Tag: Pray for Today

Wednesday 22nd November 2023

 “. . .  48and (Jesus) said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the one who is least among you all is the one who is great.” John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he is not a disciple along with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you.””
Luke 9:48-50 NET

El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty)

I am so glad that John asked this question. Because it sets us free to ask You questions when we don’t understand or because society has changed since Biblical times. Sometimes we think how lovely it would be if You could just write the answer on the wall . . . But You did that once, write on the wall, at Belshazzar’s feast. And it was not good (Daniel 5:5,6). So perhaps not! Give us patience to wait till Your Word or Your Holy Spirit give us revelation and wisdom and Your thoughts! Or perhaps patience to wait to ask You face to face in heaven. At which point it may seem immaterial.

John asks and Jesus doesn’t avoid it, He answers. Leave him alone, he is not against you. Some wars are not for us to fight and we are not to judge. God knows all. We are not called to be the police of the religious!
It seems that You, God, are the only one who can see hearts and the see the whole big picture. We see only the surface. And we cannot always understand. Help us to know when and where to speak out and when to consider and leave or wait. And to keep Your love at the centre of everything.

In Jesus name we pray, amen.

El Shaddai, Lord God Almighty,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For the many needs they have and the many blessings we would desire for them
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. For the big questions that have to be grappled with and do not have easy answers or clear answers that we can all agree with.
For our Government, that You would be in the midst of it leading it into stability and truth.
For our King and Queen and their family and their work here and overseas.
For those in Iceland where there is threat of volcanic eruption. For those who have had to leave their homes.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle, a pause leading to a new peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. A full stop, an 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 all those who seek the good of those around them. Who find encouraging things to say, share smiles and offer a silent prayer for those they meet and pass by.
For ourselves, thank You for a new day. Help us to remember there will be millions of good things done today by people just like ourselves today. Thank You for them. Help us be patient, good and kind today.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 22nd November 2023
Chris Tomlin has said that the inspiration behind the song came from his desire to write a simple love song to Jesus. He wanted to express his gratitude for God’s love and to remind others that they are never alone. The song acknowledges that we may face challenges and troubles in life, but God’s love is unfailing, and He is always there to comfort us.

Morning, I see You in the sunrise every morning
It’s like a picture that You’ve painted for me
A love letter in the sky

Story, I could’ve had a really different story
But You came down from heaven to restore me
Forever saved my life

Nobody loves me like You love me, Jesus
I stand in awe of Your amazing ways
I worship You as long as I am breathing
God, You are faithful and true
Nobody loves me like You

Mountains, You’re breaking down the weight of all my mountains
Even when it feels like I’m surrounded
You never leave my side, oh oh oh

Chorus

Oh, what a song to sing . . . . .
Jesus, You love me
And I love You, God

Nobody loves me like You love me, Jesus
I stand in awe of Your amazing ways
I worship You as long as I am breathing
God, I will worship You, forever worship You

Lyrics: Chris Tomlin



Tuesday 21st November 2023

“While everyone was marvelling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44 “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this statement; its meaning had been concealed from them, so that they could not grasp it. Yet they were afraid to ask him about this statement. 46Now an argument started among the disciples as to which of them might be the greatest. 47 But when Jesus discerned their innermost thoughts, he took a child, had him stand by his side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the one who is least among you all is the one who is great.”” Luke 9:43-48 NET

God, Lord of all,

An argument or reasoning, dispute, questioning? Anyway it was among the disciples. Well they were 12 men living in close proximity . . . and three sometimes went off with Jesus without the rest of them . . . Were they thought to be more special? Jesus may not have heard it all but knew their inmost thoughts and the reasoning behind them! You, God, know us so well. We. like the disciples, do not always understand and it does sometimes lead to disagreements. But Jesus says that is no excuse . . . we are not to become childish, jealous and petty . . . but be respectful, encouraging and humble.

