“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15 NIV
God of heaven and Earth, Lord of heaven and earth,
We come this morning to worship, on a Tuesday. Not because we have to, not to appease You or out of fear of what You will do if we don’t! But because we want to. Time flies by and we are heading from Easter to celebrating Pentecost. Remembering how far You went and will go to save and love the lost. We are beholden to You, owe You who paid the price and yet You set us free from the debt and called us friends.
School picking teams was painful if we were not good at sports or could not be beneficial in some way on a project! But that is not how we choose friends. Friends choose to be with us because they like us and have a relationship with us.
Jesus did not set us free to just become servants because we could be useful or do something for Him. He chose us because he already loved us closer than family or a friend. He has known us since we were formed in our mothers womb (Psalm 139). To be Your servant is a privilege, to be called Your friend is an amazing gift.
The Saviour of the world calling me, us, His friend. Think of that. Father how can we ever thank You. And worship.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord of heaven and earth,
For our family and friends. Those we know well, those maybe only a little. Help us pray with love.
For our neighbours and neighbourhood and all the good that happens day to day.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. That the church should grow with another generation.
For the royal family. For peace of mind, healing and family support and unity.
For our Parliament. To find harmony not animosity and work together for national good.
For our local dentists, GP’s, chiropodists and those in training. Those choosing their careers.
For those bereaved, for services, Your comfort, strength.
We pray for Your people and Jerusalem. For wisdom and peace (Psalm 122:6).
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, places of conflict. Bring an end to war. Speak peace to stubborn hearts. Bless the peacemakers.
For a day to give thanks for Your friendship and our friends.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 16th April 2024
What a friend I’ve found
Closer than a brother
I have felt Your touch
More intimate than lovers
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Friend forever
What a hope I’ve found
More faithful than a mother
It would break my heart
To ever lose each other
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Friend forever
Lyrics: Martin Smith