Tag: Prayer for Today

Sunday 24th December 2023

“When he had contemplated this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 This all happened so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will name him Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.”“ Matthew 1:20-23

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:15-20 NIV

God with us,

Last day before Christmas day and the 4th Sunday in Advent. For some a day of carol services and trying to get everything last minute done before tomorrow. But we need to take a minute not just to do what we have to, need to or want to, but to rejoice. Not just for Your coming birthday as we have Christmas hindsight but out of sheer joy. Knowing that it marks the beginning of You, the invisible God being seen in Jesus. Displaying Your nature, Your character, Your willingness to forgive and give and give and give again. All we can do is humble ourselves, be reconciled and accept Your gift of life.

One of us, but not like us. Jesus was not selfish, did not bear grudges, did not run anyone down with sarcasm, never lied, never spoke anything but the truth, never ceased from loving You Father God and honouring You. Thank you that He came for all the world, everyone, no one is exempt. Emmanuel with all of us.

We cannot imagine a day, a minute where we cannot know and be known by You. Talk to You, petition You, thank You, trust in You, find help and indeed all we need in You. You are our all in all. Our God and King and friend.

In Jesus Name we pray and praise, Amen.

Suggested for prayer . . .
God with us,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy. Grant answers to their hopes and prayers and miracles where we need Your help.
For the many carol services today and for those who will attend because of the season.
For all the ordinary people doing kind, generous and extra ordinary things for You.
For our Government, Lords and commoners to be willing to stand for what is right and righteous.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace. Regardless of men.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war. Change Putin’s determination from oppression to peace.
For the Ukrainians as they seek to celebrate Christmas at this time and break from the Russian tradition of it being January 6th. Send Your Holy Spirit to uplift and encourage and strengthen their faith.
For the families and friends of the students killed in the shooting in Prague.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For those travelling last minute to be with family. Safe journeys.
For those who have had difficult or bad news at this time to be held in Your arms of love.
For ourselves, that we would just enjoy today and not worry about tomorrow.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Worship Sunday 24th December 2023
Two worship songs today. One new and below it a traditional carol.


I am Joseph, I am Mary, I’m travelling on a journey
And I’m carrying a promise I can’t see
I am scared and I’m excited
I don’t really know what lies ahead of me

And I’m a shepherd on the hillside as common as the clothes I wear
That smell like I’ve been sleeping in a barn
The last people in this world to ever bow before a king
But here we are

And God is with us
God is for us
This is my story and this is my song

And I am Herod in the palace
That my pride can build around me
I start thinking I’m the one and only king
Trying desperately to stay upon a throne
That never did belong to me

And I am riding with the wise men
Over hills and through the darkest valleys
Fixed on the star that lights our way
Bringing all the gifts I have to give in worship
When I finally see my Savior’s face

And God is with us
And God is for us
This is my story, this is my song
And God is with us
And God is for us all

So let’s all gather at the manger
And bring all our hopes and hurts and fears
All our unworthiness and shame
Knowing every one of us is the reason that He came

And God is with us
And God is for us
This is our story, this is our song
And God is with us
And God is for us all

God is for us all
He’s for us all
Our God is for us all
He’s for us all
Our God is with us
And He’s for us all
This is my story, this is my song

Steve Curtis Chapman
CD: Steve Curtis Chapman, Joy, Sony Music.

Saturday 23rd December 2023

“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes. 2 This was the first registration, taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 Everyone went to his own town to be registered. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him, and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.“ Luke 2:1-7

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 NKJV

God of love,

You are so patient. We cannot thank You enough for the times You have forgiven us, restored us back to peace and as if we had never sinned. We worship Your patience in bringing that first Christmas to pass. Your patience at waiting to fulfil Your promise of Jesus final return.

We cannot know if it was 25th December You were born but its our chosen date to celebrate and brightens up the middle of winter! Two sleeps to go . . . Mary and Joseph had registered for tax but had to wait, knowing the birth was any day now. Waiting. Patiently? I suspect Joseph was nervous and a little afraid. I suspect Mary was more nervous and afraid. Even though she knew it was ordained by God it was still childbirth. She young woman and far from home and family.

