard.
Still God, still God, you’re still God.

You’re still God;
When the plans we make are worthless.
Still God;
When we lose our sense of purpose.
Still God, still God;
So I will, be still, and know you are God.

When will Jesus really be seen
Through the church that bears His name?
Agents of His kingdom, His peace,
In the world for which He came.

You’re still God;
Even though you were rejected.
Still God;
Though you were ridiculed, deserted.
Still God, still God, you’re still God.

You’re still God;
Though you suffered execution,
Still God,
You’re alive and Christ our champion.
Still God, still God;
So I will, be still, and know you are God.

Saturday 15th June 2024

“For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
5 A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to search, and a time to give something up as lost; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
7 a time to rip, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak.
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

God,

A season and a purpose for everything. We see Your seasons in the natural sowing and reaping. We wonder how the changes in the weather will affect those? When I consider the church I am astounded how much uprooting and planting has been done. We see your hand raising up new fellowships with young families and rejoice. We see churches that have not grown and are closing and are sad. But we can see Your hand in it all.

Through history we see you leading men and women. They planted schools and planted education laws. They developed printing and we all have a Bible. They uprooted worship and suggested new. From chanting Psalms in Latin to singing hymns. To having orchestras in church which horrified many. To then use organs which many condemned as demonic. And then having guitars and drums again which many condemned as the devils instruments. There is a time to plant new and a time to uproot and accept change. And the worship is still to glorify You, God.

Sometimes people do not want to end something that has meant so much to them. I do not always like change Lord. Sometimes the time is right to plant something new. The old has seen its day. Help us not to mourn when things have to change if they are to enable growth for the future. Just help us make sure the song remains the same. The song of Your salvation the song of Your love.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God who plants,

For our family, friends, neighbours. For Your hand in any changes and Your love to guide and help.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. To take the church forward ready for the future.
For our nation and future Government. Lay the foundation for the government for our future.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Move those with power to find a way to peace.
For Ukraine, a move of Your Spirit to change hearts and end war.
For the churches in Ukraine, Myanmar, Russia, Afghanistan and Syria.
For Christian aid agencies at home and overseas and in war zones.
For new churches and traditional churches adapting to serve their communities and God today.
For us to know good change when it comes and help us adapt where we need to and even enjoy it.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 15h June 2024
The song we sing remains the same, of our Saviours love. I love this melody. Londonderry Air.

I cannot tell why he, whom angels worship,
should set his love upon the sons of men,
or why, as Shepherd, he should seek the wanderers,
to bring them back, they know not how or when.
But this I know, that he was born of Mary
when Bethl’em’s manger was his only home,
and that he lived at Nazareth and laboured,
and so the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is come.

I cannot tell how silently he suffered,
as with his peace he graced this place of tears,
or how his heart upon the cross was broken,
the crown of pain to three and thirty years.
But this I know, he heals the broken-hearted
and stays our sin and calms our lurking fear
and lifts the burden from the heavy laden;
for still the Saviour, Saviour of the world is here.

I cannot tell how he will win the nations,
how he will claim his earthly heritage,
how satisfy the needs and aspirations
of east and west, of sinner and of sage.
But this I know, all flesh shall see his glory,
and he shall reap the harvest he has sown,
and some glad day his sun will shine in splendour
when he the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is known.

I cannot tell how all the lands shall worship,
when at his bidding every storm is stilled,
or who can say how great the jubilation
when every heart with love and joy is filled.
But this I know, the skies will thrill with rapture,
and myriad myriad human voices sing,
and earth to heav’n, and heav’n to earth, will answer,
‘at last the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is King!’

Lyrics: W Y Fullerton

The verses each acknowledge that we cannot not understand fully the way in which God works, and (in verse 2) that it is almost impossible for us to relate wholly to Christ’s act of self-sacrifice. Nevertheless, writes Fullerton, there are things we wish to proclaim out of faith: that God became real in Bethlehem’s manger (verse 1); that God’s presence will outlast our experience of the world as we know it (verse 3); and that the love Jesus demonstrated in his life and death will win out completely (verse 4).

Friday 14th June 2024

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NKJV

Father of purpose and time,

The writer of Ecclesiastes, possibly Solomon, (wise and depressed by so many wives?) starts this chapter with the big picture, seasons and purposes. A time to be born and a time to die. True for all of us. And it has me thinking and then thanking You.

I was never very good at history, but I do like a good documentary on the past. The more I see and hear, the more thankful I am that I was born in my time! A time which has seen so much change for the better in technology (the good parts), practicality (gadgets for cleaning, gardening etc) transport (public and private) health (medical breakthroughs, provision of care). A time when in this country it is safe to be a Christian. A time with many comforts and conveniences and order.

And as I mature . . . I am glad that I do not have to know and face all that future generations will have to. But for them it will be right, they will grow into it with You.

So with the writer of Ecclesiastes, I say to everything there is a season and am glad You order them Lord. Whether season are long or short I know nothing will take You by surprise. My present and my future was ordained by You and is with You (John 14:1-3).

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of purpose and time,

For our family, friends, neighbours. To be provided for and appreciate each new day.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. For them to be reassured they walk with You.
For our nation and future Government. Guide us forward towards a good government.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Move those with power to find a way to peace.
For Ukraine, a move of Your Spirit to change hearts and end war.
For the churches in Ukraine, Myanmar, Russia, Afghanistan and Syria. A season of protection.
For Christian aid agencies at home and overseas and in war zones.
For the generations not yet born, to be open to Your love and become the church of tomorrow.
For us to know we were born for such a time as this. You planned it all.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 14th June 2024
My, this is a golden oldie. I don’t even know where I know it from! It’s story is below the lyrics.

Thank you for giving me the morning.
Thank you for ev’ry day that’s new.
Thank you that I can know my worries
can be cast on you.

Thank you for all my friends and brothers.
Thank you for all the men that live.
Thank you for even greatest enemies
I can forgive.

Thank You I have my occupation
Thank You for every pleasure small
Thank You for music, light and gladness
Thank You for them all

Thank you for many little sorrows.
Thank you for ev’ry kindly word.
Thank you for everywhere your guidance
reaches ev’ry land.

Thank you, I see your Word has meaning.
Thank you, I know your Spirit’s here.
Thank you because you love all people,
those both far and near.

Thank you, O Lord, you spoke unto us.
Thank you that for our words you care.
Thank you, O Lord, you came among us,
bread and wine to share.

Thank you, O Lord, your love is boundless.
Thank you that I am full of you.
Thank you, you made me feel so glad and
thankful as I do.

This simple song of thankfulness is of German origin: The original title was  “Danke” – or “Danke für diesen guten Morgen”. Written by the German theologian, church musician and song-writer Martin Gotthard Schneider (1930–2017) in 1961. It was for a competition run by the Evangelische Akademie Tutzing for new sacred songs in the jazz or pop genre. It won first prize and later spent six weeks in the German pop-charts. Translated into 25 or more languages, the English translation was made by Walter Van Der Haas and Peter-Paul Van Lelyreid.