“Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel. Should you not embrace justice, 2 you who hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones; 3 who eat my people’s flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot?” Micah 3:1-3 NIV
God of Truth,
I avoid horror films and and novels. I sometimes think my imagination can conjure up worse than a film director is allowed to show! And the images stay even when I don’t want to remember them. Yet I can’t remember peoples names! Well, these verses paint a picture I am not sure I want to see in my imagination. But You knew they had stopped listening to gentle correction or even strict warnings. So Micah does not mince Your words, through him, against those responsible for worship and who should be leading the people in holy living.
Your people could not say You, God did warn them of the consequences if they continued behaving as if You were not there. Disrespecting You in worship and behaving like You don’t really exist. Sometimes we need shaking up, to keep us from being complacent.
You, God never left your people without showing them the error of their ways, giving them a way to return to You. You always offer hope and restoration. But You could not and cannot overlook sin.
The wonderful thing about the prophet Micah’s hard hitting brutally honest words was that he heard. Hosea was ignored, and so was Amos. Jeremiah was thrown in jail for his prophecy. King Hezekiah and the leadership of Judah listened to Micah. And turned to You. Help us hear Your voice so we are not prone to wander.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
God and Saviour,
We ask for our family, mercy and goodness. Grant them health and joy. For our friends we give thanks and ask for provision today. For our church and fellowships we pray that they will be strong in faith and grow in stature and numbers. May Your love be their, and our, driving force.
We pray for the church world wide to be a witness to the love and power of God. In word and in action and deeds. That we, Your church, Your people will give light and life and the love of God to those around us.
We pray for all leaders and rulers. Let them know one day they will have to face You and know that You are God. We pray that those who kill and torture, and oppress to keep power, will have their hearts changed in these days. Where they are hard and unbending You would bring about their downfall. And prepare good hearted men and women of peace to take their place.
We pray for Putin and a change of desire, from war to an end of conflict. We do not know how but You know what is needed and how to bring it about. Please do not stay Your hand of mercy from Ukraine.
For our Parliament we pray You would encourage and bless the good and uncover those with selfish and harmful agendas. There are no simple answers and we need You to be the one who guides us into justice with mercy.
Thank You for today and all You have poured into it for us already.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 9th August 2023
A beautiful new take on the hymn I need You.
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the One that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
Where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
When I cannot stand I’ll fall on You
Jesus, You’re my hope and stay
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
You’re my one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
My one defence, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You