Tag: Daily Prayer Devotional

Friday 26th April 2024

 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

God, King of all creation,

We are a new creation, old things passed away. Today these verses enrich that truth. Peter writes of the old and the new. It reassures me when doubts flick across my mind – that there are no maybe’s and not a single perhaps in scripture, in Christ..

Out of darkness into light. Your light, in Jesus the light of our world. We are chosen, not happened upon, not taken in out of sympathy and not a burden. Chosen in Christ. In Christ we become royal and part of Your priesthood. Able to enter the Holy of Holies and meet with You face to face. We can call upon You anytime and worship. Not from a distance, not in fear of judgement and not as one who humbly grovels for permission. As chosen, and wanted and loved citizens of the Kingdom of God.

The enemy would like to isolate us, distract us and darken our way. Help us recognise it and know we belong. Together we are Your people. Together we are strong in You. We can encourage, uphold and carry each other. We are a people.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
King of all creation,

For our family and friends. We pray the very best for them today. Break through to their hearts.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. Bless our churches with all they need.
For the royal family. Healing and strength for those taking public and private commitments.
For our Parliament. Do not let the power go to their heads or hearts. Help them to serve this earthly kingdom..
For Ukraine, peace. A supernatural end to war. We look to You.
For Gaza, a way to live with neighbours, together in peace.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all other places of conflict and Military oppression. Bring them to the end to war. Speak Your peace to hard hearts.
For our local: police, hospitals, doctors, justice system, fire service . . .
For the Christians in countries where there is persecution, famine and poverty.
For the agencies providing medical treatment and aid in war zones.
For a day free of worry and stress and time to smile in Your company.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 26th April 2024
A simple yet beautiful love song to the Lord.

Hear these praises from a grateful heart
Each time I think of You the praises start
Love You so much, Jesus
Love You so much

Lord, I love You, my soul sings
In Your presence carried on Your wings
Love You so much, Jesus
Love You so much

How my soul longs for you
Longs to worship You forever
In Your power and majesty
Lift my hands, lift my heart
Lift my voice towards the heavens
For You are my sun and shield

Lyrics: Fragar Russell John

Thursday 25th April 2024

 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

Father God,

You are still the creator. Not the God who made and then stopped. Yes, You rested but not stopped. You are still as creative and active in the universe and in our world and lives today.

Some people today like to think themselves great creators. And today on World Malaria Day we are grateful for the creators and developers of new pre-treated with two types of insecticide nets which are reducing cases by half! But some are more occupied with creating excess things. New clothes, new looks and styles. New home designs. New garden designs. New shaped cars. Not just for improvement and comfort but to sell for more profit. It has led to slavery in the fashion and style industry and many an impossible credit card debt. It does not bring inner joy, contentment and make anyone new.

This little verse from Paul’s second letter, to the Corinthian early church, speaks of Your creative work in us. In Christ we are made into a new creation, made beautiful, clean and new in Christ. We will never be the same again. It does bring joy, contentment and thanksgiving. Christ does not do half a job on us and leave a little sin, a smidgen of condemnation or a passing guilt or two. He forgives absolutely. He adopts fully. We are planned for and prepared for.

We do not need the latest fashion, the most expensive branded potions and gels. We have the scent of holiness to Christ. When the enemy comes to condemn, remind us of past mistakes or tell us we are not good enough – we can quote this verse back at him. The old has gone. Hallelujah.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,

For our family and friends. We pray for their needs physically, emotionally and spiritually.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. A church that loves Your Word and each other.
For the royal family. Thank You for continued healing.
For our Parliament. We pray You will take out and bring in the right people. Stability.
For Ukraine, peace. A supernatural end to war.
For Gaza, a way to live with neighbours, together in peace.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all other places of conflict and Military oppression. Bring them to the end to war. Speak peace to hard hearts. Bless peacemakers with power.
For our neighbourhood and the council members that manage it. Vision and Your priorities.
For the Christians in countries where there is persecution, famine and poverty.
For Christian media, magazines, radio, TV, You tube . . . Your inspiration.
For us amid the business of work, home or whatever needs our attention today. .

