Tag: Daily Prayer Devotional

Sunday 24th March 2024

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 NKJV

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Amplified Bible

God who loves,

In days like these when we so vividly see and can know what is going on around the world on TV we need some positive certainties. The surety of Sunday, for many of us a worship day, a gathering together for communion day. To study and listen to teachings of truth from Your word day. To ensure we have built on the rock, like the wise man, day (Matthew 7:25). To know You are still on the throne and have the final say.

Perish not a word used much today. Not an entertaining word! All the translations use the word perish. Perish: to die in a sudden way or to rot or decay more slowly. Not nice to think about. But we will not perish. Hallelujah for that one absolute certainly. We will be raised to life just as Jesus was. So we worship You as countless generations have done. We trust You as countless generations have done. We do not always understand all that is happening around us as countless generations before have not either. But we know that You God, You finally will put an end to evil and man’s rebellion. And we will dwell with You forever in a new heaven and a new earth. Help us know that truth.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who loves,

For our family, friends and neighbours. For their needs and hopes and to catch a glimpse of heaven this Easter.
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. Life and health. Draw back the lost and inspire the weary and draw in those who need to find You.
For our young people to make good decisions for their future, open possibilities for them.
For the Royal family and the Government and all in responsibility for our nation.
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 have been bereaved, comfort and Your presence to cheer and to guide.
For Your help to look for the good, chase away the negative and appreciate the ordinary.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 24th March 2024

Benton Brown woke up feeling strange one morning. Came home from a worship event and rested. The week turned into 6 months. Doctor’s diagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome. Girlfriend Jude (now wife) also suffered from the same even though it is not contagious. They returned to S Africa to Brenton’s parents. Their Lives came to a stop. In their 20’s but not able to pursue their dreams. They sought the Lord and came across the verse in Isaiah 40, “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary . . . but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” A promise to them. It has still been a struggle, still hard but they are back serving God. Brenton wrote this song with Ken as a result as a life prayer for a faithful God.

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our strong deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won’t grow weary

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our strong deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won’t grow weary

You’re the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our strong deliverer
‘Cause You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won’t grow weary

You’re the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

From everlasting
To everlasting
God, you are everlasting

Lyrics: Brenton Brown and Ken Riley

Saturday 23rd March 2024

“ Therefore He (Jesus) is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

Almighty God,

This reminded me of a saying about “the guttermost to the uttermost” which I think was to do with the gin drinking ladies of the late 1800’s passing out on the streets! Mothers ruin was its nickname. Sadly still ruining lives today Father. William Booth’s told his Salvation Army soldiers, “Go straight for souls and go for the worst.” God, You are able to save anyone, whoever they are, wherever they are and whatever their situation. Maybe the worst know their need most! You found me. You saved me.

I love to pray. I am not sure I am an intercessor. When I do pray my concentration easily wanders. I loose focus, become distracted or simply seem in desperate need of a cup of tea! Is it the enemy or me or both?

But Jesus is always interceding for us, personally, and in Your presence. Every minute of every day. Who knows our needs better than Your Son. When Jesus walked among us He prayed that we would be one just as You, Father and Jesus are one (John 17:20-23) Us in You and You in us. Hekp us to pray.

It is such a blessing when someone prays for us when we meet. How eternally wonderful to know we are constantly being prayed for, by the one who died for us, the King of Kings.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Almighty God,

For our family, friends and neighbours. Help them, You know their deepest needs, fears and joys.
For those we rub up against. Help us to respond in love.
For our church family, Ministers and church leadership. Inspire them.
For the Royal family. Their health. To have some privacy along with their public duties.
For our government. House of commons, House of Lords, civil servants.
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 You did with Pharaoh so he will let them 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 – be their path to peace and support.
For those individual and groups who commit to prayer for our nation and world.
For a good day. Grant easy sleep. Bless those of us who wake in the night and those who find it hard to wake in a morning. Grant us Your rest within, restore and refresh us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 23rd March 2024

Charitie was the daughter of an Irish minister, born in county Dublin in 1841 . This text was paired with hymn tunes (including the tune to “Sweet Hour of Prayer”) that gave the words a mournful quality. So it was not widely sung. Then, in 1997, Vikki Cook of Sovereign Grace Ministries wrote a more joyous folk melody. It set the words free for a new generation to express the confidence and joy of being in Christ.

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea;
a great High Priest whose name is Love,
who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
my name is written on his heart.
I know that while in heav’n he stands
no tongue can bid me thence depart,
no tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
and tells me of the guilt within,
upward I look and see him there
who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
my sinful soul is counted free;
for God the just is satisfied
to look on him and pardon me,
to look on him and pardon me.

Behold him there, the risen Lamb,
my perfect, spotless righteousness,
the great unchangeable I AM,
the King of glory and of grace.
At one with him, I cannot die;
my soul is purchased by his blood.
My life is hid with Christ on high,
with Christ my Savior and my God,
with Christ my Savior and my God.

Lyrics: Charitie Lees Bancroft

Charitie was the daughter of an Irish minister, born in county Dublin in 1841 . This text was paired with hymn tunes (including the tune to “Sweet Hour of Prayer”) that gave the words a mournful quality. So it was not widely sung.

Then, in 1997, Vikki Cook of Sovereign Grace Ministries wrote a more joyous folk melody. It set the words free for a new generation to express the confidence and joy of being in Christ.


Friday 22nd March 2024

“Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy and may your spirit and soul and body be kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 NET

“Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to arouse its desires.” Romans 13:14 NET

God of peace,

It’s the unpredictable things that push out my peace and usher in annoyance, self sympathy and impatience, Father God. Like the washer breaking down (never when it is empty of water), breaking a glass on the kitchen tap, stubbing my toe . . . walking mud in from the garden, dribbling lunch down a clean jumper. And those jumper stains remind me that I am not just grubby without but easily daily stained with sin within.

How wonderful it was to put on the Lord Jesus Christ that first time and Know I was forgiven, cleansed through and through, inside and out. Robed in His pure clean holiness. A robe of humility, compassion, gentleness, patience and kindness and divine shining holiness. Restored to peace and well being in place of our earthly annoyances and irritation.

We are grateful that, but we need You to keep us clean. The times when we loose it a little or a lot, You, Lord restore us. We are re-laundered inside and out. Remind us on this lent walk, towards the cross, that it cost You everything and us nothing. You give and give again and again. Thank You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of peace,

For our family, friends and neighbours. Hold them. Help them in their joys and pains.
For those we have difficulties with. Help us not to exasperate the situation even if we are right.
For our church family, Ministers and church leadership. Keep the way forward true and good.
For the Royal family. Their health. To have some privacy along with their public duties.
For our government. House of commons, House of Lords, civil servants. You sort and guide.
For our nearest towns and cities and city centres. For employment, development and growth.
For schools in the busy week before the holidays. That Easter would be explained to them.
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 – be their providers and support.
For all the church volunteers serving their communities and neighbours.
For us to know Your peace of forgiveness, to feel renewed, as we wash and put on clean clothes.
For a good day with good thoughts and feeling to follow.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 22nd March 2024
At the time of Watts’ birth (1674), churches in England sang only metrical psalms. But by the time of his death (1748), he had planted the seeds of a much more complex hymnody. His 600 hymns found in seven collections made the transition from a rigid, metrical psalmody to a freer, theologically-based hymnody.
Wonderful worship.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Lyrics: Isaac Watts