Tag: Daily Prayer Devotional

Friday 5th April 2024

 “After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias.  Now this is how he did so. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael (who was from Cana in Galilee), the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of his were together. 3 Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.” “We will go with you,” they replied. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 When it was already very early morning, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 So Jesus said to them, “Children, you don’t have any fish, do you?” They replied, “No.” 6 He told them, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they threw the net, and were not able to pull it in because of the large number of fish.“ John 21:1-6 New Living Translation.

God,

God of the open spaces,
God of the windswept sea,
Lord of the lofty mountains,
I open my heart to Thee.

Sometimes, most mornings Lord, I find it hard to leave the comfort and warmth of my bed. Then I get caught up in teeth cleaning, dressing, breakfast and forget to say good morning to You! The words of Flora Larsson (Salvation Army) come to chide me! Best way to start my day. Opening my heart to You and picturing my favourite views of Your creation – the sea, the mountains. Their sight and smell! Then to picture He who was not created, Jesus, standing on the wet sand, patiently waiting and providing for His disciples.

Sometimes I feel like the disciples. Not sure what to do and and yet cannot be idle. So they did what they knew, together. There You were with them and for them. Help us to do what we can. Remind us it is not always about being a missionary, famous evangelist or doing great deeds. Sometimes it is about being a Christian right where we are. In whatever stage of life we are at. Being in harmony with others. And there You always are to guide and bless.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Lord God,

For our family, friends and neighbours. Thank You for answered prayer. We bring each one.
For our church fellowship. Ministers and all who serve. Healthy relationships and open hearts.
For the royal family. Healing. Well being, strength for those stepping in to cover engagements.
For our Parliament, county councils and local councils. Wisdom of Solomon. Raise up good men and women this summer ready to stand in general election.
For our local community, those who live near us and have their own challenges. Blessings.
For school teachers and staff and pupils good break and enthusiasm for coming term.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, places of conflict. End war and drive them in paths of peace.
For all those affected by the earthquake in Taiwan. Those seeking to help.
For fishermen around the world. Fishing for us who eat fish or to keep their family alive.
For all who make their living at sea. Who are away for months, years. For Lifeboat crews.
Thanks for marine life. Diversity of creation: singing whales, luminescent jellyfish, sea lions, . . .
For those who need encouragement and a faith building experience of Jesus.
For us a smooth and refreshing day and one to reflect how You are wait to greet us each morning.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 5th April 2024
Wonderful words, the chorus bursts out like a flower bursting into bloom.

Laura was driving down a mountain road, eyes fixed on the majesty of her Creator, when she started worshiping and singing, “Indescribable…uncontainable…You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name…”. She added verses later and finished the song while reading God’s own description of His power and might in Job Chapter 38.

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation’s revealing Your majesty
From the colours of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Repeat chorus

Lyrics: Laura Story.

“Indescribable” was brought into churches around the world when Chris Tomlin recorded it. Laura didn’t think congregations would want to sing it in worship. But she later said, “It’s humbling and amazing. When I was looking for it, I couldn’t find it. When I just started worshiping, He blew me out of the water.”






Thursday 4th April 2024

“Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”” John20:24-29 NIV

Oh Father,

We cannot depart from celebrating Easter without remembering and giving thanks for Thomas. I am so glad John felt that he really deserved, needed, warranted a personal place here, in the Gospels. Even though he is not mentioned much elsewhere. We have all been in a place where we have doubted or said have to know for ourself! From having to touch something said to be soft. To having to see something ourselves! To be honest Father, in Thomas’s shoes I would have said the same. Risen from the dead, appeared in person?

But then Thomas got to see, touch and speak to the risen Lord. How so like You to go out of Your way to meet His need. How like Jesus to then talk about us, who would believe but not meet Him in the flesh (John 20:29). We all have our Thomas moments, Lord. Moments when we wonder where You are. Moments when we are not so certain, have questions even doubt.

Father thank You that faith is a journey. You make our relationship with You individual, personal and intimate. You know all about us (Psalm 139). We change but You do not. You have no favourites (Romans 2:11). You are faithful to each of us. Thank You for giving us Thomas moments when we can be sure of You and Your gift of faith.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father,

For our family, friends and neighbours. Their immediate needs and glimpses of You to build faith.
For our congregation and all Your churches to grow in new believers. For faith to flourish.
For the royal family. To be sure that You are with them healing and supporting.
For our Parliament, county councils and local councils. Raise up good men and women this summer ready to stand in the next general election.
For our local community, prosperity, well being and security from evil.
For those still on holiday – refreshment. Energise those back at work or who have not had a break.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, places of conflict. End war and drive them in paths of peace.
For the multitude of unseen workers who keep our society safe and healthy . . .
For those doubting their faith or who think they have lost it. Reassure them as You did Thomas.
For us a day to know the certainties of Your love, forgiveness, strength and comfort.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 4th April 2024

I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me hath been made known;
Nor why, unworthy as I am,
He claimed me for His own.

But I know whom I’ve believed;
And am persuaded that He is able,
To keep that which I’ve committed,
Unto Him against that day.

I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart;
Or how believing in His word
Wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin;
Revealing Jesus through the word,
Creating faith in Him.

I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days
Before His face I see.

Lyrics: Daniel Webster Whittle.







Wednesday 3rd April 2024

 “Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee . . .

. . .Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.” John 21:1, 10-14 NIV

Father God,

Your resurrection appearances show you meeting the disciples where they were. It often involved eating. It was the meal, the breaking of bread and praying that enabled two disciples to recognise Jesus on the Emmaus Road (Luke 24:30-31).

For grieving fishermen to clear their heads and not sit idle, fishing was a natural outlet. Jesus went to meet them where they were. It is so easy to think Jesu is closer when we are reading the Bible, praying or in a service.

You showed us that being holy and wholly Yours is not just about spiritual feelings but about a living relationship. Jesus built relationships by spending time with people where they were often over a meal. Whether it was a small gathering like at Zacchaeus house ( 19:5), or many like the crowd of 5,000 (Matthew 14:18-21). He wants to be with us when we are relaxed as well as studying His Word.

As we bask in the celebration of Your resurrection, help us appreciate everyday life with You. Whether it be as we eat breakfast, talk to someone during the day or just hear the birds beginning their spring chorus. And to build good relationships with You Lord and others – perhaps over coffee and a biscuit or two . . .

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,

For our family, friends and neighbours. Healing, comfort, strength, joy . . . individual needs.
For our congregation and all Your churches to grow in new believers.
For the royal family for healing and strength for Charles and Kate as treatment continues.
For our nation, our Parliament, county councils and local councils. Wisdom of Solomon.
For our neighbourhood and its well being, good community and security from evil.
For those still on holiday – refreshment. Those who are back at work or have not had a break.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, places of conflict. End war drive them down paths of peace.
For our hospitals, chaplains and all staff: their well and healing for all patients.
For the multitude of unseen workers who keep our society safe and healthy . . .
For all the kind people who will do good today no matter how small.
For us a good day, upheld by You and lift our heads to see Your light in this world as well as the approaching spring.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 3rd April 2024

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares can destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord at the noon of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

Lyrics: Jan Struther (1901-1953)

As well as the creation of the character Mrs Miniver in a fortnightly column in The Times, Jan Struther is remembered for her many hymns for children, including “Lord of All Hopefulness”, “When a Knight Won His Spurs” and “Daisies are Our Silver”. These resulted from an approach by Canon Percy Dearmer of Westminster Abbey, Words Editor of the enlarged edition of Songs of Praise 1931. She was said to be an agnostic, although she did go to church!