“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12 NIV
God of truth,
Sometimes we read verses like these, and hope they will not apply to us, Father. And we remember to pray for those who are persecuted in countries where they cannot be Christian. But these are words that Jesus spoke to prepare us and they come after the sermon on the mount and before further teaching on how to live. Words that presume being a Christian will sometimes annoy others and warn us so we will not be surprised or loose faith.
We all want to be liked and be able to share how we feel with friends and family. Family and friends do not need to say anything evil against us for us to know they think our faith is foolish or a waste of time. Not being able to share Your love, share prayer can hurt Father. We turn to the verses which tell us to seek, knock and ask such as Matthew 7:7 but they still do not want to know.
Prayer is not magic and we cannot force others to know You. We can keep asking Your Holy Spirit to help them see! The only reward we want Father is to see them find You as their Saviour. We thank You for those who have. Help us to shake off and not take offence at those who do not think our faith of value. We know what it cost you and value it above all.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of truth,
We pray blessings on our friend, family, neighbours and church family. More than all we pray they will be open to life in You through Jesus. Help us to show them Your love.
Lord we have heard of so many attacks and deaths through the use of knives recently. We pray Holy Spirit You will cut through the evil, the hurt and the damage and plant goodness in their hearts. We pray that You would help young people be able to turn and walk away from violence.
We pray for Putin. Bless Ukraine with the end of war. And the other countries where there is the threat of conflict or ongoing internal conflicts. Help those who are seeking to make peace see success.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 3rd October 2023
Everyday they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where
On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord?
We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right
What could be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who’s lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear
They must hear the words of life
Only we can share
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize that we must give our lives?
For people need the Lord, people need the Lord
Lyrics: Greg Nelson / Phil Mchugh
The idea for this song emerged from a luncheon meeting in a Nashville, Tennessee, restaurant. According to the composers, as McHugh became aware of the pain in the eyes of their waitress, he said to Nelson, “People need the Lord, don’t they?” Nelson responded, “Yes, people do need the Lord.” From that brief exchange came the idea for the song, which was sketched in outline during the remainder of the meal.