Daily Prayer Devotional – Page 64

Friday 29th December 2023

“As they (the wise men) came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹²After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back by another route to their own country. ¹³After they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to look for the child to kill him.” ¹⁴Then he got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and went to Egypt. ¹⁵He stayed there until Herod died. In this way what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet was fulfilled: “I called my Son out of Egypt.” Matthew 2:11-15 NET

Jehovah Jireh, God who provides, (Genesis 22:14)

We worship You, remembering how You placed Your son as a helpless baby into the hands of an inexperienced young couple. We remember how You placed the birth of Your church into the hands of a dozen inexperienced men and a handful of women. We are in awe that You choose to use us. Thank you that You call those needed to reach each every generation. So we can never boast – only boast in You (1 Corinthians 1:31).

The wise men, after they left Bethlehem, were warned in a dream to avoid Herod. Knowing Herod’s heart – You also warned Joseph through a dream. Flee to Egypt now, not a short journey. No baby carriers and car seat, no fast food outlets, no camper van. No road side recovery. No social security payments.

But You provided. Had the wise men not found Jesus . . . Had they not given priceless gifts to a baby in a manger . . . Had they specified what to use the gold for . . . But they did as You asked, and just gave.

How many times has God provided just before or just when we needed. How often have we found He has provided inspiration, words, strength, direction, things, money at the right moment. And You have used us to be someone else’s provision at their time of need. You, God provided and led Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus forward safely. Thank You for providing for us. Help us trust You and lead us onward.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Jehovah Jireh, God who provides, (Genesis 22:14)

For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families.
For good men and women to speak out for, and bring, peace in troubled areas.
For all areas of war and oppression. For Gaza and the Middle East, Ukraine, Afghanistan, North Korea.
For refugees everywhere. Those who have been in camps for years. Those becoming refugees from danger, war and oppression. Those who are refugees from abusive relationships and slavery.
For those who have been victims of crime and murder and their families.
For Your church that spreads the Good News and its hand of help to those who need it all around the world.
For ourselves, that we would appreciate the simple joys of today.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 29th December 2023
This may be new to You but just let the words and the Holy Spirit wash over and through you.

At the moment of my weakness,
When my need for power is plain,
And my own strength is exhausted once again,
Then my Lord has made provision
For the day of my despair,
And His precious Holy Spirit
Hears my prayer, my prayer;
Then my Lord has made provision
For the day of my despair,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.

Holy Spirit! Promised presence fall on me.
Holy Spirit! Make me all I long to be.
Holy Spirit! Holy Spirit!
Give Your power to me, O Holy Spirit.

When the darkness falls around me,
When bewildered and afraid,
When I feel the most deserted and betrayed,
Then my every need is answered
By God’s providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit
Hears my prayer, my prayer;
Then my every need is answered
By God’s providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.

Nothing now can rob God’s servant
Of the peace that He bequeaths,
Nothing take away the strength
His presence breathes.
Of the everlasting arms of love
I’m daily made aware,
And His precious Holy Spirit
Hears my prayer, my prayer;
Of the everlasting arms of love
I’m daily made aware,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.

Give Your power to me O Holy Spirit . . .

Lyrics: John Gowans
Available on CD: The King’s Singers, Salvation Army Favourites, Vocal Reflections, SPS2015.

Wednesday 20th December 2023

“When they (the wise men) saw the star they shouted joyfully.¹¹As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10,11 NET

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 NKJV

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, ⁶who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, ⁷for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 1 Timothy 2:5-7 NKJV

God who ransomed us,

As we approach the celebration of Your birthday on Saturday, we are amazed, astonished and absolutely dumbfounded. Lord of Creation, Lord of History and time, Lord of all power and majesty. The God who we cannot fully comprehend or imagine, who sent Your only Son to a tiny planet in a tiny part of the universe inhabited by a rebellious disobedient people. At a particular unstable time in history. Knowing men would kill Him!

And You know our disobedience well. From Adam and Eve, people have been selfish and disobeyed. We say we would not have shouted crucify Him but would we have stepped forward as his supporters? Even Peter denied knowing Him least he got arrested too.

