Friday 17th November 2023

“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. 30 And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. 33 Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.  While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” 36 When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen. ” Luke 9:28-36 NKJV

God of Glory,

What a wonderful place to get stuck. Up on the mountain with Jesus! I wonder if the disciples were tired after the climb up the mountainside or were naturally tired and heavy with sleep? Perhaps Jesus conversation with Elijah and Moses was private . . . but they did wake and see them and Jesus glorified. I wonder if they looked at each other to see if the other was also seeing it? Amazing experience. Then Peter puts his foot in it, as we say, and asks if they should build tabernacles.

I have empathy with Peter. As someone once suggested – it is best to put ones brain into gear before opening one’s mouth! But he was trying to be helpful, he was out of his depth. We too get it wrong sometimes and we miss an opportunity or we say something silly, not helpful. No matter. We do not hinder You. You spoke from the cloud. This is My beloved Son. Hear Him.

Thank You that we can hear You and Your Son by Your Spirit. When we are out of our depth, You help us. Whether we are on a mountain top, in a valley or amid the mundane at home You are our encouragement. Keep our ears open to hear and our mouths ready and – awaiting understanding.

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

God of Glory,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For their individual needs, for miracles and strength and help.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities. Draw people in to ask about You.
For our Government, that You would reveal sin, oust it and guide them to truth, for the good of the nation. Help their ears hear You and their mouths speak truth.
For our King and Queen and their family and lead them in paths of righteousness and goodness.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An full stop an end to war and conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, that they would hear of Your love.
For those who need the right words to speak. Teachers, parents, counsellors, doctors, friends, all those in law, Government and friends.
For ourselves, that we would know those moments when we are assured we are loved by You, as Jesus was, and You are still on the throne of glory.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 17th November 2023

Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus
To reach out and touch Him
And say that we love Him
Open our ears Lord
And Help us to listen
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus

Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus
To reach out and touch Him
And say that we love Him
Open our ears Lord
And Help us to listen
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus

Lyrics: Robert Cull







Wednesday 15th November 2023

“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. 30 And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. 33 Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.”” Luke 9:28-36 NKJV

Father God,

About 8 days later Luke says- after these sayings. What sayings? Ah putting it in context. Jesus had been saying He would suffer, be rejected and put to death and called them to them take up their cross to die to self daily. We see his humanity. Facing an incredible battle Himself to submit to what You had asked Him to come and do, He showed us what to do in hard situations. Draw aside and meet with You. He took three trusted believers, even if they didn’t fully understand.

And Your response? To show us His divinity and to come and bring encourage Him. You also sent two mighty men of God from the Old Testament Moses and Elijah who had longed to see Jesus time of deliverance. They had both faced trials and found and proved You trustworthy. Thank You for the testimony of the old and new Testament and those who encourage us..

Thank You that Jesus shows us both His humanity and His Divinity. That You, God are there when it is humanly hard and we need You and also when all is well. Thank You that You place people encouragers around us. Help us to seek You first when we are tired, weary or troubled and not be afraid to ask others for help.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father God,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For those facing difficult decisions, in poor health, needing healing and comfort. For those who need to step away from harmful situations.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities.
For our Government, that You would reveal sin, oust it and guide it, for the good of the nation.
For our King and Queen and their family and the work they do for the nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An full stop an end to war and conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, whose share their faith, to see people choose Christ Jesus.
For those who suffer for their faith, risk loosing their lives and for the families of those who are left behind.
For those facing things that they would rather go round. Surgery, family difficulties, relationship breakdown, difficult truth. Making hard decisions for the best. Overcoming hurt and forgiving even where trust has to be rebuilt.
For ourselves, that we would see Jesus, one of us who understands our deepest need and also as Christ the Lord, our sacrifice for sin, seated at Your throne (Hebrews 10:12).

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 15th November 2023
Yesterdays beautiful worship is still ringing in my ears – All my life You have been faithful . . . and today’s promise for the future is all will be well.

Through the love of God our Saviour,
all will be well.
Free and changeless is his favour,
all, all is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us,
perfect is the grace that sealed us,
strong the hand stretched forth to shield us,
all must be well.

Though we pass through tribulation,
all will be well.
Christ has purchased full salvation,
all, all is well.
Happy, still in God confiding,
fruitful, if in Christ abiding,
holy, through the Spirit’s guiding,
all must be well.

We expect a bright tomorrow,
all will be well.
Faith can sing through days of sorrow,
‘All, all is well.’
On our Father’s love relying,
Jesus every need supplying,
Then in living or in our dying,
all must be well.

Lyrics: Mary Peters

Mary Peters (1813-1856) was born in Cirencester and was governess to the children of an Anglican rector, John William Peters, whom she subsequently married. Later became members of the Plymouth Brethren. Mary’s hymns are found in several published collections. It has been suggested that, scholar as she was, she would have been familiar with the newly-rediscovered work of Mother Julian of Norwich who had written: ‘All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.’ The tune ‘Ar hyd y nos’ (‘All through the night’) is traditional to Wales.