Wednesday 15th May 2024

“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12

Almighty but humble Lord,

I love children’s movies or any movie where the hero is the the underdog, least noticed and often not the most athletic. But he or she makes good and overcomes the bullies, the bad situations, bad people and events. But sadly to make it interesting he or she has to go through many bad or difficult experiences first. Pushed to the bottom, ignored, not picked for the team.

We all have different walks in life, some have more of a struggle than others. Some have a better start than others. Some have more than others. But Jesus calls us to have the same attitude of heart. When we are invited somewhere, to go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited us comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ (Luke 14:7-11) Not to try to sit at the top be the most noticed or most popular. And not to feel unworthy.

Help us Lord to recognise we are chosen, loved by You, God, absolutely. Children of the King and heirs, and yet called to be humble because all we have is from You. Like You we are all called to serve, love and forgive. Regardless of our gifting and abilities. To put others first. To encourage and thank others. To not allow flattery to puff us up, Lord keep us grounded in Your humility.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Almighty and humble King,

For our family and friends and neighbours. Thank You for privilege of praying for them.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, church members. To serve and appreciate each other.
For the royal family.
For our Government. For our nations decision makers, humility and a desire to serve.
For Ukraine, to stay free and humble Russia to desire peace and withdraw from war.
For Gaza, empower talks towards next step and humble all those in talks for peace.
For those whose calling is to listen. Help lines, doctors, counsellors, friends, family.
For all those serving in churches cooking meals, running cafes, food banks, support groups, Bible studies, children’s playgroups . . .
For a good day, a restful day even among the business. To humbly acknowledge our weaknesses and find strength in You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 15th May 2024


Oh, kneel me down again
Here at Your feet
Show me how much You love
Humility
Oh, Spirit be the star
That leads me to
The humble heart of love
I see in You

‘Cause You are the God of the broken
The friend of the weak
You wash the feet of the weary
Embrace the ones in need

And I want to be like You Jesus
To have this heart in me
You are the God of the humble
You are the humble King

Oh, kneel me down again
Here at Your feet
Show me how much you love

Lyrics: Brenton Brown

Monday 25th March 2024

 “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example—you should do just as I have done for you.” John 13:14-15 NET

Lord God,

Washing feet was normal hospitality for visitors in Jesus day in the Middle East. A servants job, if you had one. Menial and not always too pleasant when no road sweepers, no real roads and if livestock wandering about! Your Son did not call for a servant but set us an example and washed your followers feet.

Jesus showed us Your attitude of heart. Came to serve, and served the disciples even though a King. He perfectly served You, God and yet came to served us too (Matthew 20:28). He met our needs relationally, physically and spiritually with care, comfort and compassion.

Times may have changed but Jesus visible image of You, as a man, stands true forever. We have technology, transport and time savers. Yet more than ever we still need Your and human relationships to touch and enrich our lives. Help us to humbly find ways to serve with You and be hospitable with what we have. Help us have a caring attitude, make others welcome and comfortable. To try to meet their needs not just physically but by talking about You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord God,

For our family, friends and neighbours. For their well being, todays needs and provision.
For those we have not seen for a while or are worried about we ask Your healing and loving care.
For our church family, Ministers and church leadership. Provide for future leadership.
For our young people to discover and be able to train and get work in their chosen professions.
For the Royal family. Their health. To have some privacy with their public duties.
For our government. Stability for the future and good legislation..
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 with Pharaoh so he will let the people 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 – provision, safety and support.
For those who commit their lives to prayer and meditation as a calling, who are not known.
Today we give thanks for all those who help us practically at home, at work, on the phone and those who pray for us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 25h March 2024

Oh, kneel me down again
Here at Your feet
Show me how much You love
Humility
Oh, Spirit be the star
That leads me to
The humble heart of love
I see in You

‘Cause You are the God of the broken
The friend of the weak
You wash the feet of the weary
Embrace the ones in need
I want to be like You Jesus
To have this heart in me
You are the God of the humble
You are the humble King

Oh, kneel me down again
Here at Your feet
Show me how much you love
Humility
Oh, Spirit be the star
That leads me to
The humble heart of love
I see in You

Chorus twice

Beautiful God
Wonderful Saviour
I want to be like You Jesus
To have this heart in me
You are the God of the humble
You are the humble King

Lyrics: Brenton Brown

Tuesday 21st November 2023

“While everyone was marvelling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44 “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this statement; its meaning had been concealed from them, so that they could not grasp it. Yet they were afraid to ask him about this statement. 46Now an argument started among the disciples as to which of them might be the greatest. 47 But when Jesus discerned their innermost thoughts, he took a child, had him stand by his side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the one who is least among you all is the one who is great.”” Luke 9:43-48 NET

God, Lord of all,

An argument or reasoning, dispute, questioning? Anyway it was among the disciples. Well they were 12 men living in close proximity . . . and three sometimes went off with Jesus without the rest of them . . . Were they thought to be more special? Jesus may not have heard it all but knew their inmost thoughts and the reasoning behind them! You, God, know us so well. We. like the disciples, do not always understand and it does sometimes lead to disagreements. But Jesus says that is no excuse . . . we are not to become childish, jealous and petty . . . but be respectful, encouraging and humble.

There are times when a small group is better than a large one! Is that why Jesus chose Peter, James and John on occasions? Or was it was about preparing them for the future. Jesus turned greatness on its head and mixed with lepers and beggars and tax collectors. He lived what he preached and loved His neighbour as Himself.. He did not need accolade, self importance or fame. He taught by example. He wanted them to see people with their hearts as people, not as social position and standing. To serve all.

We are all different, unique and You love and value each one of us. You do not see people as more important than one another. Keep us from petty jealousy and needing to measure ourselves against others. Help us to appreciate each other, not think too much of ourselves, and build each other up.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Lord of all,
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For those who have health needs, employment needs or need to know You.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. For all those who work to support our local community.
For our Government, that we would see it become the best it can be.
For our King and Queen and their family and the stability of our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle, a pause leading to a new peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. A full stop, an end to war, conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, to have hope and a future and hear of Your love.
For all those who serve family, community, nation. Carers, armed forces, emergency services.
For food banks, warm spaces, lunch clubs. Charities who help and support those in need both financially and emotionally. All those who willingly volunteer to serve.
For ourselves, for Your blessing today and to be at peace with ourselves and those around us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 21st November 2023

Oh kneel me down again
Here at Your feet
Show me how much You love humility
Oh Spirit be the star that leads me to
The humble heart of love I see in You

[Chorus]
You are the God of the broken
The friend of the weak
You wash the feet of the weary
Embrace the ones in need
I want to be like You, Jesus
To have this heart in me
You are the God of the humble
You are the humble King


Lyrics: Brenton Brown