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 25th April 2024
2 Corinthians 5:17
Dave Bilborough says he began writing scriptural worship songs out of a sense of community. God was doing some powerful things amongst them as a group of young people. Like many who had gone before and doubtless will follow on, he says, he found himself as the writer of songs that reflected the movement emerging across the Churches. New expressions and new emphases for a new generation but with the age-old truths of the Gospel.

I am a new creation
No more in condemnation,
Here in the grace of God I stand.

My heart is overflowing,
My love just keeps on growing,
Here in the grace of God I stand.

And I will praise You Lord,
Yes, I will praise You Lord,
And I will sing of all that You have done.
A joy that knows no limit,
A lightness in my spirit,
Here in the grace of God I stand.

Lyrics: Dave Bilborough (1983)

Wednesday 24th April 2024

“So the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:16-20 NET

God,
Who is, our Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Here we are between Easter resurrection and ascension day and looking back to what Jesus actually did in those days. Before the crucifixion, You told the disciples about Your imminent suffering and death and they were shocked, horrified and amazed.

Here is Jesus resurrected, appearing and telling them what they are to do next. Widening their understanding of who He is and reminding them of the promise that He would go away, back to His Father and send God’s Holy Spirit to be with them (John 16:7-16). They would never be left alone again. And they are worshipping but some are doubting!

Simple really, go and teach people how to live according to God’s ways and become disciples. But sometimes we too doubt we can do it. It’s an awesome task! It is not easy to know who is open to hearing about Your Son and who may be offended. But the disciples were more than successful. They just started where they were. Help us to be able to speak a word about and for You when the occasion arises. We too can know you, Christ and the power of Your resurrection by Your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,

For our family and friends. We pray for their needs physically, emotionally and spiritually.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. A church that gossips the gospel.
For the royal family. For continued healing and family unity and faith.
For our Parliament. We pray You will take out and bring in the right people for this time in history.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, all places of conflict. Bring them to the end to war. Speak peace to hard hearts. Bless peacemakers with power.
For our emergency services. Local charities. Food banks.
For the church in countries where there is persecution, famine and poverty.
For Christian media, magazines, radio, TV, You tube . . . to be gospel based.
For midweek Wednesday blessings! Whether we are at work, home, holiday or doing the mundane.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Worship Wednesday 24th April 2024
Born in Crewe, to West Indian parents Geraldine was steeped in the Pentecostal tradition. She spent a number of years being a part of the Methodist church. She completed her music degree and qualified as a secondary school teacher, working for twelve years at a Catholic School in Bristol. In 2000 she left teaching to ‘see what God wanted to do with her time’ and found that invitations, opportunities to serve came. Vocal coaching teenage mums, heading up music teams in church, running a community gospel choir, leading worship at national conferences. The passion of her heart, to know she is pursued and loved by God, to shout out loud that God loves and welcomes everyone. Everyone.

In troubled times when fears surround
and life provides no solid ground
I’ll lift my soul and sing once more
of a hope unshakeable.

I will recall the cross of Christ,
one death for all to give us life;
you’ll bring us safe beyond the grave
by your love unshakeable.

Praise to the Saviour, praise his love,
faithful forever, holding us.
Jesus, alone, your name we trust:
through it all, unshakeable.

We know our hope is not in vain
for Jesus rose to life again.
In Christ secure, forevermore,
this is faith unshakeable.

Praise to the Saviour, praise his love,
faithful forever, holding us.
Jesus, alone, your name we trust:
through it all, unshakeable.

Unshakeable: Yesterday, today, forever the same.
Yesterday, today, forever the same . . .

Lyrics: Geraldine Latty, Jo Doré, Carey Luce, Judy Gresham