“Yes, you who trust him (Jesus) recognise the honour God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” 8 And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:7-9 New Living Translation
Almighty God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes our Lord. Our Lord – its personal. And like many Christians in new years through history we look to the unchangeable truth to put our trust! In ourselves, in things, fate, touching wood, the stars? No. We do sometimes have doubts or trip up over lies and half lies the enemy raises. Jesus warned us (Luke 17: 1), that stumbling blocks would come! We live in a world often offended by holiness and goodness and commitment. And You. Help us not to look elsewhere, stumble or trip, be our stability.
Today we want to put our faith securely where it needs to be this first Sunday of the year, in You. The news is always depressing, the weather may be turning cold but You, our God, do not change. Shine Your light upon us, in us and through us. Confirm that we are Your possession, beloved, washed, pure and holy. Belonging to You individually and together as Your church. Lead us heavenly Father lead us.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Almighty God,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. So many faces come to mind and so many hopes and desires. Hear and answer their individual needs.
For our church fellowships, ministers, church officials, congregations. Lead us forward.
For those struggling in their faith and those who have been disillusioned. Restore them.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families.
For our government and their families. Lead our country to the best Government and best future.
For Ukraine and a withdrawal of Russian troops. Lead them to peace and end to oppression.
For all areas where there is war, military oppression and civil war. For peace and a new way forward. Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For our local and County Councils. Lead the best people into them with the best decisions.
For winter rest for the land even though we do not always enjoy the cold and wet.
Thank You for daylight, electric lights and the light of Your Word.
For ourselves lead us gently and joyfully through today and into a good nights sleep..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 7th January 2024
Traditional Hymn – the words are an amazing prayer and statement. Nothing can our peace destroy.
Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
o’er the world’s tempestuous sea;
guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,
for we have no help but thee;
yet possessing every blessing,
if our God our Father be.
Saviour, breathe forgiveness o’er us:
all our weakness thou dost know;
thou didst tread this earth before us,
thou didst feel its keenest woe;
lone and dreary, faint and weary,
through the desert thou didst go.
Spirit of our God, descending,
fill our hearts with heavenly joy,
love with every passion blending,
pleasure that can never cloy:
thus provided, pardoned, guided,
nothing can our peace destroy.
Lyrics: James Edmeston 1791-1867
Tune: Friedrich Filitz, 1847