Tag: Daily Prayer Devotional

Saturday 11th May 2024

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

God of comfort,

Comfort? Chocolate, a heated blanket in winter, a cool fan in summer, my own bed . . . visit of family or friends? Paul takes up this theme of comfort briefly in his letter to the Corinthians. He reminds them of his troubles (and he had plenty!) and acknowledges that they too have struggles and troubles. Becoming a Christian, a follower of Jesus does mean not being saved from trouble in the world. And the world has trouble. We have to live in it – this fallen world.

My parents were not big on comfort, Father God. They were busy working and I suspect their parents were not overly affectionate either. Being ill was an inconvenience. But friends showed me what You are really like. Hand delivering a meal when recovering ill health, words of prayer over the phone and tea and sympathy when sorrowful.

It is like a circle knowing Your comfort God, then comforting others, who then know Your comfort through us and go on to comfort others . . . a virtual circle which endlessly grows.

Thank You for comfort. Your comfort and the comfort offered us by others. We need each other as well as You. Help us to learn how to comfort others. We need Your promptings to tell us when and how.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of comfort,

For our family and friends and neighbours. For their needs and comfort when they need it.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. Comfort them as they serve in tough places.
For new and long established churches to grow in strength and numbers.
For the royal family. Comfort, heal and restore.
For all Kings and rulers to rule with kindness and comfort not oppress and dominate.
For Ukraine, we plead for peace. Miraculously change for the desires of Russia to be peace.
For Gaza, empower talks towards next steps and peaceful way forward.
For aid and medicine to reach all the areas where there is need across the Middle East.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all places of conflict and Military oppression. Peaceful changes.
For Nurses, counsellors, teachers, friends who console and give comfort at times of need.
For those disappointed, let down, bereaved, depressed who need comfort. Your arms of comfort.
For a day when You lift our spirits and smile into our hearts.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 11th May 2024
One Sunday in January 1994 Kelly came home after leading worship at his faith community and felt tired and down. He sat down at his piano and the song just started pouring out of his heart. He realized that he wanted to know Jesus more than he wanted to do more good works for Him, and somehow he had lost that connection with Him. When he spontaneously sang “I give it all up again to hear You say that I’m Your friend”, his heart melted. Kelly later rewrote this line to be “I lay it all down again…” which is how it’s known today.

Draw me close to you
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear you say that I’m your friend
You are my desire
No one else will do
‘Cause nothing else can take your place
To feel the warmth of your embrace
Help me find the way
Bring me back to you

You’re all I want
You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want
Help me know you are near

Lyrics: Kelly Carpenter, Vineyard worship pastor January 1994.


Friday 10th May 2024

As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13 NKJV
As a mother consoles a child, so I will console you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13 NET

Lord and Father of mankind,

Our Father, that is how we address You when we say the prayer that Jesus taught us. Yet here You inspired Isaiah to write that You would comfort or console Your people like a mother consoles a child. I have often thought You have been like a Father and Mother to me.

In Isaiah’s day, Your people had turned away from You, Jerusalem was no longer their safe stronghold. Their world was in a mess and the nations with the biggest armies were seeking control. Sounds like parts of the world today. But You did not comfort Jerusalem as they thought, sending a bigger, better warrior King. No, You sent Your Son, a tiny baby to grow to a man and comfort them. He spoke words of truth and made promises He kept. He told them not to let their hearts be troubled (John 14:1). He promised to send His Holy Spirit to comfort from within and to remind of all He had said (John 14:26). He was a suffering servant and yet conquered death and darkness. Not with anger or power. But with love and sacrifice.

Your Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ comforts us today. We cannot recount all the times You have comforted us and the times Your Word has given us strength. Thank You, Lord of all, that the power of Your Kingdom is love and sacrifice. Comfort us with the power of Your love. Yes as a parent comforts and consoles a beloved child.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father God,

For our family and friends and neighbours. For their individual needs and joy.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. Thank You and individual blessings..
For new and long established churches to grow in strength and numbers.
For the royal family.
For all Kings and rulers to have Your patience and kindness and wisdom to rule wisely.
For Ukraine, we plead for peace. Miraculously change for the desires of Russia to be peace.
For Gaza, a good future and more and continuing talks towards a peaceful way forward.
Aid to reach all the areas where there is need across the Middle East.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all places of conflict and Military oppression. Turn them around.
For Nurses, counsellors, teachers, friends who console and give comfort at times of need.
For those disappointed, let down, bereaved who need comfort. Enfold them and send them help.
For us to know Your comfort, which helps us step forward and keep going.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 10th May 2024
Classical worship. A beautiful rendition from Handel’s Messiah – Comfort Ye my people.

Thursday 9th May 2024

Ascension Day

6 So when they had gathered together, they began to ask him, “Lord, is this the time when you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He told them, “You are not permitted to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.” 9 After he had said this, while they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 As they were still staring into the sky while he was going, suddenly two men in white clothing stood near them 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will come back in the same way you saw him go into heaven.”” Acts 1:6-11 NET

Father,

Ascension day. It has sort of fallen out of fashion as a Christian festival. I suppose from the beginning it was only noted by the few disciples. They must have been confused at Jesus telling them he would be leaving and sending the Holy Spirit. Especially when he was still with them after rising from the dead! Thank You that you for this testimony of his going, and how, rather than just not being found anywhere. Not gone missing – gone home.

Sad for the disciples, but we know they were on the verge of a greater miracle, Pentecost to come. God available to all who called on Him by His Spirit. His plan was always that everyone should have the choice of Your spirit living within them. We do look forward to meeting You face to face. Even if we are a little overwhelmed by the prospect. Can we faint in heaven? Probably not, but we may be left speechless – well some of us.

Father, Your Son going away was also conformation that He is coming back one day. He promised. We have lots of questions about that. But He left victorious over death and sin and is now one home. And You are One, Father Son and Holy Spirit.

We cannot spend our lives looking up and watching for You coming back. Though You told us to keep alert and an eye out for the signs we cannot guess when. But we can live knowing You. personally. What a wonderful mystery. Help us to know You, the only true God, Who ascended into Heaven and rules through all eternity.

In Jesus name we pray.

Father,

For our family and friends. For their health and well being and a glimpse of Your glory.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. To know You are at work in them for good.
For the church worldwide that You continue to work in and through.
For new church plants to be encouraged and see Your hand at work among them.
For the royal family. Encourage King Charles and Princess Kate as they continue treatment.
For all Kings and rulers to have Your patience and kindness and wisdom to rule wisely.
For Ukraine, we plead for peace. Miraculously change the desires of Russia to peace.
For Gaza, a good future and more and continuing talks towards a peaceful way forward.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all places of conflict and Military oppression. Turn them around.
For those captive to addiction to drugs, gambling, pornography violence a way of escape in You.
For us to know You as Saviour and friend but also as King of all eternity and know Your love.

In Jesus name we ask, Amen.

Worship Thursday 9th May 2024

Crown Him with many crowns
The Lamb upon the throne
Hark How the heav’nly anthems drowns
All music but its own!
Awake, my soul And sing
Of Him Who died for thee
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity

Crown him the Lord of love;
behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above,
in beauty glorified;
no angel in the sky
can fully bear that sight,
but downward bends their burning eye
at mysteries so bright.

Crown Him the Lord of peace,
Whose power a sceptre sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease,
And all be prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end,
And round His pierced feet
Fair flowers of paradise extend
Their fragrance ever sweet.

Crown him the Lord of years,
the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres
in majesty sublime:
all hail, Redeemer, hail,
for Thou hast died for me;
Thy praise shall never, never fail
through out eternity!

Lyrics: Matthew Bridges