“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. 21 In his name the nations will put their hope.”
Matthew 12:20-21 NIV
God, Yahweh, Lord, Jehovah,
I linger on this verse for another day because at the moment so many nations need to turn and hope in You. “In Your name we put our hope”. This week a friend reminded me that the Bible is full of Your names all trying to describe You. When asked by Moses, You, God said You were called ‘I am who I am’ (Exodus 3:14). That is who You are.
Many of Your other names seem to try to show what You are like and what You do. Like Hagar called You the God who sees – because You saw her need and provided (Genesis 16:13). A beautiful name from Psalm 23, Jehovah Raah, the Lord my Shepherd. Or Elohim – creator mighty and strong. Many books have been written about Your names. They are all beautiful and help our understanding but they all point back to who You are. The only God, The great I am. In You we hope and put our trust.
We thank You for all You have done and are doing and will do. Above all we thank You for who You are. The only God, the great I am, perfect in all Your ways. And You keep Your promises. Speak peace into our world.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God,
For our family and friends. For all their needs today, those near, distant and broken relationships.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. For all those who work for You willingly.
For the royal family. For continued healing and family unity.
For our Parliament. In a world of turmoil to be calm and hear Your leading, for an end to war.
For those waiting results of medical tests, results, interviews or outcomes.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, all places of conflict. Bring an end to war. Speak peace to stubborn or hard or angry hearts. Bless the peacemakers with power.
For the children caught up in war and conflict and hunger.
For those who use Your name as an exclamation or swear word – to know You are real.
For Your help for today to be a good day and be able to appreciate it.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 21st April 2024
Written in the 1980’s and may not be sung so often now . . . But I love this worship. It is biblical (Proverbs 18:10) easy to remember and a simple tune! Can worship ever be outdated?
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be the name of the Lord most high
The name of the Lord is a strong tower
The righteous run into it and they are saved
The name of the Lord is a strong tower
The righteous run into it and they are saved
Glory to the name of the Lord
Glory to the name of the Lord
Glory to the name of the Lord most high
The name of the Lord is a strong tower
The righteous run into it and they are saved
The name of the Lord is a strong tower
The righteous run into it and they are saved
Holy is the name of the Lord
Holy is the name of the Lord
Holy is the name of the Lord most high
The name of the Lord is a strong tower
The righteous run into it and they are saved
The name of the Lord is a strong tower
The righteous run into it and they are saved
Lyrics: Clinton Utterbach
Written in the 1980’s