“ Therefore He (Jesus) is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25
Almighty God,
This reminded me of a saying about “the guttermost to the uttermost” which I think was to do with the gin drinking ladies of the late 1800’s passing out on the streets! Mothers ruin was its nickname. Sadly still ruining lives today Father. William Booth’s told his Salvation Army soldiers, “Go straight for souls and go for the worst.” God, You are able to save anyone, whoever they are, wherever they are and whatever their situation. Maybe the worst know their need most! You found me. You saved me.
I love to pray. I am not sure I am an intercessor. When I do pray my concentration easily wanders. I loose focus, become distracted or simply seem in desperate need of a cup of tea! Is it the enemy or me or both?
But Jesus is always interceding for us, personally, and in Your presence. Every minute of every day. Who knows our needs better than Your Son. When Jesus walked among us He prayed that we would be one just as You, Father and Jesus are one (John 17:20-23) Us in You and You in us. Hekp us to pray.
It is such a blessing when someone prays for us when we meet. How eternally wonderful to know we are constantly being prayed for, by the one who died for us, the King of Kings.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Almighty God,
For our family, friends and neighbours. Help them, You know their deepest needs, fears and joys.
For those we rub up against. Help us to respond in love.
For our church family, Ministers and church leadership. Inspire them.
For the Royal family. Their health. To have some privacy along with their public duties.
For our government. House of commons, House of Lords, civil servants.
For our nearest towns and cities and city centres. For employment, development and growth.
For those on the front line in the NHS and police. Ambulance crew, rapid response, air ambulance.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Deal with Putin as You did with Pharaoh so he will let them go.
For a solution for Gaza and peace and healing and a way to rebuild relationships and homes.
For countries where there is conflict, oppression or famine – be their path to peace and support.
For those individual and groups who commit to prayer for our nation and world.
For a good day. Grant easy sleep. Bless those of us who wake in the night and those who find it hard to wake in a morning. Grant us Your rest within, restore and refresh us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 23rd March 2024
Charitie was the daughter of an Irish minister, born in county Dublin in 1841 . This text was paired with hymn tunes (including the tune to “Sweet Hour of Prayer”) that gave the words a mournful quality. So it was not widely sung. Then, in 1997, Vikki Cook of Sovereign Grace Ministries wrote a more joyous folk melody. It set the words free for a new generation to express the confidence and joy of being in Christ.
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea;
a great High Priest whose name is Love,
who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
my name is written on his heart.
I know that while in heav’n he stands
no tongue can bid me thence depart,
no tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair
and tells me of the guilt within,
upward I look and see him there
who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
my sinful soul is counted free;
for God the just is satisfied
to look on him and pardon me,
to look on him and pardon me.
Behold him there, the risen Lamb,
my perfect, spotless righteousness,
the great unchangeable I AM,
the King of glory and of grace.
At one with him, I cannot die;
my soul is purchased by his blood.
My life is hid with Christ on high,
with Christ my Savior and my God,
with Christ my Savior and my God.
Lyrics: Charitie Lees Bancroft
Charitie was the daughter of an Irish minister, born in county Dublin in 1841 . This text was paired with hymn tunes (including the tune to “Sweet Hour of Prayer”) that gave the words a mournful quality. So it was not widely sung.
Then, in 1997, Vikki Cook of Sovereign Grace Ministries wrote a more joyous folk melody. It set the words free for a new generation to express the confidence and joy of being in Christ.