“The Lord says, “I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’ to a nation that did not call on my name. 2 All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people. But they follow their own evil paths and their own crooked schemes.” Isaiah 65:1-2 NLT
Lord God,
I have been frustrated when someone needed help and they have not felt they could ask me or someone they knew. Yet I too have not asked on occasions when I could have done with help! We all worry about asking too much and sometimes even worry about trying to do a favour back.
Yet here we see Your attitude to giving help. Not just in the background willing to help. But eager and You went a step further by offering. Letting them know You were there to help, With open arms. But they preferred not.
Thank You that Your love remains the same, available through Your open arms, Your willing commitment to help and Your making it known to us. And today, even though You came in person as Jesus, many still follow their own paths and lives. Thank You that we can know that Jesus is the visible representation of the invisible God, YOU! And He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). Thank You for Your help. Lord we need it and we want it. Help us to help each other too.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord God,
We pray for family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and our church members and fellowships and their leaders. Be their present help and hope. Those who need a miracle of grace or mercy- help them.
Grant peace to Ukraine by changing the oppressive plans of Russia. Grant those countries under military control or dictators change that would begin to bring an end to the evil control, abuse and their selfish dictates.
Inspire the church in this nation to turn to You in prayer for our present and our future. Bless and provide for all those who are answering Your call to become full time and part time church leaders and ministers.
We pray for those who have suffered loss due to murder and crime. We cannot imagine and ask that You, God, who understands the death of a Son would be their help and strength and comfort.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 22nd August 2023
Help us to help each other, Lord,
each other’s cross to bear;
let us our friendly aid afford,
and show our loving care.
Help us to build each other up
Our little stock improve
Increase our faith, confirm our hope,
and fill us with your love.
Up into thee, our living head,
let us in all things grow,
till though has made us free indeed
and spotless here below
Touched by the lodestone of thy love
let all our hearts agree;
and ever towards each other move,
and ever move towards thee.
This is the bond of perfectness,
thy spotless charity.
O let us still, we pray, possess
the mind that was in thee.
Lyrics: Charles Wesley