Tag: Prayer for Today

Thursday 14th March 2024

 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1 NKJV

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV

God of love and freedom,

We like to think we are being good and try to please You by being good. Then like the Pharisees we begin to think we are good and not so bad as others . . . and worthy of Your love . . .

But we are not worthy. Neither can we earn it by being good all the time. As if we could be! By winning brownie points with You. No, Christ made us worthy by His death. Worthy of Your love for us. We just need to stay honest, humble and accept it. Take it freely, by grace. God’s riches at Christs expense. Thank You for freedom from condemnation and freedom from sin.

Help us to not beat ourselves up about not being good enough. Try harder? That will not make me a saint. Help us to silence the enemy from making us ashamed and feeling guilty by bringing up what You have forgiven us for. In Christ there is nothing we have done that he has not already died for. The enemy is a liar. He would imprison us. But You, God in Christ have set us free. Even if the consequences of past sin have to be dealt with, there is no guilt or shame attached from You, God.

We are divinely loved completely. Forgiven by You, God completely. Help us to stay at the Cross and yet step into the future with You one day at a time.

In Jesus we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of love and freedom,

For family, friends, neighbours, Meet their needs and may they come to know You personally..
For our church family. Bless the lent groups as they study. Send a harvest of new believers.
For the Royal family. Ongoing healing and opportunities for Harry to be reconciled.
For our government. Raise up good men and women to serve and keep them focused on good.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle. End war and reunite families on both sides.
For Gaza. a way to end hostilities and broker peace. Medical and food aid for all who need.
For Haiti, not in the news but in the control of drug and criminal gangs, desperate poverty.
For the judicial system, the crown courts and magistrates courts. Justice to be seen and done.
For the emergency services and the prevention of crime. Fire safety measures and keep the ambulance service safe from attack.
For prison chaplains, prison visitors, teachers and counsellors. Lent groups in prison.
For The Criminal Investigations Department (CID). SOCA the Serious Organised Crime Agency. The Drugs squad. The fraud squad, dog handlers, mounted police. Underwater Search Unit, Specialist Operations covering: Anti-terrorism, covert operations and intelligence,
For a day to count our blessings, consider those whose responsibilities are greater than ours, pray for them and give thanks.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 14th March 2024

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It was for freedom
That Christ has set us free.
No longer to be subject
To a yoke of slavery.
So we’re rejoicing
In God’s victory,
Our hearts responding to His love.

Jesus, we celebrate Your victory.
Jesus, we revel in Your love.
Jesus, we rejoice You’ve set us free.
Jesus, Your death has brought us life.

His Spirit in us
Releases us from fear
And the way to Him is open.
With boldness we draw near.
And in His presence,
Our problems disappear,
Our hearts responding to His love.

Jesus, we celebrate Your victory.
Jesus, we revel in Your love.
Jesus, we rejoice You’ve set us free.
Jesus, Your death has brought us life.

Wednesday 13th March 2024

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” John 14:12 NKJV

“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12 Amplified Bible

Father God,

Assuredly and most solemnly. Jesus gave his disciples this promise, and to those of us who have chosen to be his disciples today. Not off the cuff or haphazardly! But assuredly. Jesus, Your Son did amazing things. He comforted, confronted sin and consoled along with healing the sick and raising the dead. How could we possibly do all or any of these things – never mind greater things?

Thank You that we do not have to do anything by ourselves. You kept Your promise and sent Your Holy Spirit, our Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counsellor, Strengthener to be with us forever. The Spirit of Truth (John 14:16,17).

We also remember that Jesus was thirsty, tired (John 4:6) and needed to withdraw for time alone with You His Father (Luke 5:16). Help us to recognise that we can do nothing without You and we cannot make miracles happen.

We may not see miracles every day but we do see You at work in us and with us and through us. And the church, the body of Christ does amazing things. The greatest miracle is seeing someone meet Jesus for the first time and cross from death to life. Help us to see what You are doing and join in so we can participate in your miracles.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,

For family, friends, neighbours, Meet their needs and may they come to know You personally..
For our church family. Bless the lent groups as they study. Send a harvest of new believers.
For the Royal family. Ongoing healing and opportunities for Harry to be reconciled.
For our government. Raise up good men and women to serve and keep them focused on good.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle. End the war. Reunite families..
For Gaza. Enable successful peace talks. Help those delivering aid where it is desperately needed.
For Haiti, in the control of drug and criminal gangs, with desperate poverty and need.
For the judicial system, the crown courts and magistrates courts. Justice to be seen and done.
For the emergency services and the prevention of crime. Fire safety measures and keep the ambulance service safe from attack.
For The Criminal Investigations Department (CID). SOCA the Serious Organised Crime Agency. The Drugs squad. The fraud squad, dog handlers, mounted police. Underwater Search Unit, Specialist Operations covering: Anti-terrorism, covert operations and intelligence,
For us a day to grow in faith to pray and look for You to do great things in us, our world and Your church.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 13th March 2024
It does seem that we live in an alien (unfamiliar, disturbing) place. But we have God.

God is my strength and shield, and my provider,
A strong deliverer at my right hand.
And in an alien place though there are giants
We’ll win the victory, when He commands.

Oh how perfect are Your works O Lord
How majestic is Your way
He who heals all our diseases
Is the glorious Ancient of Days.

Lyrics: Robin Mark


Tuesday 12th March 2024

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV

God who reigns,

There is so much to think about in these verses. And at their heart, the reminder that Jesus lives and still loves this fallen world. Thank God You do. Jesus. Made a refugee as a small child, the family fleeing to save hiss life. Returning to his own people ruled by Romans and under their military law. He healed the sick, raised the dead and told the truth but was hated by the religious leaders. Persecuted, condemned unjustly, tried unfairly, beaten to within an inch of his life and put to death cruelly, slowly. He knew times of testing, disappointment, frustration and temptation. Yet he displayed only faith, hope, joy, purpose and love.

Now You call us to live the life You, God have set before us. Well run it actually! Suggesting no hesitating or going backwards? Some challenge! Then we see Jesus, who has finished the race and has come back by His Spirit to run it with us. At our speed, to ensure we make it to the finishing line. Thank You that You, God, cheer us on, give us the nourishment we need and keep us going whether a sprint or a pootle.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God who reigns,

For family, friends, neighbours, hear and answer their needs and prayer. Keep them safe.
For our church family and keep them faithful. Bless the lent groups as they study.
For the Royal family. Ongoing healing, medical privacy and for healing for family rifts.
For our government. Raise up good men and women to serve and keep them focused on good.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle of peace. So families can be reunited.
For Gaza. A peaceful way forward. Help those delivering aid to where it is needed.
For a harvest of new people and believers to the churches this Easter.
For Haiti, not in the news but still in the control of drug and criminal gangs, widespread poverty.
For families to thrive and children enjoy childhood. For single parents to find support and thrive.
For adopted and fostered children’s safety and nurture and best.
For us a day to relax in Your faithfulness and appreciate nature as it begins to awake with spring.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 12th March 2024
No apologies for having this familiar hymn again. Settle back and be assured, we have His faithful presence to cheer and to guide . . . always.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father.

Thomas O. Chisholm was born in 1866 in a Kentucky log cabin. He did not have an academic education but at 16 became a schoolteacher in the same schoolhouse where he was educated. Later he became associate editor of the local newspaper and later an editor of the Pentecostal Herald in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1893 aged 26, Thomas made the most important decisions of his life and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. In 1903, he was ordained a minister, but was forced to limit his years of service due to poor health. Throughout his life, Thomas wrote hundreds of poems. Great is Thy faithfulness was put to music by his friend William Runyan.