“Who has measured out the waters in the hollow of his hand, or carefully measured the sky, or carefully weighed the soil of the earth, or weighed the mountains in a balance, or the hills on scales? 13 Who comprehends the mind of the Lord, or gives him instruction as his counsellor?
14 From whom does he receive directions? Who teaches him the correct way to do things, or imparts knowledge to him, or instructs him in skilful design? 15 Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales.” Isaiah 40:12-15
Lord God,
Your people were having it rough. Many of the leaders had been exiled by the Babylonians and the rest are struggling to eke out a living. We have lived through a pandemic, conflict around the world, times of civil unrest and violence. Refugees live here who cannot return home. We too need Isaiah to remind us God has not changed or gone away.
I love the saying: like a drop in the bucket! Isaiah’s vivid imagery of one drop of water in a bucket full instantly gives perspective. He is asking us to get our perspective right. You are a God who has measured the sky – the heavens – the universe, easily. Who knows everything, is everywhere and is all powerful. Our nations are just like a tiny drop in a bucket when measured against the universe.
Isaiah finishes the chapter by reminding us of Your nature. You are eternal, Creator of the whole universe and earth. You never tire or grow weary, have limitless wisdom. You give strength to the tired and powerless. You uphold everything. And amidst all the trauma You care for us. And those who wait for Your help will find renewed strength to rise, run and walk as if on eagles’ wings (Isaiah 40:28-31). Nations are like a drop in the bucket, yes, but You know the intimacies of every single drop. Every nation. You are in the detail. Yes, and You know each person, even the hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30). And You invested life in us through Jesus.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of the Universe,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours.
For our fellowship, ministers and congregations. Churches where the flame needs rekindling.
For all the Paralympians, family and coaches and those supporting.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). For their family relationships..
For Ukraine. You, God, bring an end to war not by violence.
For Gaza, all the Middle East. Step into the midst with Your peace. A miracle to overcome hatred.
For each new life born today that they will grow and meet You.
For our neighbourhood, families, single people, schools, dentists, doctors, shops . . .
For those already worried about the coming winter.
For carers, home helps, district nurses and support charities.
For us and those we care for to know bucketful’s of Your blessings today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 11th September 2024
Here I am waiting, abide in me, I pray
Here I am longing for You
Hide me in Your love, bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
Here I am waiting, abide in me, I pray
Here I am longing for You
Hide me in Your love, bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
I will rise on eagle’s wings, I will rise on eagle’s wings
Lyrics: Reuben Morgan