“Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
Matthew 28:18-20 New Living Translation.
Lord God,
I am reminded that You are Father, Son and Holy Spirit and that as One God, You love me, Your creation and Your church in Christ. Even if it doesn’t always seem so. How awesome that You authorise us, messed up us, to represent You. Not sending us out alone, unsupported! But by being with us, committed to us and helping us every step of the way.
You will stick with us – even to the end of the age and for ever. There have been lots of ages . . . each generation has seen extraordinary things. Good things: the discovery of medical treatments, anaesthetics and vaccines. The development of central heating! The designing of engines of every kind. Its not that long ago we had no washing machines! But there and extraordinary terrible things even in our so called enlightened age. War, murder, pollution, manipulation of the truth. Will we ever learn?
How can we ever express our gratitude that You are with us, personally all the time. Not busy doing something else but giving us Your full attention. Sharing our pain and our joys. Cheering our victories and comforting us in loss. Every single step of the way till we see You face to face. Thank You and help us find ways to share our faith, with Your authorisation to those we know and meet.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Lord God,
For family, friends, neighbours, give them a glimpse of Your glory and provide for them today.
For our church family, ministers and all who serve, Let them know and hear Your well done.
For all the Royal family. King Charles to see healing coming with the treatment.
For our government. Use their authority to do good and guide them in right paths.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle.
For the church in Ukraine, Myanmar and the underground churches. Keep them safe and strong.
For Gaza an end to all the killing, hostage taking and hate. Enable and give success to peace talks.
Bless our local communities, all those who work to provide compassion through food banks, support groups and being good neighbours.
Encourage and strengthen those who work in hospitals, dentist and doctors surgeries. Those who work in hospices and those who are close to the bereaved. Comfort the comforters.
For us a day to take a deep breath and be glad to be alive literally and also alive in Your love.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 1st March 2024
Timeless truth
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there
Lyrics: Joseph Medlicott Scriven