“God said, “Let the water swarm with swarms of living creatures and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” 21 God created the great sea creatures and every living and moving thing with which the water swarmed, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.” 23 There was evening, and there was morning, a fifth day.” Genesis 1:20-23 NET
God of creativity,
The sparrows and blue tits are on the bird feeders, the starlings are hoovering the lawn of worms and the fat wood pigeon’s are picking up all the sparrows drop in their squabbling! And though we are still damp and wet we are grateful there is no ice underfoot!
Dog walkers and those walking off all the Christmas indulgences are in abundance between showers. We are enjoying not an early spring but a mild winter knowing cold could come at any time! Some things cannot be predicted or come in the same order.
You created all things in order: light, water and land, vegetation, night and day, living things, and finally mankind. Today is a good day, whatever the weather, to give thanks for the earth, and all that lives on it. Even those things we don’t love or like earwigs and spiders?
We cannot imagine a world where there was just one species of bird, one variety of fish, one kind of animal! They are still discovering new species even after thousands of years. And man? Each one of us absolutely individual. We never cease to wonder at a new born baby, each one as individual as snowflakes, even if there are glimpses of a parents nose, ears or eyes. And the wonder of identical twins, but always with individual personalities!
We praise You for the breadth of Your creativity and the breath You give to every living, moving thing. This day, this year, help us to rediscover our sense of wonder at creation, to not take any of it for granted and do our bit to keep it good and unpolluted.
In Jesus name we give thanks, Amen.
Suggested for prayer:
God of the open spaces,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their hopes and needs for this year. That those who do not believe will know You and Your Son and find faith this year.
For our church fellowships and those who need Your healing touch and encouragement.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families.
For our churches and ministers and those who work tirelessly to serve with hands or prayers.
For Ukraine and a withdrawal of Russian troops. A way to peace and an end to oppression.
For all areas where there is war and oppression. For peace and a new way forward. For Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For those working to protect and help species threatened by extinction and loss of habitat.
For the farmers who are replanting hedges and leaving wildlife strips of land.
For those working to help keep our oceans and rivers clean.
For winter rest for the land even though we do not always enjoy the cold and wet.
For ourselves we bring our own personal needs for today, this week and this year.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 5th January 2024
It was a vocal Version of the famous “Ode to Joy” melody of the final movement of Beethoven’s final symphony No 9. Below the lyrics is the authors opinion of the hymn in 1907 and I agree in 2024!
Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before You,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Centre of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee!
Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Draws us through the Son of man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us onward
In the triumph song of life.
Lyrics: Henry van Dyke
In 1907, Van Dyke wrote of this hymn:
These verses are a simple expressions of common Christian feelings and desires in this present time—hymns of today that may be sung together by people who know the thought of the age, and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy religion, or any revolution on earth overthrow the kingdom of heaven. Therefore this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope.