Wednesday 23rd October 2024

“As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”” Mark 10:46-49 NIV

Lord Jesus,

Some of the occasions in the gospels are familiar, but it is amazing how they come alive and speak to our own situations. I am not blind or needed to beg. But I do find myself in positions where I needed help and am in danger of fear blinding me.

Thank You that even though Bartimaeus heard voices telling him to be quiet and give up, he persisted in calling out to you. And You not only heard but answered and provided what he needed.

I do not always have an answer and am blind on many occasions in many situations. I do not know what to do for the best. You have been faithful and heard my cry. Help me to trust in the dark days in the foggy days and rejoice in the peaceful days. To be patient and wait Your time. Bartimaeus reminds us not to give up calling. Not to let doubts, others negativity and what we cannot see happening, stop us. Son of David, have mercy on us because we need You and we love You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ,

For our close family. Love them as they need.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our fellowship, ministers and congregations. To be active and effective.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government. Lords and commons. Civil Servants.
For Ukraine and Russia. End war. Disrupt missiles, disrupt Putin’s desires for possession.
For Israel, Lebanon, the Middle East. Drive out hatred and enmity. Send miraculous reconciliation.
For those calling out in loss through bereavement or circumstances. Send spiritual and practical help.
For those born today with sight disabilities and their parents. To see a good future.
For those who are loosing their sight. For those who rear and train guide dogs.
For those who have lost sight of goodness, kindness, hope . . . restore and touch them with love.
For us to step away briefly from busyness and routine and hear You responding to us to bless us.

In Jesus name we pray.

Worship Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Such a powerful chorus . . .

I’m so very ordinary, nothing special on my own.
Oh, I have never walked on water,
And I have never calmed a storm.
Sometimes I’m hiding away from the madness around me
Like a child who’s afraid of the dark

But when I call on Jesus,
All things are possible
I can mount on wings like eagles’ and soar
When I call on Jesus,
Mountains are gonna fall
‘Cause He’ll move heaven and earth to come rescue me when I call


Weary brother, broken daughter,
Widowed, widowed lover, you’re not alone
If you’re tired and scared of the madness around you
If you can’t find the strength to carry on

When you call on Jesus,
All things are possible
You can mount on wings like eagles’ and soar
When you call on Jesus,
Mountains are gonna fall
‘Cause He’ll move heaven and earth to come rescue you

Call Him in the morning, in the afternoon time
Late in the evening He’ll be there
When your heart is broken,
And you feel discouraged,
You can just remember that He said
He’ll be there

When I call on Jesus,
All things are possible
I can mount on wings like eagles’ and soar
When I call on Jesus,
Mountains are gonna fall
‘Cause He’ll move heaven and earth to come rescue me when I call


Lyrics: Nicole C Mullen



Tuesday 8th October 2024

The commands to fear the Lord are right and endure forever. The judgments given by the Lord are trustworthy and absolutely just. 10 They are of greater value than gold, than even a great amount of pure gold; they bring greater delight than honey, than even the sweetest honey from a honeycomb. 11 Yes, your servant finds moral guidance there; those who obey them receive a rich reward. 12 Who can know all his errors? Please do not punish me for sins I am unaware of. 13 Moreover, keep me from committing flagrant sins; do not allow such sins to control me. Then I will be blameless, and innocent of blatant rebellion.” Psalm 19:9-13 NET

Father God,

Flagrant? We all appreciate rules, till they stop us or we break them. Some we cannot always see the reason for! Or perhaps only because they hinder us? I have learned from experience and real life that Your law is right and for my best. Jesus certainly fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). In school we used to get a gold star for good behaviour – now they get certificates and awards. Lord I do not need a star or a certificate but would love to know Your well done in my heart.

Your Word is as precious as pure honey on the comb (Psalm 119:103). Honeycomb was priceless – there was no other sugar! But even if we try our hardest every minute of every day we cannot be Your perfect children. So we thank You for Jesus gift to us of a clean slate. That You encourage us when we slip and are not waiting to catch us out or to punish.

The Psalmist was honest and open! You forgive us of sins we are unaware of, flagrant sins and even blatant rebellion! Thank You. Jesus, the law personified to show us how. For Your Spirit to correct, guide and bless us. Lead on.

