“He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as His counsellor has taught Him? 14 With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge, and showed Him the way of understanding?” Isaiah 40:11-14 NKJV
God,
You have measured the waters with one hand. And measured the heavens – and we mortals do not even know how deep the deepest oceans are or how far the stars go! And You do and have calculated the dust of the earth in one measure even when it is being shifted about constantly by erosion, rain and every gust of wind. You know everything even the constantly changing. You cannot be fashioned into an image because You are not like anything made or known. You are beyond our imagination unseen and unknown – and it could have stayed that way.
But You came like a Shepherd to care for Your flock. Those You would purchase at great price to Yourself. And Your disciples followed You as we still do today. And You still gather us into Your arms and carry us when we need help. And You gently lead us, if we are willing, and are not foolish enough to think we know better.
How immense You are, God, but how intimate in compassionate and caring. You are the one who created us in our mothers womb. Help us learn to trust You and remember You are a gentle Shepherd but also a mighty and able God.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of eternity,
For our family, friends, neighbours. Help them and help us share Your love.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Supply them with all they need.
We pray for kings and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Charles, Kate and Anne.
For the new Government to find its feet and desire to work in unity for good.
For Paris and athletes preparing for the 2024 Olympics, starting July 26th 2024.
For the Christians volunteering to serve at the Olympics ready to pray or share their faith.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Peace to be made and kept, the best way forward for all.
For Ukraine, an end to war. We continue to ask for a miracle from You.
For Afghanistan, women, children and those who have no freedom. The underground church.
For the church worldwide -small and large. City and village.
For those who care for the Your lambs in Sunday schools and messy church.
For those who are blaming You for their situation and have turned away.
For gratitude for a summer day. Wet or dry! For light and life and the love of the Good Shepherd.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 7th July 2024
You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvellous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?
Who can fathom the depth of Your love?
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty, enthroned above
And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God, to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You
You are beautiful beyond description
Yet God crushed You for my sin
In agony and deep affliction
Cut off that I might enter in
Who can grasp such tender compassion?
Who can fathom this mercy so free?
You are beautiful beyond description
Lamb of God who died for me
Lyrics: Mark Altrogge