Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
“Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights. 2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.” Psalm 148:1-2
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” Ephesians 1:3 KJV
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 KJV
Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
First day in October. It has been wet, we are feeling the chill of autumn and what we hear and see on the news is far from encouraging or uplifting. It gives us much to pray for.
So today, we need to choose to look up, come into Your presence and worship You. I chose the version of the song above because of the beautiful acoustics and simplicity of voices using words from the Psalms in a Church building. They were places of sanctuary and refuge when it was safe to leave them open day and night.
You are my sanctuary (refuge or safety from pursuit, persecution, or other danger) and my refuge. There have been voices singing Your praise since Miriam sang about the horse and rider falling into the sea (Exodus 15:21) after the Red Sea parting. The disciples sang a hymn at the close of the last supper (Mark14:26).
Historically the church began worship by chanting the Psalms to praise You. We join a long history of worshippers using pianos, guitars, digital music. And worship will continue long after we are singing with You in glory.
Help us to look to You even amid the news, the weather, the challenges to find strength and lift our voices in worship. You are worthy of our praise.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Some words from a familiar hymn give us a glimpse of being part of worldwide worship.
We thank Thee that Thy church unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.
As o’er each continent and island
The dawn leads on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor dies the strain of praise away.
(The day thou gavest Lord is ended. John Ellerton).
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father,
For our close family. Your love showing the way.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for..
For our fellowship, ministers and congregations.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Catherine’s return to duties.
For Parliament.
For Ukraine and Russia. Oh Lord, the miracle of peace. Divine protection of life.
For Gaza, all around the Middle East. We plead for peace and not escalation.
For those who suffer mental heath depression. Light and hope.
For those caring for family with mental health depression.
For us to be able to lift the spirits of someone else today with a smile, a good deed, a phone call. Thank You that that in the midst we are held by You.
In Jesus amen we pray, Amen.