I know not why God’s wondrous Grace

“Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”” John20:24-29 NIV

Oh Father,

We cannot depart from celebrating Easter without remembering and giving thanks for Thomas. I am so glad John felt that he really deserved, needed, warranted a personal place here, in the Gospels. Even though he is not mentioned much elsewhere. We have all been in a place where we have doubted or said have to know for ourself! From having to touch something said to be soft. To having to see something ourselves! To be honest Father, in Thomas’s shoes I would have said the same. Risen from the dead, appeared in person?

But then Thomas got to see, touch and speak to the risen Lord. How so like You to go out of Your way to meet His need. How like Jesus to then talk about us, who would believe but not meet Him in the flesh (John 20:29). We all have our Thomas moments, Lord. Moments when we wonder where You are. Moments when we are not so certain, have questions even doubt.

Father thank You that faith is a journey. You make our relationship with You individual, personal and intimate. You know all about us (Psalm 139). We change but You do not. You have no favourites (Romans 2:11). You are faithful to each of us. Thank You for giving us Thomas moments when we can be sure of You and Your gift of faith.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father,

For our family, friends and neighbours. Their immediate needs and glimpses of You to build faith.
For our congregation and all Your churches to grow in new believers. For faith to flourish.
For the royal family. To be sure that You are with them healing and supporting.
For our Parliament, county councils and local councils. Raise up good men and women this summer ready to stand in the next general election.
For our local community, prosperity, well being and security from evil.
For those still on holiday – refreshment. Energise those back at work or who have not had a break.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, places of conflict. End war and drive them in paths of peace.
For the multitude of unseen workers who keep our society safe and healthy . . .
For those doubting their faith or who think they have lost it. Reassure them as You did Thomas.
For us a day to know the certainties of Your love, forgiveness, strength and comfort.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 4th April 2024

I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me hath been made known;
Nor why, unworthy as I am,
He claimed me for His own.

But I know whom I’ve believed;
And am persuaded that He is able,
To keep that which I’ve committed,
Unto Him against that day.

I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart;
Or how believing in His word
Wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin;
Revealing Jesus through the word,
Creating faith in Him.

I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days
Before His face I see.

Lyrics: Daniel Webster Whittle.

“For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” 2 Timothy 1:12 NKJ

God,

Yesterday what we believe we could read in words, our creed. This Bible verse sprung to mind and the hymn whose chorus perfectly reflects it. Not for theorising, debating or arguing over. But for faith to believe. And no-one said it would be easy belonging to You. Paul certainly warned us there would be some challenges and even suffering. Paul certainly suffered for the gospel. But his sure foundation was faith in Jesus Christ and therefore You, Father.

Simon Peter went to the tomb and believed – it was empty (John 20:1-10)! When Jesus appeared and stood among them in the upper chamber, Simon believed he had risen from the dead. He knew for certain that Jesus was able to do all He had promised.

I too now know whom I have believed and know that Jesus, and You, God, are able to keep me, indeed those who believe, till You come again or take us home. We have crossed over the line to believe in You, to know You, it has changed our life.

Thank You for those awesome moments when You have made us aware of Your presence. Or when someone has prayed for us and we have felt Your touch. Or we have become aware of Your Spirit and there has been light in the darkness. Truth to counter doubts and lies. You have held and hold us and we know You are able to keep us, eternally Yours. Thank You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God who is able,

For our family, friends, neighbours, church fellowship. Those people who make our lives better. Bless them and give them faith to see You, Know You and believe. Answer their prayers needs.
For Kings, rulers and Governments.
For the HRH King Charles recovery and HRH Duchess of Cambridge, Kate’s recovery back to full health and strength.
For our government and its decisions and possible changes through a general election. To all be for good.
For the sword of Your spirit to remove the knives from the hands of the angry and murderous.
For nations and their rulers and governments to have a desire to make peace, and make it happen.
For Ukraine and Gaza and a permanent peace for all.
For our society to look after and care for the weak, the sick and those with special needs. To continue to be a nation which gives where there is human need.
For those affected by the wind, the rain, whatever weather and our farmers.
For us, touch us again, give us a good day, bless our going out and our staying in and give us opportunity to do good.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 1st February 2024
I may not know much but I know Jesus. It makes all the difference in the world. It also gives the enemy no room to plant doubt.

I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me hath been made known;
Nor why, unworthy, as I am
He claimed me for His own.

But I know whom I’ve believed;
and am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.

I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart;
Nor how believing in His word
Wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin;
Revealing Jesus through the word,
Creating faith in Him.

I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days
Before His face I see.

I know not when my Lord may come,
I know not how, or where
If I should pass the vale of death,
Or meet Him in the air.

Lyrics: D.W. Whittle (1840-1901)