In Jesus name we give thanks, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,

For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for..
For our fellowship, ministers and congregations. Those who only come occasionally.
For our king and his family. Near and far.(1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government. Lords and commons. Civil Servants.
For Ukraine and Russia. An end to war. Deliver a miracle.
For Israel, Lebanon, all around the Middle East. We cannot see but trust.
For America and their political future.
For the problems that sugar has brought and for those addicted to it.
For those who do not respect the law (pollical and legal) and disrespect others.
For those who flagrantly rebel, not just to get caught, but have a God change of heart.
For our overcrowded prison system. Prison chaplains and release programmes.
For us to appreciate the beautiful autumn colours and the still flowering plants and worship You in this minute today. Not just moan about winter coming.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 8th Oct 2024
No-one loves you like Jesus.

Morning, I see You in the sunrise every morning
It’s like a picture that You’ve painted for me
A love letter in the sky.

Story, I could’ve had a really different story
But You came down from heaven to restore me
Forever saved my life.

Nobody loves me like You love me, Jesus
I stand in awe of Your amazing ways
I worship You as long as I am breathing
God, You are faithful and true
Nobody loves me like You
.

Mountains, You’re breaking down the weight of all my mountains
Even when it feels like I’m surrounded
You never leave my side, oh oh oh.

Nobody loves me like You love me, Jesus
I stand in awe of Your amazing ways
I worship You as long as I am breathing
God, You are faithful and true
Nobody loves me like You
.

Oh, what a song to sing
Oh, what a song to sing
Oh, what a song to sing
Oh, what a song, my heart keeps singin.
Oh, what a song to sing (what a song)
Oh, what a song to sing (I’ll never stop)
Oh, what a song to sing
Jesus, You love me
And I love You, God.

Nobody loves me like You love me, Jesus
I stand in awe of Your amazing ways
I worship You as long as I am breathing
God, You are faithful and true
Nobody loves me like You


Nobody loves me like You love me, Jesus (I’m a child of God)
I stand in awe of Your amazing ways (yes, I am)
.Nobody loves me like You
Nobody loves me like You

Lyrics: Chris Tomlin

Saturday 7th September 2024

“Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Genesis 2:8-9 NIV

“And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Genesis 2:15-17 NIV


Lord God, Creator of all,

Forbidden fruit. I need to dwell on this another day Lord, because it is so simple and yet so profound. No complicated rules, just a no. You created all vegetation, seed-bearing plants and trees that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds on the third day. Everything could be eaten. But You put two special particular trees right in the middle of the garden. The tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Not the tree of life and the tree of death. The tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. With You it is always about our choice. Choose life and a choose no to being your own god. But with You there is always a way out! We all of us suffer even today from the consequences of that first wrong choice. And our own wrong decisions. But You still give us choice and the opportunity to change, to return and be redeemed in Jesus.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing is an old saying. How true – how we need Your Holy Spirit to help us knock down the strongholds of our human reasoning and destroy false arguments. To capture any rebellious thoughts and obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4,5). Come Holy Spirit, we give You permission to teach us what is good knowledge and what is good for us. Show us what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8). And help us to be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32).

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord God, Creator,

For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For Paralympians, family and coaches and those supporting.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). The Royal family’s continuing health.
For Ukraine. May Your will be to end war, soon. Protect and bless Your church.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Peace, peace talks, an end to retaliation and hostage release.
For the autumn term at our local schools starting and staff and pupils.
For the House of Commons resitting.
For those who make decisions that affect our nation in Parliament, finances and business.
For those who make decisions in local councils for our neighbourhood and locality.
For those who face temptation every day and choose freedom, strength and support.
For those whose suffer from mental health issues and find it hard to make good decisions.
For us to know delight in Jesus, the forgiveness and life he brings whatever our situation

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 7th September 2024
Worthy of a repeat appearance from 25th August. Another gentle traditional rendition . . .

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.

In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my ransomed soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.


Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed His beams around me.

Refrain

Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.

Refrain

Near the cross! O lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o’er me. [Refrain

Lyrics: Fanny Crosby