“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NET
God of love,
This passage used to be very popular for church weddings because it goes on to speak about love. I love that it starts out with some humour! Some, in church, may have noticed that my singing sounds a bit like brass and clanging – it definitely lacks tone. But You remind us that without love our lives sound like a really annoying gong or ear offensive clanging! And others can see and hear that too!
Even if we know all the right answers, can see solutions and have knowledge more than others, are generous and do good, if it lacks love it is hollow. Agape love, is the selfless love that moved You, God to send Your only son for the world’s redemption. The love we receive from you and that You call us to show towards others. Even those who annoy us! It is a call to flavour everything we do with love even when we are not loved back. And its not easy . . .
Today we admit we do clanging sometimes. We cannot always be love without the help of Your Holy Spirit. Rather than beating ourselves up . . . we come to You to say sorry. Help us to love and forgive, even when we cannot forget or trust. And as we continue in our imperfection we thank You because You continue to forgive and wash us and love us and lead us onward, day by day.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of love,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. Show them You love in answered prayer and through their day..
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations. Let love flow through them and us.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family. Direct and guide them.
For our government and their families. Lead and speak clearly to them. Raise up the right people to stand in the elections, grant us a good Government.
For Ukraine and Russian. A miracle, many miracles . . . Peace an end to war.
For wherever there is unrest, war, military oppression: Myanmar, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria, China . . . change people, situations, hearts, politics.
For international relationships and politics.
For love, righteousness and reconciliation to flow where there are gangs and criminal activities.
For dentists, chiropodists, hairdressers, physiotherapists, chiropractors, opticians, hearing specialists and those who bring relief, help and feeling better into daily life.
For those who are on the Samaritan and child help lines. Callers and listeners.
For our doctors, nurses and emergency services.
For ourselves, a harmonious day with fellowship with You and others and goodwill.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 25th January 2024
What a prayer!
1 Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heav’n to earth come down,
fix in us Thy humble dwelling;
all Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love Thou art;
visit us with Thy salvation;
enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit,
let us find the promised rest.
Take away our love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver;
let us all Thy life receive;
suddenly return and never,
nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve Thee as Thy hosts above;
pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,
glory in Thy perfect love.
Finish then, Thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see Thy great salvation
perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav’n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before Thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Lyrics: Charles Wesley