“When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the Sovereign God. Walk before me and be blameless.2 Then I will confirm my covenant between me and you, and I will give you a multitude of descendants.”” Genesis 17:1,2
“Then Abraham bowed down with his face to the ground and laughed as he said to himself, “Can a son be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” 18 Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live before you!” Genesis 17:17,18
“Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.“ Genesis 18:18
Father,
We laugh with Abraham and Sarah at having a child in their 90’s. Yet we also smile because we see how You proved You keep Your promises. You kept making promises and covenants and they kept breaking them. But the miracle is You stuck with them even after they sinned trying to make it come true through a maidservant. You kept showing them the best way forward.
Israel would rebel and turn to idols like the golden calves in the dessert because they were impatient (Exodus 32). They would complain and moan continually about being fed up of manna, needing water. Complaining was easier than humbly asking for help from You. They demanded an earthly king to be like other people, got one, and still turned away from You. Your patience was tested beyond human endurance, generation after generation! But You, are slow to anger and great in mercy (Psalm 145:8).
Man has done his worst and still does! And yet You sent Jesus and forgive those who turn to You through Him. You kept Your promises. You keep Your promises. Some are yet to come, and we can trust You. Jesus will come again in power and majesty, and we will spend eternity in heaven, and there will be much joy and no pain. Help us keep our promise to follow You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For each one and their personal individual needs.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. Pray seeds of faith will be sown.
For our Government, for less disagreements, an uncovering of the truth and good governance.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families and reconciliation. A healing of words and hearts.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war, conflict and bloodshed.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those who delivering help and aid in difficult times, war zones and places where there is famine, flood or poverty.
For those who need to forgive themselves for mistakes made in the past as You forgive them.
For those sick from desire for vengeance to hand over judgement to You, God who judges.
For ourselves, we pray You will keep us standing firm on Your promises, content in Your love and generous with our prayers..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 8th December 2023
Worship for the past, the present and the future.
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Joy to those who long to see Thee
Day-spring from on high, appear.
Come, Thou promised Rod of Jesse,
Of Thy birth, we long to hear!
O’er the hills the angels singing
News, glad tidings of a birth;
“Go to Him your praises bringing
Christ the Lord has come to earth!”
Come to earth to taste our sadness,
He whose glories knew no end.
By His life He brings us gladness,
Our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Leaving riches without number,
Born within a cattle stall;
This the everlasting wonder,
Christ was born the Lord of all.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Lyrics: Charles Wesley