There are times when a small group is better than a large one! Is that why Jesus chose Peter, James and John on occasions? Or was it was about preparing them for the future. Jesus turned greatness on its head and mixed with lepers and beggars and tax collectors. He lived what he preached and loved His neighbour as Himself.. He did not need accolade, self importance or fame. He taught by example. He wanted them to see people with their hearts as people, not as social position and standing. To serve all.

We are all different, unique and You love and value each one of us. You do not see people as more important than one another. Keep us from petty jealousy and needing to measure ourselves against others. Help us to appreciate each other, not think too much of ourselves, and build each other up.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Lord of all,
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For those who have health needs, employment needs or need to know You.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches. For all those who work to support our local community.
For our Government, that we would see it become the best it can be.
For our King and Queen and their family and the stability of our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle, a pause leading to a new peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. A full stop, an 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 all those who serve family, community, nation. Carers, armed forces, emergency services.
For food banks, warm spaces, lunch clubs. Charities who help and support those in need both financially and emotionally. All those who willingly volunteer to serve.
For ourselves, for Your blessing today and to be at peace with ourselves and those around us.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 21st November 2023

Oh kneel me down again
Here at Your feet
Show me how much You love humility
Oh Spirit be the star that leads me to
The humble heart of love I see in You

[Chorus]
You are the God of the broken
The friend of the weak
You wash the feet of the weary
Embrace the ones in need
I want to be like You, Jesus
To have this heart in me
You are the God of the humble
You are the humble King

Lyrics: Brenton Brown







Saturday 18th November 2023

“The next day, after they had come down the mountain, a large crowd met Jesus. 38 A man in the crowd called out to him, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, my only child. 39 An evil spirit keeps seizing him, making him scream. It throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It batters him and hardly ever leaves him alone. 40 I begged your disciples to cast out the spirit, but they couldn’t do it.” 41 Jesus said, “You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you and put up with you?” Then he said to the man, “Bring your son here.” 42 As the boy came forward, the demon knocked him to the ground and threw him into a violent convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the evil spirit and healed the boy. Then he gave him back to his father. 43 Awe gripped the people as they saw this majestic display of God’s power.” Luke 9:37-43 New Living Translation.

God of the mountaintops and the valleys,

Seems one day we can be full of faith and on the mountaintop rejoicing in You and marvelling at Your amazing grace and then the next -back down to earth with a bump. Heaven one minute and a challenging situation the next. Jesus and the three disciples experienced that. Well the disciples more than Jesus. Maybe a challenge to His patience but He never lost it.

A father in the crowd has lost faith because the disciples could not heal his son. The crowd around him was disappointed because they had come to see the show, a miracle. The remaining disciples were despondent because they had been unable to do what they did when Jesus had sent them out a couple of weeks ago (Luke 9:1-6).

Sometimes what we try to do just does not work, or what we have done in the past does not have the desired outcome. God sometimes chooses to work a different way. Here, there is a happy ending because the father in his helplessness recognises Jesus, their Master and takes His need directly to Him. It reminders us that we need to direct people to Jesus for what they need and not get in the way. Yes, Jesus was frustrated coming down the mountain and finding the disciples in a mess – but He sorted it out, healed the boy and restored him to his family. We can rely on You even when our faith is low.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of the mountaintops and the valleys,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For You to meet their needs and let us know if we can help.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities. Help them to make Jesus known by love.
For our Government, that You would lead, shape, and help the right people be in the right places somehow!
For our King and Queen and their family and all those who work in positions where they can be a force for good..
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of Your peace and reconciliation is needed.
For Putin and Ukraine. An full stop to political power seeking and an end to war and conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, that they would hear of Your love.
For those on the mountain tops rejoicing and those in doubt, despair and difficulties in the valleys.
For ourselves, our needs for today and this weekend. And the times we feel down to be lifted.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 18th November 2023

Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Lyrics: Edgar Page