Tag: Daily Prayer Devotional

Wednesday 27th March 2024

“When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?” “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?” They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn’t believe John. But if we say it was merely human, we’ll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet.” So they finally replied, “We don’t know.” And Jesus responded,  “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.” Matthew 21:23-27 NLT

Lord and Father of mankind,

Passover was fast approaching. The Pharisees wanted to deal with the problem of Jesus. And You God, chose this time for Him to go to Jerusalem. It didn’t help that He threw the money makers out of the Temple (Matthew 21:12). Then a day or two later Jesus walked back into the Temple and the Pharisees thought their chance had come! A perfect opportunity to shame and catch Him out. But no, Jesus leaves them in a dilemma with one simple question. Whose authority?

Father, You gave them the choice, there and then, to see who Jesus was – is. A man, flesh and blood, yes. But more than that, more than a miracle healing, preacher and teacher. The Messiah.. Not using Your divine power to conquer but Your humility to win hearts. To walk in our shoes and do what we could not do. Live sinless and then pay the price of sin.

Others may be embarrassed that we like to sing hymns, to read the Bible and to pray about everything. If they only knew – open eyes this Easter to Your sacrificial love.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God and Father of mankind,

For our family, friends and neighbours. Each one as they need.
For our Ministers, church leadership and all who enter our churches Sundays or mid week.
For young people to find their purpose and Yours in life.
For respect for Your name and those who worship You, by those who persecute.
For the Royal family.
For our government. The Lords and Commons.
For the community where we live, the families in our street, road or cul-de-sac.
For an end to the war in Ukraine.
For a solution for Gaza and peace and healing and a way to rebuild relationships and homes.
For countries where there is conflict, oppression or famine – provision, safety and support.
For a move of Your Spirit to fill hearts this Easter with Your Son and Your gift of life.
For us to have a day blessed with Your provision, joy and desire to do good. Where ever we may find ourselves.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 27th March 2024

I believe in Jesus
I believe He is the Son of God
I believe He died and rose again
I believe He paid for us all

And I believe He’s here now
I believe that He’s here
Standing in our midst

Here with the power to heal now
With the power to heal
And the grace to forgive
I believe in You Lord

I believe in Jesus
I believe He is the Son of God
I believe He died and rose again
I believe He paid for us all

And I believe He is here now
Standing in our midst
Here With the power to heal now
And the grace to forgive

I believe in You, Lord
I believe You are the Son of God
I believe You died and rose again
I believe You paid for us all.

Lyrics: Marc Nelson.

Tuesday 26th March 2024

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV

God who rules over all,

Holy Week is what we now call this week in the church calendar. I wonder what You call it Father? Does it need a name? We are drawing near to celebrating Jesus death. That really is an oxymoron (like saying bittersweet). Jesus is going about his life as usual. Not complaining, not overwhelmed with fear or self sympathy. He is focused and expecting You, His heavenly Father to plan, purpose and provide. Knowing His death draws nearer.

You remind us that people who love, desire and worship things more than You, will not do well eternally to say the least! Rich men (lovers of money) cannot pass through eye of a needle and enter the Kingdom of God.

Jesus went through death in order that we might be rich in the things that matter. He came to give us Your life. If we seek a relationship with You first, as King and our Lord, You add all the things of Your Kingdom to us. Grace, peace, faith hope and love. And the greatest of these is love . . . thank You Lord. Keep us seeking and receiving.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .

God who rules over all,

For our family, friends and neighbours. Each one personally, with their own needs and hopes.
For our Ministers, church leadership and those who come to our church Sundays or mid week.
For our young people to find Your purpose for their life and the opportunity to follow it.
For the Royal family. Charles and Kate to be well during treatment. For those covering for them.
For our government. The Lords and Commons. Respect, service and unity for our nations best.
For our nearest towns and cities and city centres. For employment, development and growth.
For an end to the war in Ukraine.
For a solution for Gaza and peace and healing and a way to rebuild relationships and homes.
For countries where there is conflict, oppression or famine – provision, safety and support.
For a move of Your Spirit to fill hearts this Easter with Your Son and Your gift of life.
For us to have a cheerful day blessed with Your provision, joy and desire to do good. And the promise of a good nights sleep.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 26th March 2024
This was written in 1971 by Karen Lafferty, inspired by a Bible study on the verse “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33) at Calvary Chapel. It become one of the most well-known praise chorus’s and entered in many recent hymnals. The original version only included a single verse with a refrain of alleluias, which can also be sung as a round. The other verses, of anonymous authorship, were added based on Matthew 7:7 and Matthew 4:4. 

Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!

Ask, and it shall be given unto you;
Seek, and you shall find.
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!

You shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds out from the mouth of God.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!

And if the Son shall set you free
Ye shall be free indeed
Ye shall know the truth, and it shall set you free
Hallelu, Hallelujah!

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart
He shall direct thy paths
In all thy ways acknowledge Him
Hallelu, Hallelujah!

Lyrics and music by Karen Lafferty and anonymous.

Monday 25th March 2024

 “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example—you should do just as I have done for you.” John 13:14-15 NET

Lord God,

Washing feet was normal hospitality for visitors in Jesus day in the Middle East. A servants job, if you had one. Menial and not always too pleasant when no road sweepers, no real roads and if livestock wandering about! Your Son did not call for a servant but set us an example and washed your followers feet.

Jesus showed us Your attitude of heart. Came to serve, and served the disciples even though a King. He perfectly served You, God and yet came to served us too (Matthew 20:28). He met our needs relationally, physically and spiritually with care, comfort and compassion.

Times may have changed but Jesus visible image of You, as a man, stands true forever. We have technology, transport and time savers. Yet more than ever we still need Your and human relationships to touch and enrich our lives. Help us to humbly find ways to serve with You and be hospitable with what we have. Help us have a caring attitude, make others welcome and comfortable. To try to meet their needs not just physically but by talking about You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord God,

For our family, friends and neighbours. For their well being, todays needs and provision.
For those we have not seen for a while or are worried about we ask Your healing and loving care.
For our church family, Ministers and church leadership. Provide for future leadership.
For our young people to discover and be able to train and get work in their chosen professions.
For the Royal family. Their health. To have some privacy with their public duties.
For our government. Stability for the future and good legislation..
For our nearest towns and cities and city centres. For employment, development and growth.
For those on the front line in the NHS and police. Ambulance crew, rapid response, air ambulance.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Deal with Putin as with Pharaoh so he will let the people go.
For a solution for Gaza and peace and healing and a way to rebuild relationships and homes.
For countries where there is conflict, oppression or famine – provision, safety and support.
For those who commit their lives to prayer and meditation as a calling, who are not known.
Today we give thanks for all those who help us practically at home, at work, on the phone and those who pray for us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 25h March 2024

Oh, kneel me down again
Here at Your feet
Show me how much You love
Humility
Oh, Spirit be the star
That leads me to
The humble heart of love
I see in You

‘Cause You are the God of the broken
The friend of the weak
You wash the feet of the weary
Embrace the ones in need
I want to be like You Jesus
To have this heart in me
You are the God of the humble
You are the humble King

Oh, kneel me down again
Here at Your feet
Show me how much you love
Humility
Oh, Spirit be the star
That leads me to
The humble heart of love
I see in You

Chorus twice

Beautiful God
Wonderful Saviour
I want to be like You Jesus
To have this heart in me
You are the God of the humble
You are the humble King

Lyrics: Brenton Brown