Tag: Daily Prayer Devotional

Monday 4th December 2023

“Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. 3 Give us each day the food we need, 4 and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.”” Luke 11:1-4 NLT

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” Matthew 6:9-13 NIV

Father,

I wonder how Jesus prayed when he went off alone. Silent, out loud, in tongues? Perhaps singing the Psalms? The disciples obviously felt humbled by His prayers and wanted to learn. I know the feeling of inadequacy sometimes when I pray.

I have listened to sermons, read books, been to prayer meetings and am often overwhelmed. Others seem to pray with ease. Others know more about it! Thank you that you started by simply leading the disciples in such a simple and yet profound all encompassing prayer. Whichever version we use! Help us not to say it rote like we are saying our times table off by heart.

When we do not know where to start, Your prayer can be like turning on the tap to start the water flowing. It reminds me who You are, what Your reason to be is, how I should live and be dependant on You. Sometimes we need to sort out ourselves out first, deal with any unforgiveness, temptation etc, so we can unblock ourselves and move on to listen and pray. And if, when we are down and it is all we can manage, or out of our depth, we can keep close to You with the familiar words. Thank you.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

We pray,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their many individual needs and hopes. We pray they will know the true meaning of Christmas.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services that visitors will attend. That visitors will be blessed and drawn to come again to meet You not just to sing about baby Jesus.
For those who turn to Your prayer in times of need – help them to meet with You through it.
For our Government, King, Queen and their family.
For those in Iceland in the dangerous areas and those evacuated.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miracle that would enable peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. For a miracle in Putin and his entourages hearts to desire peace.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For giving us a prayer which is relevant for all Christians whatever their background, personality or situation and which reminds us we are all in this together. United in Your love, hope and Your future.
For ourselves, we pray that You would accept our worship, forgive us, deliver us from evil, feed us with all we need to be nourished in mind, body and soul. And touch us with Your Kingdom love and strength.

In Jesus name we pray.

Worship Monday 4th December 2023

Our Father who art in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Thy Kingdom come thy will be done on earth as in heaven
Give us to thee our daily bread
And forgive our sins
As we forgive each one of those who sin against us
And lead us not to the time of trial
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom the power and the glory

Our Father who art in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Thy Kingdom come thy will be done on earth as in heaven
Give us to thee our daily bread
And forgive our sins
As we forgive each one of those who sin against us
And lead us not to the time of trial
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom the power and the glory

Let all the people say amen
in every tribe and tongue
Let every heart’s desire be joined
To see the kingdom come
Let every hope and every dream
Be born in love again
Let all the world sing with one voice
Let the people say amen

Let all the people say amen
in every tribe and tongue
Let every heart’s desire be joined
To see the kingdom come
Let every hope and every dream
Be born in love again
Let all the world sing with one voice
Let the people say amen

Amen Amen Amen . . .






Saturday 2nd December 2023

“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”” Luke 10:38-42 NLT

Father God,

Two women. Not two men. At a time when women were in the background. But Luke saw that to Jesus they were all important, male and female. Luke saw something worth noticing and putting in his gospel. A woman complaining she had all the work to do. (But the meal could have be rustled up later). We too sometimes have the choice – to whinge and be a martyr or to make time to wait at Your feet? To have a pity party or spend time with You. I know I don’t always make the right choice.

We can justify Martha wanting to do the best for Jesus. But He had not come to fine dine. She felt she had to do a meal. To impress Him? Jesus does not want us to impress Him. He knows us right well. Your word says, “humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honour. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (i Peter 5:6,7) Nothing about trying to prove ourselves.

It is easy to be distracted from just sitting at Your feet and listening to Your Word. And then distracted when we are! Things need to be done but not all the time. Sometimes we need to just sit at Your feet and not try to impress You. But I love Martha because she is human. I love the way You gently You put her right. Keep calling us back to Your feet when we forget where we should be. And when other things, which seem important, get in the way.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father God,

We pray,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their many individual needs and hopes. Bring to mind those who need extra prayer help today.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services that visitors will attend. That they will be blessed and drawn to come again to meet You not just to sing about baby Jesus.
For those who have many responsibilities they cannot put down. Help them to carry them with You. Carers, parents and those employed in health care, law keeping anything to do with safety.
For our Government, King, Queen and their family.
For those in Iceland in the still dangerous areas and those evacuated.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord enable a new ceasefire and a way out of this conflict.
For Putin and Ukraine. For an end of this war.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For Christians to find that time to sit at Jesus feet and be restored, refreshed and refilled.
For ourselves. Be our strength, direction and fortitude for this new day.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 2nd December 2023
I love the way this worship weaves well known words with a fresh simple melody.

Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the one that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Yes where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus You’re my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus You’re my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus You’re my hope and stay

Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Lyrics; Chris Tomlin


Sunday 26th November 2023

“But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. 6 He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. 7 He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners.
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. 9 The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. 10 The Lord will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the Lord” Psalm 146:5-10 NLT

Lord our God,

We step aside from travelling through Luke’s gospel to leap into Psalm 146. This is the last Sunday in November and we need a little joy. Dark nights, chilly weather and the hype and run up to Christmas is approaching! You remind us – Joyful are those of us who have You as our helper and who hope in You. Not in tinsel and light pretty as they are. Because our hope is anchored in You, who made heaven and earth, everything, and who will reign forever.

You are not a part time, seasonal God or one who will be usurped by the next fad or fashion. In some translations You are the God of Jacob (NIV) and in some the God of Israel. Jacob who You renamed Israel. In Genesis 32:22-32, we read how Jacob wrestled with You. Jacob said he had seen God and lived! (verse 30). Jacob then believed in You, the God of his own father Isaac. It points to the You, God who would come as a man, Jesus, and wrestle with evil and sin, and be victorious on our behalf. The one who would give us a change of name from sinner to saint and make us a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) when we choose Jesus as our Lord.

We see You and Your Son all through the Old and the New Testament, and how You change lives. Thank You for being merciful and yet one who will judge rightly one day. Keep us joyful as we wrestle against sin, unbelief and selfishness. Forgiven much and joyfully kept safe in Your love.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Lord our God,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For their many individual needs and You would touch their lives with Your love and goodness today.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. May You encourage all of them with a refreshing touch of Your gentle strength and inspiration.
For our Government, that You would lead it forward to become all it should be to govern well.
For our King and Queen and their family. Healing for relationships.
For those in Iceland where there is threat of volcanic eruption. For those who have had to leave their homes. Speak peace to the earth there.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord for the miraculous pause to continue. For help, provision and water and medical supplies to get through to where needed. To a way to peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to this war, conflict and bloodshed. Thwart all the shelling and bombing distract Putin from war.
For all those who are considering Jesus, beginning to hear about Him to take that step from knowing about You to knowing You personally. May seeds be sown in all the Christmas services to be held this year in churches, schools, care homes. Carolling out on the streets, in towns and around housing estates.
For all those who need to know they are loved with an everlasting, unfailing love today.
For ourselves, thank You for a new day. Send us Your joy today and keep us joyful in Your loving care.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sun 26th November 2023
I love this rendition of a familiar hymn.

Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before You,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Centre of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Lyrics by Henry van Dyke in 1907