O God our help in ages past

“The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight. They forgot about the Lord their God, and they served the images of Baal and the Asherah poles. ⁸Then the Lord burned with anger against Israel, and he turned them over to King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram-naharaim. And the Israelites served Cushan-rishathaim for eight years. ⁹But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, the Lord raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Othniel, the son of Caleb’s younger brother, Kenaz. ¹⁰The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge. He went to war against King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram, and the Lord gave Othniel victory over him. ¹¹So there was peace in the land for forty years. Then Othniel son of Kenaz died.”
Judges 3:7-11 NLT

Lord God of all,

Joshua has died (Joshua 24:29) and Eleazar the High Priest died (Joshua 24:3). History is a history of change. But it is in keeping a firm foundation that gives a good future. It is not standing still but keeping those things that give stability. But once again we read the children of Israel forgot God their security. But even here in the midst of their enemies and living in war torn lands You proved faithful. You waited till they realised their need and cried to You, You answered. It was not an easy answer and they had to deal with the trouble it did not just disappear! But then their was 40 years peace.

It is very reassuring Lord to know that we can call on You whether trouble is just life happening, because we have got in a mess, sinned or the enemy trying to get us down. Many of the Psalms speak about being able to call on You in times of trouble (34:17, 50:15) Then Jesus came and said, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7)

There is no limit to Your help in all our situations. And there is an eternity of peace. Not dead peace and calm and quiet. But a living, joyful love filled fellowship of peace with You now and in Heaven. Please be our help at all times, O Lord our God.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 4th April 2025
Love this version

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home:

Under the shadow of your throne
Your saints have dwelt secure;
All we need is You alone,
And our defense is sure.

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
God be our guide
As long as life will last
As long as life will last

Before the hills in order stood
Or Earth received her frame,
From everlasting you are God,
For evermore the same.

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
God be our guide
As long as life will last
As long as life will last

Lyrics: Isaac Watts
Contemporary lyrics: The great Jungle Journey

“When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he became enraged. He sent men to kill all the children in Bethlehem and throughout the surrounding region from the age of two and under, according to the time he had learned from the wise men. ¹⁷Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: ¹⁸“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud wailing, Rachel weeping for her children, and she did not want to be comforted, because they were gone.”” Matthew 2:16-18 NET

Omniscient (all knowing) God,

Again this year I cannot skip over these sad verses. Christmas is not a merry time for everyone. The first one was not. We worship You, our God, because You kept Jesus safe from Herod and the naivety of the wise men who did not see Herod’s jealousy. But there are so many things in the Bile that we do like or understand. Like all the babies that died when Moses was saved floating in his little basket. And all the babies around Bethlehem being killed and Jesus saved. We see the reflection of Your salvation but cannot always comprehend.

We hear in the news of children suffering in war, Military Rule and under dictatorships. Or just because they are girls. You show us that even though we like to think the world has progressed actually we have not. There are things in Your Word we would prefer not to think about. But You do not sweep evil under the carpet. Greed, jealousy, selfishness all start somewhere. Herod let them run free in his life with terrible consequences.

Help us to ensure we do nothing out of temper, malice or spite no matter how small. And deliver us from evil. Holy Spirit work in the hearts of those who are bereft of compassion. Change, remove and nullify their thoughts and any works of their hands no matter how evil they are.

Keep us faithful even though there are difficult questions. And take the little ones to be with You (Matthew 19:14).

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father God,

For our family, friends, neighbours, and those we promised to pray for.
For our Christian family. Christmas services and meals planned.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government to make wise decisions for good not just profit.
For Ukraine and Russia. A miraculous end to war.
For Sudan freedom from dictatorship of any kind. Middle East peace.
For wisdom for the NHS, schools and organisations that need to adapt for the future.
For charities and every person who improves a child’s life and shows Your love.
For all those who can generously support missions and charities and the widows mites.
For those who have been bereaved of a baby, child or children, young or old.
For parents, family and guardians whose children are in hospices and hospitals.
For us to be able to hold difficult questions till they can be answered in eternity.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 28th December 2024
Still true.

O God, our help in ages past,
  Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
  And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of Thy throne
  Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
  And our defence is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
  Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
  To endless years the same.

A thousand ages in Thy sight
  Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
  Before the rising sun.

Amen. In ages past your hand sustained us
Amen. Through all that’s coming grace remains
Amen. Our roots are anchored in your goodness
Amen. Our trust is in your faithfulness

O God, our help in ages past,
  Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
  And our eternal home.

Lyrics: Isaac Watts