Tag: Prayer for Today

Sunday 26th October 2025

“ One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grain fields, his disciples began breaking off heads of grain to eat. 24 But the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look, why are they breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?” 25 Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you ever read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 26 He went into the house of God (during the days when Abiathar was high priest) and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. He also gave some to his companions.” 27 Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” Mark 2:23-27 NLT

“Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, 10 where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) 11 And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. 12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! 14 Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.” Matthew 12:9-14 NLT

Lord of the Sabbath,

Sometimes it is easier to know the rules and keep them. It helps us behave in the right way in certain circumstances. Essential in some employment. Respectful when we are visiting. We all behave more relaxed when visiting someone we know well.

Sabbath was very regulated in Jesus day. Not everyone kept it I am sure. It was very rigid. How far you could walk, preparing food in advance etc. Some Christians still prepare food in advance to not be doing the work and the mundane on a Sunday. I wish I was that organised sometimes.

But Jesus came along and challenged everything about the Sabbath. With what the heart of the Law meant and not the letter of the Law. He came to set us free. The new rule was no rules – about the Sabbath. But heeding God, respecting that if God needed a day to rest, consider and see what is good how much more do we! Perhaps to find a day when I can rest from doing, have time to think or just to be and consider what God is doing in my life. It may not be a Sunday if work or commitment intrude . . . but a day to walk with You Lord and regain a quiet mind (Psalm 46:10). And I know I need to meet with like minded Christians to worship and keep me focused on You. Sunday can be a busy day . . .

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 26th October 2025
We had this a couple of weeks ago – but for me it seems to encapsulate finding a Sabbath rest even at any time in the week . . .

Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
forgive our foolish ways!
Reclothe us in our rightful mind;
in purer lives Thy service find,
in deeper rev’rence, praise.

In simple trust like theirs who heard,
beside the Syrian sea,
the gracious calling of the Lord,
let us, like them, without a word
Rise up and follow Thee.

O Sabbath rest by Galilee!
O calm of hills above,
where Jesus knelt to share with Thee
the silence of eternity,
interpreted by love!

Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
till all our strivings cease;
take from our souls the strain and stress,
and let our ordered lives confess
the beauty of Thy peace.

Breathe through the heats of our desire
Thy coolness and Thy balm;
let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
speak through the earthquake, wind and fire,
O still small voice of calm!

Lyrics: John Greenleaf Whittier

Saturday 25th October 2025

“So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules. 17 But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” 18 So the Jewish leaders tried all the harder to find a way to kill him. For he not only broke the Sabbath, he called God his Father, thereby making himself equal with God.” John 5:16-18

“If I were to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid. 32 But someone else is also testifying about me, and I assure you that everything he says about me is true. 33 In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. 34 Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. 35 John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. 36 But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, 38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you. 39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.” John 5:31-38 NLT

Our Father,

Right from the beginning the Jewish leaders wanted rid of Jesus. Even though he was healing people and teaching ways of peace. He would undo all their power and change things. Why are we so anti change even when it is for good? Here Jesus answers them using their own law of three witnesses. If a person had three witnesses to their innocence and telling the truth there would be no judgement. Just as three witnesses to a crime could find a person judged guilty.

So Jesus here calmly explained He had three witnesses to His divinity not just his own. Firstly there was a man called John the Baptist who witnessed (verse 33). Secondly there were His wisdom in teaching and the miracles. Then thirdly there was the Father, You God. You spoke about Him all through the Torah, the Old Testament books of the law and the prophets and the Psalms.

Jesus clearly put forward His truth and then we are told he sailed over to the far side of Galilee to Tiberius. Sometimes we are not called to argue but to state our case clearly and then withdraw to another place. But these truths give us solid ground to build our faith on. Like the man who built his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24-27) Providing that knowing them and knowing You leads to a change in our behaviour from sinner to servant of God.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 26th October 2025
A brief story of song is underneath the lyrics.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name
Repeat verse . . .

Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love
Through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all

When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil

Chorus

He is Lord, Lord of all,

Chorus Twice

When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless stand before the throne

Lyrics: Edward Mote, Reuben Morgan.

The story of Reuben Morgan’s ‘Cornerstone’ starts back in 1834, when Edward Mote wrote ‘My hope is built on nothing less’ (or to give it Mote’s original snappy title, ‘The immutable basis for a sinner’s hope.’) Edward was baptised at 18 and was a cabinet maker when he wrote the hymn in 1837

It seems the hymn came to Reuben at exceptionally dark time for the nation of Norway. He had travelled there in 2011, arriving the day after the horrific attacks by Anders Breivick, which had claimed the lives of 77 people. It was the deadliest attack in the country since the second world war. He was reminded of the verse “When darkness seems to hide His face”. and gave it a new life and new chorus.

Friday 24th October 2025

“Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. 31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them. 32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.” Mark 1:29-34 NKJV

 Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” “But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. 36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.”” Luke 4:33-36 NKJV

The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!” 52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole household.” John 4:49-53 NKJV

Father of Compassion,

We see in Jesus Your heart. Every one who came into contact with Jesus received their healing. They received what man could not give. Not because they deserved it but out of compassion and kindness. and what only the divine could give. No man could do what Jesus did. How could anyone reading these reports think Jesus was just a good man. Well He was good. And yet Jesus said why do You call me good? Only God is good. He was constantly referring us back to You so we could see You in Him.

Jesus is You come as a man, human and divine. How can we ignore Him, turn Him away or negate what he tells us. Surely the creator of the world knows best. Surely the One who created time and seasons and is omniscient (knows everything) knows what the future holds. As the disciples trusted You so can we. Help us trust amidst our history. As they knew You, so can we. As they sought to live for You, we desire to too.

Help us to live this life in Your fulness (John 10:10) and look for You. Thank You that You still touch men and women and children as they come into contact with You. With Your love, Your life and compassion.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Worship Friday 24th October 2025
A salvation Army song from the musical ‘Jesus Folk’, first performed in 1972.

He came to give us life in all its fullness,
He came to make the blind to see,
He came to banish death and doubt and darkness,
He came to set His people free.
He liberating love imparted,
He taught men once again to smile;
He came to bind the broken-hearted,
And God and man to reconcile.
He came to give us life in all its fullness,
He came to make the blind to see,
He came to banish death and doubt and darkness,
He came to set His people free.

We wonder why Christ came into the world
A helpless, homeless child;
We wonder why He tolerated men,
The tainted and defiled.
We wonder why! We wonder why!
The Son of God as man came down,
What does this signify?

We wonder why Christ came into the world
And let men hurt Him so;
We wonder why the Christ should have to die,
Does anybody know?
We wonder why! We wonder why!
The Son of God as man came down,
What does this signify?

Lyrics: John Gowans