“a time to rip, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak.” Ecclesiastes 3:7 NET
“A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak” Ecclesiastes 3:7 NKJV
God,
Today we are told to recycle our clothes and even to make something new out of old. Your people, Israel would tear their robes as a sign of how distressed they were. They valued cloth. They would only mend them after a specific length of time. It was a visible sign, to those who did not know, that there had been a death in the family or something terrible had befallen them. The Victorians wore black arm bands. It gave those wearing it permission to grieve and those seeing it to be kind and understanding.
I know the author of Ecclesiastes is writing from his depressed view that all is meaningless (Ecclesiastes1:2) – but even he acknowledges it has been interesting in parts . He built gardens, parks, reservoirs. He amassed, slaves, flocks, gold (Ecclesiastes 2:4-8). And, there was a time to mourn, maybe a loved one or a friend. Or what he wished he had done or not done?
We too mourn. People we have loved, change, the passing of time. Opportunities missed. There is a time to show deep feelings and express strong emotions. There is a time to sew back joy and hope. There is a time to be quiet and a time to speak out. Lord help me to know the times to be silent too!
Miracles happen where we are honest about how we feel, both to You and each other. Hurts heel when we stop verbally picking at the scab. Holy Spirit help us to be sensitive to Your timing.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God who speaks things into being,
For our family, friends, neighbours. Time to share and time to mend any misunderstandings.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. To be the comfort for those rending their hearts.
For the neighbourhood, its prosperity, good relations and safety and health.
For the Royal family. Strength for today and a successful end to treatment for Charles and Kate.
For our nation and our future representatives in Government.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Move those with power to make a way to peace. Talk before war.
For Ukraine, continued support from other nations and a move of Your Spirit to end war, soon.
For those bereaved. Those just born.
Charity shops, food banks, support groups and those who help neighbours.
For our local councillors, local magistrates and neighbourhood police.
For us a day to be robed in Your comfort, love and blessings whether sunshine or rain!
In Your name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 21st June 2024
I love this tune and the words.
Life is a journey; long is the road,
And when the noontide is high
Souls that are weary faint ‘neath their load,
Long for the waters, and cry:
Chorus
The well is deep and I require
A draught of the water of life,
But none can quench my soul’s desire
For a draught Or the water of life;
Till one draws near who the cry will heed,
Helper of men in their time of need,
And I, believing, find indeed
That Christ is the water of life.
Life is a seeking, life is a quest,
Eager and longing desire;
Unto the true things, unto the best,
Godward our spirits aspire.
Life is a finding; vain wand’rings cease
When from the Saviour we claim
All we have longed for, solace and peace,
And we have life in his name.
Lyrics: Albert Osborne