God, we are all waiting for something. Whether appointments, visiting family, Christmas dinner, visiting family or friends. For a long night to be over. For the start another new year. Start a new job. Retire. Take a holiday. Or for next years light nights and warm dry weather.

God help us to wait in all these circumstances and not under them. You are with us working things for good. We pray for patience (long suffering), the fruit of Your Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23). It’s hard sometimes. It is easier to look down, poor me, than up into the light of Your face. Strengthen our hearts when we need to wait.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of patience,

For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy.
For our and the many churches preparing carol services for those who will come at this season.
For all the ordinary people doing kind, generous and extra ordinary things for You.
For our Government, Lords and commoners to be willing to stand for what is right and righteous.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace. Regardless of men.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war. Change Putin’s determination from oppression to peace.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For those travelling to be with family before and during this season. Safe journeys.
For those who have had difficult or bad news at this time to be held in Your arms of love.
For ourselves, that we would wait for all You have planned to give us for good in the coming year.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 23rd December 2023


Here I am waiting, abide in me, I pray
Here I am longing for You
Hide me in Your love, bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more

Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings

Here I am waiting, abide in me, I pray
Here I am longing for You
Hide me in Your love, bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more

Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings

Come live in me all my life, take over
Come breathe in me, I will rise on eagle’s wings
I will rise on eagle’s wings, I will rise on eagle’s wings
I will rise on eagle’s wings, I will rise on eagle’s wings

I will rise on eagle’s wings, I will rise on eagle’s wings
On eagle’s wings

Reuben Morgan
CD: By Your Side, Hillsong Music Australia.

(Isaiah 40:31) “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”




Tuesday 19th December 2023

“When they (the wise men) saw the star they shouted joyfully.11 As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10,11 NET

God of life and death,

Today we are coming into the last week before Christmas. Adverts are trying to get us to buy food, presents and things we do not really need, but look scrumptious. And the need to get the right gift to make someone really happy. But it is transient. Your joy remains after the tinsel! And we see the Kings bought essential gifts for Jesus, Your gift who would give His all for us.

Myrrh, the third gift. Odd gift for a baby King. A beautiful aromatic resin. Usually kept to use to prepare bodies for burial. In John 12:27 in the garden of Gethsemane Jesus says, “Now my soul is greatly distressed. And what should I say? ‘Father, deliver me from this hour. No, but for this very reason I have come to this hour.” A prophetic gift. Were it not for Jesus death, His birth would have had no significance.

We are all born to die even if we prefer not to dwell on it! In Christ we receive more than incense for our death, we receive anointing for new and eternal life. The promise that we will awaken to eternal life with You and all those Christians who have gone before us. There will be no evil, there will be no more pain – just joy, fellowship, singing and the light and glory of You, Lord. You are our present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1) and our help and salvation to come (Psalm 23:4).

In Jesus Christ, the risen one, we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of life, we pray . . .

For all our family, friends and neighbours. They are as precious as gold to us, bless them with all they need and open to Your love.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. All hearts will be open to see and receive Your gift of life.
For our Government, that You might be in the confusion, disagreement and bring about a new focus on serving the people of this nation.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families at this busy time.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miraculous way forward to peace. Regardless of men.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war. Change Putin’s heart..
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For those in N. Queensland, Australia flooded out. Blow the clouds away. Send relief and help.
For wise men to with wisdom to speak and direct in areas of power, and national control.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling.
For those travelling to be with family before and during this season. Safe journeys.
For ourselves, amidst the uncertainty in the world, contentment and peace. As we smell the aromas of Christmas in mince pies etc to have thanksgiving in our heart for Your coming.

In Jesus life giving name we pray, Amen

Worship Tuesday 19th December 2023
Astronomers, wise men, kings, all three? Still a great carol. Alleluia!

We three kings of orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain
Moor and mountains
Following yonder star

O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King for ever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising
Voices raising
Worship Him, God most high

Myrrh is mine
It’s bitter perfume breathes
A life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone cold tomb

Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Heaven sings ‘Alleluia’
‘Alleluia’ the earth replies

Lyrics: John Henry Hopkins Jnr