“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:5-7 NET
God of endurance and comfort,
Children, and well all of us actually, need hugs and human touch. I am not a huggy person but that does not mean I don’t need human touch Lord. Covid forced many of us to be isolated, even now if someone coughs a lot we move away. Or did we always?
Thank You that we always have Your embrace. Like the prodigal Father who ran to embrace his child, You Lord run to embrace the repentant and humble. And You remind the other obedient son he could have a hug and Your attention whenever he wanted! In the Old Testament You told Your people that You, eternal God was their refuge, and underneath were Your everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27). The picture of a capturing hug.
We don’t deserve it. To be hugged eternally by Your in love. It is a gift of grace. Jesus, welcomes us, loves us and died for us. Your mercy is everlasting. We can live as if eternally embraced by You. Hold us close, let Your love enfold us. And even if we are not huggers – help us to make each other feel loved and accepted.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of endurance and comfort,
For our family and friends. Meet their daily needs Let them know a holy hug today.
For our church, Ministers and lay leaders, endurance and heavenly comfort.
For the royal family. Endurance, health and comfort from You.
For our Parliament, both the Commons and Lords. Regardless of politics a desire to do their best.
For our local town or city. For town centres to flourish and new business to prosper.
For our hospitals, police and all those who keep us and our community safe.
For those bereaved, Your comfort, those brought low Your arms to carry.
For those at odds with each other, even family, a way forward to peace.
For Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, places of conflict. End war.
For us and our own personal needs, hopes and if we have ought against anyone to let go . . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 11th April 2024
Lord I come to You
Let my heart be changed, renewed
Flowing from the grace
That I have found in You
And Lord I have come to know
The weaknesses I see in me
Will be stripped away
By the power of Your love
Hold me close
Let Your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to Your side
And as I wait
I will rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You
Your Spirit leads me on
In the power of Your love
Lord unveil my eyes
Let me see You face to face
The knowledge of Your love
As You live in me
Lord renew my mind
As Your will unfolds in my life
In living every day
By the power of Your love
Chorus
Lyrics: Geoff Bullock