“Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee . . .
. . .Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.” John 21:1, 10-14 NIV
Father God,
Your resurrection appearances show you meeting the disciples where they were. It often involved eating. It was the meal, the breaking of bread and praying that enabled two disciples to recognise Jesus on the Emmaus Road (Luke 24:30-31).
For grieving fishermen to clear their heads and not sit idle, fishing was a natural outlet. Jesus went to meet them where they were. It is so easy to think Jesu is closer when we are reading the Bible, praying or in a service.
You showed us that being holy and wholly Yours is not just about spiritual feelings but about a living relationship. Jesus built relationships by spending time with people where they were often over a meal. Whether it was a small gathering like at Zacchaeus house ( 19:5), or many like the crowd of 5,000 (Matthew 14:18-21). He wants to be with us when we are relaxed as well as studying His Word.
As we bask in the celebration of Your resurrection, help us appreciate everyday life with You. Whether it be as we eat breakfast, talk to someone during the day or just hear the birds beginning their spring chorus. And to build good relationships with You Lord and others – perhaps over coffee and a biscuit or two . . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,
For our family, friends and neighbours. Healing, comfort, strength, joy . . . individual needs.
For our congregation and all Your churches to grow in new believers.
For the royal family for healing and strength for Charles and Kate as treatment continues.
For our nation, our Parliament, county councils and local councils. Wisdom of Solomon.
For our neighbourhood and its well being, good community and security from evil.
For those still on holiday – refreshment. Those who are back at work or have not had a break.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, places of conflict. End war drive them down paths of peace.
For our hospitals, chaplains and all staff: their well and healing for all patients.
For the multitude of unseen workers who keep our society safe and healthy . . .
For all the kind people who will do good today no matter how small.
For us a good day, upheld by You and lift our heads to see Your light in this world as well as the approaching spring.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 3rd April 2024
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares can destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord at the noon of the day.
Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.
Lyrics: Jan Struther (1901-1953)
As well as the creation of the character Mrs Miniver in a fortnightly column in The Times, Jan Struther is remembered for her many hymns for children, including “Lord of All Hopefulness”, “When a Knight Won His Spurs” and “Daisies are Our Silver”. These resulted from an approach by Canon Percy Dearmer of Westminster Abbey, Words Editor of the enlarged edition of Songs of Praise 1931. She was said to be an agnostic, although she did go to church!