“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-8 NIV
God in whom we rejoice,
I like that you ask us to rejoice in You and then acknowledge that we do have all those things that cause us to be anxious and good things that we long to see happen. You really understand us because Jesus experienced it all. He knew grief when Lazarus died. He knew betrayal, frustration and had to deal with difficult relationships with those who opposed Him. He got tired, hungry and sometimes had to find space away from people to spend time with You and be restored.
So amid the rejoicing in who You are, and what You have done for us through Jesus, You ask us to pass over all our anxieties to You. Not that we should stop caring or loving but stop that inner turmoil, knots in stomach, that can make us ill.
Prayer and supplication! Divine love that makes me see my two sides of prayer. One praying thoughtfully with my Bible perhaps . . . and one asking and begging loudly. Whether it be for someone else or me!! Jesus in the garden knew prayer and supplication. He didn’t get the answer which would have been easy – He got the only right answer. Thank you that You give us the right answer even if we cannot always see it. Thank You for the countless answered prayers we do not even remember asking!
In Jesus name we pray Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God in whom we rejoice,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. Thank You answer their deepest needs.
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations thank You and lead them.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family.
For our government and their families. Lead and speak clearly to them, that Your will be done in these days. Raise up the right people to stand in the elections, grant us a good Government.
For Ukraine and Russian. A miracle, miracles . . . Peace an end to war.
For wherever there is unrest, war, military oppression: Myanmar, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria, China . . . change people, situations, hearts, politics.
For the Red Sea and growing International disruption. Overcome and deliver the world from evil.
For all those who restore. People, nature, broken things. In small ways or large.
For those who reconcile and help people to find peace and forgiveness.
For all those who provide help, food banks, district nurses, home helps, friends, family. Samaritans, help lines, Lifeboats, mountain rescue, emergency relief charities.
For ourselves, to breathe in and know the depth of Your love and recognise our own blessings.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 21st January 2022
For all Your goodness, I will keep on singing . . . rejoicing . . .
Bless the Lord, o my soul, o my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before, o my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
Chorus
You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness, I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
Chorus
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still, my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore
Chorus
Lyrics: Matt Redman