“Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. 48 “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” 49 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed.” John 4:46-50 NIV
God of wonders,
Cana I believe is only a few miles from Nazareth where Jesus grew up. Where he attended a wedding, maybe it was a Joseph or Mary family do? And they may still have be talking about how he changed water to wine. A miracle he tried to keep quiet and only did at his mothers request.
No phones then, but the royal official heard the gossip that Jesus was in Cana. The miracle man. So he sought Jesus out. And Jesus was moved to do something for this man’s child. But He did not go with the official. He told him to go back home and trust hat his child was healed. The man literally took Jesus at His word.
I ask myself if I could have taken Jesus at His word and departed? Or would I have tried to persuade Him to still come with me? Do we take You at Your Word.
We cannot exactly explain to others how we know You are with us all the time but we know You are. We cannot explain how sometimes the Bible seems to come alive and speak to our situation, but it does. We cannot prove those times when we have known Your clear direction and assurance, and it has proved to be right. Help us to listen and take You at Your word. It may not always be supernatural miracles, flashes of lightening but it will be what we need, when we need it. We will trust in You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of wonders,
For our family, friends, neighbours. Meet needs. Help them know You do answer prayer.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. A day of answered prayer.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Calm and stability for all Parliamentarians.
For all those preparing for the Paris Olympics. Behand the scenes and those who will take part.
For Gaza, Middle East, continuing peace talks, negotiations and a way forward in peace.
Ukraine. Send a miracle, soften Putin’s hard heart. And his officials and generals and advisors.
For our farmers, dry days and sunshine as needed.
For those who need their faith lifting and disappointment or disenchantment removing.
For all those who need to carry responsibility -nurses, engineers, emergency services . . . carry it with and for them.
For us: thank You that we awoke to a brand new day, forgiven, loved and with blessings to come.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 10th July 2024
Psalm 23 and our response to it in the chorus . . .
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.
And I will trust in You alone,
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.
He guides my ways in righteousness,
And He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights.
And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
For You are with me, and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know.
Lyrics: Keith Gordon Green / Melody Green