I lift mine eyes up to the mountains

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
²My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
³He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:1-4 NKJV

God who made heaven and earth,

This is one of those Psalms Lord I remember when I awake in the night and cannot get back to sleep! But like with many hymns I can remember the first half easily but struggle with the second half! It is also my go to scripture when I want to counter those who worship creation and not the creator. Stood on the top of a lake district Crag , the Malvern Hills, Snowdonia or even Mow Cop I marvel at the amazing views, the wonder of creation, but more so at the wonder of Your love who formed them. The children of Israel felt that high places were somehow more Holy. But we are not closer to You, God – just more apart from the noise of mankind.

Sometimes we feel church is the place to meet You. Perhaps that too is a place where we can escape from the noise of mankind. The true wonder is that Jesus showed us that we have You, God, available personally through Your Holy Spirit, wherever we are. You are not some idol limited to Your temple. Our help comes from You, who is, who was and always will be creator of the world, the Saviour of the word and the one who gives us limitless love. You are not part of creation, You made it.

We worship and thank You, You who never slumbers or sleeps but is always there for us. Specially when we wake in the night.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God who made heaven and earth,

For family, friends, neighbours, to have their hopes met and health, strength and peace.
For our church families to grow and reach out beyond the walls.
For the Royal family to know and trust You. For Charles treatment to go well and not be unpleasant. For Prince William, Princess Anne and Queen Camilla as they take on his duties.
For our government and MPs and their families.
For Your wisdom in decisions made by international world Governments. For the USA and their future leadership to be for good.
For Ukraine and Gaza permanent peace. Along with Yemen, Myanmar, North Korea, Chine, Sudan, Syria and other countries where there is war, aggression, oppression, dictatorship, slavery.
We pray for Israel that they would hear You at this time and make wise choices for peace.
For those who suffer from lack of sleep, the inability to sleep or broken sleep. Make up the rest to their bodies and their minds.
For all the volunteers who make life better at food banks, on phone help lines, helping neighbours and supporting the vulnerable.
For us, a day of rest and perhaps company and smiles? Remind us as the snowdrops break through that spring will surely come and we do not have to wait for You. You are here now.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 11th January 2024

I have not heard this for many years possibly back in the 1990’s? But I love it.

I lift my eyes up, to the mountains
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from You
Maker of heaven, Creator of the earth
Repeat . . .

Oh how I need you Lord
You are my only hope
You’re my only prayer

So I will wait for you
to come and rescue me
Come and give me life

Lyrics: Brian Doerkson and Psalm 121.

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help? ²My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. ³He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. ⁴Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:1-4 NKJV

God who made heaven and earth,

This is one of those Psalms we know the first few verses of well. But like with many hymns I can remember the first verse easily but struggle with the rest! But these verses are my go to scripture when I want to counter those who worship the stars or creation and look no further. Yes, stood on the top of a lake district Crag , the Malvern Hills, Snowdonia or even little Mow Cop I can marvel at the amazing views, the wonder of Your creation. But worship You who created it. The children of Israel felt that high places were somehow more Holy, nearer to You. But I lift my eyes and find I am always with You. You who cannot be contained by this world.

We wonder is that Jesus walked among us and on the mountainsides He created. Actually living among His creation. This is where our help comes from. Your Son who, with You, created it and us. Then lived and died for us. You are not some limited idol but the Saviour of the world and the One who gives us limitless help. Sometimes we need scripture to paint the picture and help us regain our perspective.

We may lift our eyes to the hills, yes they are beautiful majestic and magnificent – but our help comes from You. Who formed them in love. We worship You today even if we have only little hills near us and no mountains, for You are our help day and night.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who made heaven and earth,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their needs for today and joy and love.
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations. Keep us loving all who come.
For young people who see impossible ideals of beauty and fashion on social media.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family as they seek to serve the nation.
For our government and their families. Amidst the many words and promises raise up good men and women to serve for the nations best.
For Ukraine a withdrawal of Russian troops. Lead them to peace and end to oppression.
For all areas where there is war, military oppression and civil war. For peace and a new way forward. Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For Zion, for Jerusalem today, to find a way for peace with its neighbours.
For those who live in beautiful remote mountainous places with amazing views but have suffered earthquakes, poor harvests or live on the edge of poverty. For their children and those charities who seek to educate them.
For our local community neighbours, doctors, dentists, police and schools.
For our world, show us how care for it as it provides for us.
For ourselves, remind us of some of the beautiful scenes we have seen. From a flower in the garden and evening sky to mountains if we have been privileged to travel and see them.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 11th January 2024

I have not heard this for many years and reminds me again how powerful it is to sing scripture.