“The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”(Romans 6:23. Sin takes us captive and there is nothing we can do. We cannot buy our way out, be good enough, or earn our way out. No rituals will get us out. Jesus gave His pure sinless life for us and the ransom was paid in full, once and for all. We just have to humbly accept His gift of light and life.

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8). Help us to open ourselves fully, to being loved by You, no arguments. Accept Your priceless forgiveness and worship You.

In Jesus loving name we pray, Amen.

God who ransomed us,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. Precious as gold, bless them with all they need and Your healing love.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season.
For our Government, that You might gift them with honesty, truth and a desire to serve.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous peace. Regardless of men.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today..
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For those travelling to be with family before and during this season. Safe journeys.
For ourselves, light in our hearts that twinkles with Your love. Joy in our smiles and hope without end.

In Jesus powerful name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 20th December 2023

As with gladness men of old
did the guiding star behold,
as with joy they hailed its light,
leading onward, beaming bright;
so, most gracious God, may we
evermore be led to thee.

As with joyful steps they sped,
Savior, to thy lowly bed,
there to bend the knee before
thee whom heaven and earth adore;
so may we with willing feet
ever seek thy mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare
at thy cradle rude and bare,
so may we with holy joy,
pure and free from sin’s alloy,
all our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to thee, our heavenly king.

Holy Jesus, every day
keep us in the narrow way,
and, when earthly things are past,
bring our ransomed souls at last
where they need no star to guide,
where no clouds thy glory hide.

W. Chatterton Dix
CD: Choir of Selwyn College, The Complete New English Hymnal Vol 14, Priory Records.

Tuesday 19th December 2023

Today we are coming into the last week before Christmas. Adverts are trying to get us to buy food, presents and things we do not really need, but look scrumptious. And the need to get the right gift to make someone really happy. But it is transient. Your joy remains after the tinsel! And we see the Kings bought essential gifts for Jesus, Your gift who would give His all for us.

Myrrh, the third gift. Odd gift for a baby King. A beautiful aromatic resin. Usually kept to use to prepare bodies for burial. In John 12:27 in the garden of Gethsemane Jesus says, “Now my soul is greatly distressed. And what should I say? ‘Father, deliver me from this hour. No, but for this very reason I have come to this hour.” A prophetic gift. Were it not for Jesus death, His birth would have had no significance.

We are all born to die even if we prefer not to dwell on it! In Christ we receive more than incense for our death, we receive anointing for new and eternal life. The promise that we will awaken to eternal life with You and all those Christians who have gone before us. There will be no evil, there will be no more pain – just joy, fellowship, singing and the light and glory of You, Lord. You are our present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1) and our help and salvation to come (Psalm 23:4).

In Jesus Christ, the risen one, we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of life, we pray . . .

For all our family, friends and neighbours. They are as precious as gold to us, bless them with all they need and open to Your love.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. All hearts will be open to see and receive Your gift of life.
For our Government, that You might be in the confusion, disagreement and bring about a new focus on serving the people of this nation.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families at this busy time.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace. Regardless of men.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war. Change Putin’s heart..
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For those in N. Queensland, Australia flooded out. Blow the clouds away. Send relief and help.
For wise men to with wisdom to speak and direct in areas of power, and national control.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For those travelling to be with family before and during this season. Safe journeys.
For ourselves, amidst the uncertainty in the world, contentment and peace. As we smell the aromas of Christmas in mince pies etc to have thanksgiving in our heart for Your coming.

In Jesus life giving name we pray, Amen

Worship Tuesday 19th December 2023
Astronomers, wise men, kings, all three? Still a great carol. Alleluia!

We three kings of orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain
Moor and mountains
Following yonder star

O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King for ever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising
Voices raising
Worship Him, God most high

Myrrh is mine
It’s bitter perfume breathes
A life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone cold tomb

Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Heaven sings ‘Alleluia’
‘Alleluia’ the earth replies

Lyrics: John Henry Hopkins Jnr