Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” John 3:1-4
Only wise God,
I love this passage not just because it leads up to John 3:16 but because its OK to ask You what may seem a silly question. And I am reassured that I too can ask You any questions I have. Even if others may think my questions foolish.
Nicodemus was not afraid to ask another question when he didn’t fully understand the first answer! You, in Jesus, patiently took him on a step by step revelation. You did not condescend Him or get cross or raise Your voice. Nicodemus later spoke up for Jesus when the Chief priests and the Pharisees spoke about arresting Jesus in John 7. Nicodemus also helped Joseph of Arimathea prepare Jesus body for burial and lay Him in a new tomb. The disciples had fled at this point but he was willing to risk his reputation, possibly His life?
It all started because he asked you a question. Help us to keep on asking You questions and wait for the answers. Nothing is too small or too large. Help us to be patient and have the same attitude when others ask questions.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Suggested for prayer . . .
Only wise God,
For our family, friends, neighbours. For their needs, some of which we know nothing about.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Answer their questions.
We pray for kings and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Princess Anne.
For the general election and members of Parliament who will serve their constituencies honestly.
For the NHS, the countries finances, education and employment.
For Paris and athletes preparing for the Olympics. All nations to compete together safely at peace.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Solutions for peace and the best for all.
For Ukraine, an end to war. Help and support for those in war zones and having to fight.
For schools, teachers as they try to fit everything in before the end of term.
For all those who will care for children during the long school holiday.
For our justice system, prisons, Christian Prison Chaplains and Christian release support agencies.
For us strength for today, and the answers we need for today and tomorrow.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 1st July 2024
Wisdom comes from being teachable, asking questions?
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle shield, sword for the fight;
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight;
Thou my soul’s shelter, Thou my high tower:
Raise Thou me heav’nward, O power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heav’n’s joys, O bright Heaven’s sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
Lyrics: Attributed to Dallán Forgaill. Translated from ancient Irish to English by Mary E Byrne.