“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”
Matthew 11:28-30 New Living Translation
Father,
I moan about carrying shopping home or rather unloading it and carrying from the car and packing it into the fridge! Then I remember those who walk miles to carry water home . . . But we all carry the responsibilities and practicalities of life. And ours are ours. And there is something else I carry, feel burdened down by sometimes . . . guilt, worry, anger and fear? Sometimes the stress of not knowing, being afraid of what may happen weighs me down Father. Help me bring it all to You, little and large, and find You want to carry it with me, shouldering the weight of responsibility and removing the weight of sin and shame and guilt. We do not have to beat ourselves up or feel we have to worry as penance. Or making ourselves ill to try to show how much we care? Help us rest in Your gentle almighty strength.
Paul also told us to, ‘Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.’ (Galatians 6:2). If we are not weighed down by our own needs we are free to help each other. Not by taking on their burdens but listening and handing them over to You and helping with the practicalities.
You do not burden us down, You lead to a place where You carry them with us and for us. You do not ask for beautifully worded prayers or hours of prayer . . . help us if we feel overwhelmed. We will trust in You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father,
For family, friends, neighbours, You know their real needs for today, bless them.
For our church family, ministers and all who serve, Carry them smoothly through todays tasks.
For all the Royal family. King Charles to Know You’re carrying Him through all the treatments.
For our government. In all the comings and goings today and many words be their guide.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle and soon. Have mercy Father.
For the church in Ukraine, Myanmar and the underground churches. Keep them safe and strong.
For Gaza an end to all the killing, hostage taking and hate. May talks start, lead to a ceasefire and peace..
For the many things we hear in the news and can do nothing about – we bring to You Father who can.
Bless our local communities, food banks, groups toddlers groups, social and lunch provision.
Encourage and strengthen those who work in hospitals, dentist and doctors surgeries. Those who work in maternity, surgery and cancer wards. Those volunteering and working in hospices. Comfort the comforters.
For us to know You walk with us Help us know you shoulder our cares and worries and give us joyful rest.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 2nd March 2024
I will trust in You.
Simple words, beautiful haunting melody. Singing Scripture.
“You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7).
“Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” (Joel 3:10).
You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
Let the weak say
I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
Lyrics and music: Michael Ledner
Michael Ledner, composed “You Are My Hiding Place” at the age of 27 when he was going through a painful period in his life, a period of separation from his wife. He shared the song with several friends, made a recording of it, and set it aside. Nine months later he shared the song with a group while they were serving at a kibbutz (communal settlement) in Israel. These friends took the song back with them to California, and after it was sung there, Michael was contacted by Maranatha Music who asked if they could record it.