“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John to be baptised by him in the Jordan River. 14 But John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptised by you, and yet you come to me?” 15 So Jesus replied to him, “Let it happen now, for it is right for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John yielded to him. 16 After Jesus was baptised, just as he was coming up out of the water, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my one dear Son; in him I take great delight.”” Matthew 3:13-17
God unchanging,
Seems very baptismal weather our new year. Rain, rain, rain. But despite the wet we look to the new year with Your hope. Jesus at the beginning of His ministry humbled himself and was baptised in the river. We see His fulness. God, the Father, speaking. The Son obedient to the Father. The Holy Spirit resting on the Son. He was drenched in Your blessing and affirmation as well as the water. And prepared as he went into the wilderness to battle the enemy.
We begin the year humbly needing to be in fellowship with You. Our Father God, Saviour and Holy Spirit. Needing to be drenched in You to face the challenges of faith in this new year.
Today as we are one day into 2024 bring us humbly to You. To be washed, affirmed and blessed, ready to face the year ahead. We follow Jesus to follow You and in the strength of Your Holy Spirit. We make it our choice, our determination and our great reward (Genesis 15:1a)..
In Jesus glorious and almighty name I pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer
God who blesses and encourages,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their hopes and needs for this year.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families.
For our churches and ministers and those who work tirelessly with hands or prayers.
We pray for Japan and all those affected and worried by the Tsunamis.
For the people devastated in places here flooded out yet again.
For all areas where there is war and oppression. For peace and a new way forward. For Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Ukraine, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For those facing the new year with sorrow, disappointment or depression. Lighten their darkness.
For the NHS, children’s services, care givers, care homes, the emergency services and all those that keep our society safe, functioning and give help.
With thanks for all the good, joyful, and enjoyable times and events of last year.
For ourselves, the comfort that comes with trusting and knowing You. For the blessings of Your presence. For showers of blessings all year.
Worship Tuesday 2nd January 2024
A beautiful medley which says it all . . .
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Lyrics: Helen Lemmel.