Tag: Daily Prayer Devotional

Thurs 2nd November 2023

“Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”” Luke 8:22-24 NKJV

Master, Lord, God,

I have stopped at perishing for a couple of reasons Lord. Sometimes it seems to only be movies that have happy endings, life is not always like that. But here we know that this storm episode did have a happy if unusual ending. They were in real jeopardy. Perishing is worse than dying it leaves no hope for the future.

Sometimes I hear myself over exaggerating my situation and I do confess, as You already know, it is sometimes for a little sympathy. An excuse for a little personal pity party. We can all feel sorry for ourselves and sometimes justifiably! When trouble has passed or not arrived I am a little embarrassed. But our fear is our fear and it is real at the time. Sometimes it is not trivial. Help us to see when we are just feeling sorry for ourselves or when we need to ask for others to pray with us and find a sympathetic ear!

Here You had ask them to do something simple for fishermen. Cross the lake in a boat. Easy peasy – till something goes wrong. Life happens. Sometimes You do seem to be oblivious to the storms we are in the middle of. They were in real jeopardy. Other versions use danger or great danger. Jeopardy, the danger of loss, harm or failure. Exactly. Help us to know when we are, or feel in jeopardy, that You are there, fully awake, with the authority to speak peace. Whether that be through an experience, in a problem, difficulty, time of loss, failure or even death itself. Our ever present help, You neither slumber or sleep (Psalm 121).

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Master, Lord, God,

We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. Be their help and strength and source of peace today. Touch those who need healing.
For our Government and our King and Queen and all those who seek the best future for our nation, to know Your wisdom and act upon it.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for miracles, ceasefire and room to bring about an end to war.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, for men and women to choose peace over endless war.
For those areas in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco that need it, to have provision for the winter.
For schools now back into the busy term running up to Christmas. May Your nativity be the focal point of planning for their Christmas celebrations.
For all those physically working on the seas. Cargo ships away from home for long periods, little fishing vessels trying to earn a living. Ferries, passenger ships and lifeboats. Let them not be in any peril.
For ourselves, for our days needs. For Your calm where we are going through real weather storms, emotional storms or if trouble as they say is rocking our boat.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thurs 2nd Nov 2023
My Jesus my Saviour. Comfort, shelter, tower of refuge and strength! Need him in the storm and the calm . . .

My Jesus, my Savior
Lord there is none like you
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of your hands
Forever I’ll love you, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

Lyrics: Darlene Zschech 

Wed 1st November 2023

 Now Jesus’ mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not get near him because of the crowd. 20 So he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21 But he replied to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:19-21 NET

“ “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”” Mark 3:31-35

God, Who we call Father,

At first read it seems that Jesus is being rude to his family. But You wanted us to know that Your family is not defined by genes! A Jew is someone born to a Jewish mother. A Christian is not a person born to a Christian mother! Children have to find their own faith. Baptising a baby does not make them a Christian, it does bless them and bring them into the family of God where they can be loved and cherished and told about Jesus Your Son. Choosing Christ, and joining Your family in Christ entitles us to take the name of Christian – belonging to Christ.

I like Luke’s version best. He does not separate His natural family from the family of disciples. They are included if they too hear the word of God and put it into practice.

Hear and do. Makes it seem simple. How can it be any other way? We hear the gospel, we receive God’s grace. God’s riches at Christs expense. We want to do what He says. We need to find a family of like minded people, worshipping You, God, and learning from the Bible. Church at its best. No wonder the rest of the world feels threatened by us, mocks us and calls us do good’ers! Faith and works, hear and do.

Thank you. Help us to love our own family and our Christian family. We are a mixed bunch. And help us to love those outside, into the family of Christ.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God our Father,
We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. Be their help and strength and provided today.
For our town to provide employment and housing and all society needs to be healthy and good.
For our local council and MP’s to be encouraged to do their best.
For our King and His family to be blessed and follow You and serve this nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miracle ceasefire and an end to war. For the world to work to help promote peace.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, for men and women to choose peace over endless war.
For those areas in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco that need it, to have provision for the winter.
For all the bad news we have heard. That You would be there, a God of present help and comfort.
For ourselves, for our days needs and the blessing of Your Word, Your people and Your love.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wed 1st November 2023
I pray that You have found a church fellowship that are like family or that You are helping them become one.

Welcome to the family
We’re glad that you have come
To share your life with us
As we grow in love and
May we always be to you
What God would have us be
A family always there
To be strong and to lean on

May we learn to love each other
More with each new day
May words of love be on our lips
In everything we say
May the Spirit melt our hearts
And teach us how to pray
That we might be a true family

Lyrics: Ernie Rettino.
Psalty Praise 3.

Tuesday 31st October 2023

“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in can see the light.17 For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light. 18 So listen carefully, for whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.” Luke 8:16-18 NET

God of light,

The clocks have gone back an hour last weekend, and the days are getting shorter and the nights longer. Lights and lamps that we have fastidiously turned off to save energy we now need on. And those room lamps make us feel better cheering up the room with soft light. Is it a dilemma – to leave a lamp on to make the house welcoming on return – or save electricity and maybe leave pets in the dark? These verses in Luke, familiar remind us that lamps were their light. The oil had to be bought, the wicks trimmed and attended to. No one lit them for effect, they were essential.

Who would hide the house light? Jesus shows the ridiculousness to put a spotlight on us. We cannot hide anything from You. to You darkness is light and nothing is hidden (Psalm 139:12).

But You, God are not watching our every move to score us and use it against us later. You light our way to keep us from darkness, to guide our way, to show up danger and reveal where we need You to help us clean up our act!

God, light our living space so we can live in Your Kingdom and know where sin lurks. And avoid it. Keep us in the light of repentance and forgiveness. Help us to keep Your light burning in us always, to draw and welcome others into Your comfort and saving power.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of light,

We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. Meet the needs they have today.
For our town to provide employment and housing and all society needs to be healthy.
For our local council and MP’s to be encouraged to do their best.
For our King and His family to be blessed and follow You and serve this nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miracle ceasefire and an end to war.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, for men and women to choose peace over endless war.
For ongoing comfort, help and relief for those in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco and where there has been flooding in the UK.
For all those terrible acts of violence and the victims that we hear of in the news. Heal and comfort.
For ourselves, to know Your light in our hearts

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 31st October 2023
A choice. One to praise and one to sing our commitment. Or maybe both . . .

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days
Oh so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came to the earth You created
All for love’s sake became poor

Chorus

I’ll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross (Repeat)

Lyrics: Tim Hughes

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
(Repeat)

Light that shines is the light of love,
Hides the darkness from above,
Shines on me and it shines on you,
Shows you what the power of love can do.
Shine my light both bright and clear,
Shine my light both far and near,
In every dark corner that I find,
Gonna let my little light shine.

Chorus

Monday gave me the gift of love,
Tuesday peace came from above,
Wednesday told me to have more faith,
Thursday gave me a little more grace,
Friday told me to watch and pray,
Saturday told me just what to say,
Sunday gave me the power divine
To let my little light shine.

Chorus

Lyrics: Unknown