“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. ” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NLT
God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Merciful Father. Source of comfort in trouble. This letter launches straight into the practicalities of faith after the greetings. Because being a Christian does not protect us from all trouble all the time. Wonderful short sentences direct and honest. Christians are not exempt from life!!! But we do have Your divine support, help and comfort.
Merciful Father, who has forgiven our sin (1 John 1:9). Merciful, which is more than just compassionate it means You also provide relief. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God, Your gift is eternal life.(Romans 6:23)! Renewing, restoring refreshing life.
You are the source of all comfort. Comfort can be physical ease and freedom from pain. Or the alleviation of feelings of grief, depression or distress. Not always removing them but upholding us so we can grow through them. It can comfort others and encourage others to trust.
Hot days makes me realise we cannot pray away something causing discomfort. But there are ways to keep cool. Many times we come through something we could not pray away. Your comfort helps us in the heat of doubt, confusion, despair and feeling forsaken. Help us lean into Your comfort when we need it. Help others to see Your hand helping us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of comfort,
For our close family. Comfort and carry them through trouble.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our church fellowship, ministers and neighbouring churches.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). World leaders and rulers.
For the police, our judicial system. For our prison system and Christian chaplains.
For the harvest here and overseas. For families who only have what they can grow.
For Ukraine. An end to war.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Solutions and long term peace.
For the Myanmar Christians and their fellowships.
For our NHS present help and a good future, investment in people, recruitment and organisation.
For those who have trouble, not of their own making, who need help.
For those bereaved through violence and struggling with long term illness.
For us to know Your presence for us throughout all the struggles and commitments of the day.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 16th August 2024
A touch of country sound . . . but solid gospel. Story of the song is below the lyrics.
I have found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay,
He tells me every care on Him to roll:
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
He all my griefs has taken, and all my sorrows borne;
In temptation He’s my strong and mighty tower;
I have all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn
From my heart, and now He keeps me by His power.
Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore,
Through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal.
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
He will never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,
While I live by faith and do His blessed will;
A wall of fire about me, I’ve nothing now to fear,
With His manna He my hungry soul shall fill.
Then sweeping up to glory to see His blessed face,
Where rivers of delight shall ever roll:
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
Lyrics: Charles William Fry
Charles Fry was born May 30, 1838 in Aldersbury, Wiltshire, England. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a bricklayer. He was a versatile musician, playing violin, cello, piano, cornet, and harmonium, and leading an orchestra and band at the Wesleyan chapel in Alderbury.
His father did not like the abuse the Salvation Army received when they started up in 1878 in Salisbury where the Fry family lived and worked. Mr. Fry and his three sons offered to serve as bodyguards for the Salvation Army workers.
The next day the four men arrived with their ‘weapons’. Two cornets, a trombone and a small tuba. Between fending off troublemakers, the Fry men played. Their music attracted crowds for the Salvation Army preachers. This was the first Salvation Army Brass Band. It was at this time that Charles wrote the Lily of the Valley.
He was inspired by the imagery in the Song of Solomon 2:10-4, “‘I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys.’
He had found a friend in Jesus. All he needed to be cleansed and be made fully whole. Jesus was his comfort in sorrow and in trouble. Jesus was indeed the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star the fairest of ten thousand to his soul.