Tag: Pray for Today

Tuesday 28th November 2023

 “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’” Jeremiah 33:14-16

 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:25-28

Lord of the past, present and future,

Advent – starts next Sunday as we also break into December. Though the Santa Clause season has started already in gardens! And the TV has endless Christmas movies on the film channels! We know that Christmas is more than a feel good factor. It is heaven breaking in to human history. It is the fulfilment of Your many promises to send a Saviour. And it gives us the faith to trust You will keep those of Your promises not yet fulfilled. You will come again.

The first time You came was humbly to be among us, one of us and serve us. To show the depth of Your love in dying for our sin. Death could not hold You. And now seated at God’s right hand, You are able to be with us by Your Holy Spirit. And You speak into every generation. Sometimes like Noah, we think that people do not want to know about Jesus the Saviour. But some do! The church, unlike the locked up boat of Noah, is taking people on board to safety every day.

When You come back again it will be different. It will be with power and glory. We do not know when. We have seen a global pandemic, natural disasters, wars, famine, evil. The wold is suffering from our sin, in the environment, politics and economically. But we do not know when You will return. So help us walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise (Ephesians 5:15). Knowing we have a future secure in You if we are faithful.

In Jesus name, Amen.

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For their many individual needs and hopes. Keep them from evil and open their eyes to good.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. May You keep them safe in You and from all harm and evil.
For our Government, that You would root out any evil, selfish intentions and bless each person with clean sight for the good of the nation.
For our King and Queen and their family. Healing for any broken relationships and forgiveness.
For Iceland where the land is unsettled and dangerous.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord continue the pause and the sending of aid and release of hostages.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to this war, conflict and bloodshed.
For those with evil intentions to harm, murder or hurt. Thwart their intentions, convict them of sin and show a better way forward.
For all those who need to know they are loved with an everlasting, unfailing love today.
For ourselves, thank You for a new day. For all the blessings today holds. Giving thanks for the coming of Jesus and that He is coming back again and our names are written in heaven.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 28th November 2023

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Joy to those who long to see Thee
Day-spring from on high, appear.
Come, Thou promised Rod of Jesse,
Of Thy birth, we long to hear!
O’er the hills the angels singing
News, glad tidings of a birth;
“Go to Him your praises bringing
Christ the Lord has come to earth!”

Come to earth to taste our sadness,
He whose glories knew no end.
By His life He brings us gladness,
Our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Leaving riches without number,
Born within a cattle stall;
This the everlasting wonder,
Christ was born the Lord of all.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne





Friday 24th November 2023

“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”” Luke 9:57-62 NIV

Sovereign Lord,

Jesus on His way to Jerusalem for the last time. And he met many other travellers who had heard His teaching. Luke considers it important enough to record almost like eavesdropping, Like we were there. Like today some had excuses and see Jesus transparent honesty. So we too can learn to trust You. You do not make everything look rosy. You do not enlist disciples under false pretences. Jesus had it tough and nowhere to lay his head. It may not be easy, there is a battle against evil and a race to be run.

The important thing Jesus stresses is to start and continue. We may not have to travel overseas, give up home and family but we can faithfully follow here. It is our response to what You have given us freely, full salvation. Your grace, Heaven and Your glory to come. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8:9, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his poverty could become rich.”

But not just now, but I’m busy, but I’m already caring for people . . . You call us to follow not as goats with there but, but, buts. Rather as sheep who hear Your voice (John 10:27-28). Keep us focused and following You, our great and generous God and Saviour. No buts . . .

