“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:4,5 NIV
Father God,
We belong. You liken it to being a body made up of different parts. The family of God. All unique and not because of what we can do or have! All in Christ are holy and beautiful. Even if we find it hard to see ourselves like that at times!
Today, I believe, is designated International Womens Day. Aiming to focus global attention on the position of women when it comes to gender equality, bias, stereotypes and discrimination. The Christian church has struggled with this down the ages and, many still do today. But here in this little verse in the original Greek the word for members was not masculine or feminine it was neutral. That suggests, to me, it meant both. Every single person, individual and yet part of the family in God.
Jesus quietly went against the culture and taught men and women together (Matthew 14:21) and had many women followers (Luke 8:1-3). At Pentecost Your Holy Spirit fell upon all present, men and women (Acts 1:14, Acts 2:1-4). He was always inclusive.
Thank You for church (the members). It is not perfect. Being in Your family is not about status or role or importance but about belonging. Help us be welcoming and encouraging and support each other. To be the best we can. We were made for fellowship with You and each other.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,
For family, friends, neighbours, hold them safe, and shower them with Your love.
We pray for our neighbours and their needs today, even those we do not know. Bless them.
Bless our church family and help it to be the best it can be. Bring reconciliation and love to churches where there is discord or disharmony.
For all the women down through history who have changed things for good. Made life changing discoveries and influenced families for good.
For women treated as property and abused changes in the law and attitudes in their countries.
For the Royal family. King Charles and Camilla, Prince William, Kate and family for healing.
For our government. A harmony and unity to serve the nation even when views differ.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle of peace soon. Have mercy. Bless and prosper those delivering aid and medical care.
For Gaza an end to all the killing, hostage taking and hate. Give success to the search for peace and help those trying to deliver aid to where it is needed.
Send a harvest of new people and believers to the churches this Easter.
For support agencies and volunteer groups across the UK inspire new volunteers to join and help.
For us help us to appreciate each other and those we worship with. Help us to remember them in prayer.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 8th March 2024
Help us accept each other
as Christ accepted us;
teach us as sister, brother,
each person to embrace.
Be present, Lord, among us
and bring us to believe
we are ourselves accepted,
and meant to love and live.
Teach us, O Lord, your lessons,
as in our daily life
we struggle to be human
and search for hope and faith.
Teach us to care for people,
for all, not just for some,
to love them as we find them,
or as they may become.
Let your acceptance change us,
so that we may be moved
in living situations
to do the truth in love,
to practice your acceptance
until we know by heart
the table of forgiveness,
and laughter’s healing art.
Lord, for today’s encounters
with all who are in need,
who hunger for acceptance,
for righteousness and bread,
we need new eyes for seeing,
new hands for holding on;
renew us with your Spirit,
Lord, free us, make us one!
Lyrics: Fred Kaan