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Sovereign Lord,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For their many individual needs and You would guide their steps today for good.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. Make them beacons of hope in the darkness of winter and world conflict.
For our Government, that You would be in the midst of it reforming it for the nations good.
For our King and Queen and their family and all the charities they represent.
For those in Iceland and the ongoing concerns and those not able to go home.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle, a strong, long pause leading to a new peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An miraculous end to this war, conflict and bloodshed, starting now.
For those in the midst of conflict, to have hope and a future and hear of Your love.
For all those who are considering Jesus, beginning to hear about Him to take that step from knowing about to knowing You personally.
For all those who need to know they are loved today.
For ourselves, thank You for a new day. Thank You for the day we met You and knew Your love. Refresh our hearts and cause us to praise today.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 24th November 2023
Yes it will continue to crop up because this as almost my favourite hymn of all time. It says it like it is, allows me to recommit and the melody is just wonderfully simple.

Wonderful grace that gives what I don’t deserve
Pays me what Christ has earned then lets me go free
Wonderful grace that gives me the time to change
Washes away the stain that once covered me

And all that I am I lay at the feet
Of the wonderful Saviour Who loves me

Wonderful love that held in the face of death
Breathed in it’s final breath forgiveness for me
Wonderful love whose power can break every chain
Giving us life again setting us free

And all that I am I lay at the feet
Of the wonderful Saviour Who loves me

John Pantry
CD: The Gifts of God Series, Grace, Mission Worship


Thursday 23rd November 2023

 “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village.” Luke 9:51-56 NIV

God,

I suppose the disciples were not used to going ahead to find lodgings and being rejected. Mostly we read the crowds welcomed him. They heard of his miracles and were happy to welcome him. But here they were given the cold shoulder.

None of us like rejection but how easily they verbalised judgement. They saw You heal the sick, feed crowds and even command the wind and waves not to be dangerous. They experienced You, and God working through them, to do good when they were sent out in Luke 9:1-6. You gave them power and authority to do good works, heal the sick. Shall we call down fire!

They actually asked if they should burn them to death. Oh yeah! Where did that come from? But before I judge – I am glad others cannot read my thoughts sometimes! We do get frustrated by people especially politicians at the moment. We do get angry when wildlife programmes tell us we have evolved from apes. We do resent rejection and being snubbed. We do have anger in our hearts sometimes.

And Jesus response – He does not sack the disciples or forbid them to do anything till they learned better. He rebukes them, forgives them and leads them on. Keep us from judging andjumping to get our own back. Rebuke us gently and lead us on. Thank You that Your love forgives and teaches us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God,
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For their many individual needs and You would help them in their difficulties.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. Make them beacons of hope and help in this dreary season and troubled times.
For our Government, that You would be in the midst, leading it into truth and good governance.
For our King and Queen and their family and their work here and overseas.
For Iceland, for those who have had to leave their homes. Speak peace into the earths crust.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle, a long pause leading to a new peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. A full stop, a miraculous end to war, conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, to have hope and a future and hear of Your love.
For those who find it difficult to forgive. Those who cannot control their anger. Those who suffer at the hands of angry family, employers, neighbours. Send relief, a way out, a miracle.
For ourselves, thank You for a new day. Help us be quick to forgive, gentle in our answers and able to wipe out angry thoughts before they take root.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thurs 23rd November 2023
The world is dark and sometimes my mind gets dark so I love the chorus – come Lord Jesus. Lighten our darkness. Remind us that the darkness cannot put it out (John 1:5).

Great is the darkness that covers the earth,
Oppression, injustice and pain.
Nations are slipping in hopeless despair,
Though many have come in Your name.
Watching while sanity dies,
Touched by the madness and lies.

Come, Lord Jesus, come, Lord Jesus,
Pour out Your Spirit we pray.
Come, Lord Jesus, come, Lord Jesus,
Pour out Your Spirit on us today

May now Your church rise with power and love,
This glorious gospel proclaim.
In every nation salvation will come
To those who believe in Your name.
Help us bring light to this world
That we might speed Your return.

Great celebrations on that final day
When out of the heavens You come.
Darkness will vanish, all sorrow will end,
And rulers will bow at Your throne.
Our great commission complete,
Then face to face we shall meet.

Lyrics: Noel Richards and Gerald Coates