Wednesday 15th November 2023

“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. 30 And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. 33 Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.”” Luke 9:28-36 NKJV

Father God,

About 8 days later Luke says- after these sayings. What sayings? Ah putting it in context. Jesus had been saying He would suffer, be rejected and put to death and called them to them take up their cross to die to self daily. We see his humanity. Facing an incredible battle Himself to submit to what You had asked Him to come and do, He showed us what to do in hard situations. Draw aside and meet with You. He took three trusted believers, even if they didn’t fully understand.

And Your response? To show us His divinity and to come and bring encourage Him. You also sent two mighty men of God from the Old Testament Moses and Elijah who had longed to see Jesus time of deliverance. They had both faced trials and found and proved You trustworthy. Thank You for the testimony of the old and new Testament and those who encourage us..

Thank You that Jesus shows us both His humanity and His Divinity. That You, God are there when it is humanly hard and we need You and also when all is well. Thank You that You place people encouragers around us. Help us to seek You first when we are tired, weary or troubled and not be afraid to ask others for help.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father God,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For those facing difficult decisions, in poor health, needing healing and comfort. For those who need to step away from harmful situations.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities.
For our Government, that You would reveal sin, oust it and guide it, for the good of the nation.
For our King and Queen and their family and the work they do for the nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An full stop an end to war and conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, whose share their faith, to see people choose Christ Jesus.
For those who suffer for their faith, risk loosing their lives and for the families of those who are left behind.
For those facing things that they would rather go round. Surgery, family difficulties, relationship breakdown, difficult truth. Making hard decisions for the best. Overcoming hurt and forgiving even where trust has to be rebuilt.
For ourselves, that we would see Jesus, one of us who understands our deepest need and also as Christ the Lord, our sacrifice for sin, seated at Your throne (Hebrews 10:12).

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 15th November 2023
Yesterdays beautiful worship is still ringing in my ears – All my life You have been faithful . . . and today’s promise for the future is all will be well.

Through the love of God our Saviour,
all will be well.
Free and changeless is his favour,
all, all is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us,
perfect is the grace that sealed us,
strong the hand stretched forth to shield us,
all must be well.

Though we pass through tribulation,
all will be well.
Christ has purchased full salvation,
all, all is well.
Happy, still in God confiding,
fruitful, if in Christ abiding,
holy, through the Spirit’s guiding,
all must be well.

We expect a bright tomorrow,
all will be well.
Faith can sing through days of sorrow,
‘All, all is well.’
On our Father’s love relying,
Jesus every need supplying,
Then in living or in our dying,
all must be well.

Lyrics: Mary Peters

Mary Peters (1813-1856) was born in Cirencester and was governess to the children of an Anglican rector, John William Peters, whom she subsequently married. Later became members of the Plymouth Brethren. Mary’s hymns are found in several published collections. It has been suggested that, scholar as she was, she would have been familiar with the newly-rediscovered work of Mother Julian of Norwich who had written: ‘All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.’ The tune ‘Ar hyd y nos’ (‘All through the night’) is traditional to Wales.

Tuesday 14th November 2023

“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:23-26 NIV

Father of Glory,

I wonder! Nobody today likes to talk about denying themselves anything. New years resolutions are quickly forgotten and lent is not really a time of denial anymore. Or am I being too cynical Lord? You gave up Your only Son to Your cruel creation. Jesus called His disciples to do likewise, deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow Him. I wonder if they wondered why he was talking about crucifixion, the horrendous death for criminals! It must have hit home after Jesus was crucified, dead and buried.

He called them to take up their cross after he told them He must be rejected by the religious leaders and be put to death (Luke 9:22). Perhaps they did not dare ask to many questions.

I thank You that I do not have to literal take up my cross and become a martyr. Many are put to death for their faith in parts of the world today. And we wonder why Your people, who are called to love, are hated so, but then You were too (John 15:18). Following You does mean dying to self. Not ourselves, but the selfish self. All the things that would harm us. Worshipping anything else but You. Over indulging. Immorality. Lying. Jealousy. Malice. Pride. Thinking too much of ourself or not loving ourself.

It is a challenge sometimes, but it is the safest, best, right and most joyful way. Help us one day at a time, one step at a time, to die to self direction and follow You, in Your strength.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father of Glory,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For each ones need, dreams, hopes and strength for today. We give thanks for answered prayers.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities.
For our Government, that You would guide and reform it, for the good of the nation.
For our King and Queen and those who work for the best future for our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to this conflict.
For those in the midst of conflict, whose share their faith, to see people choose Christ Jesus.
For those who suffer for their faith, risk loosing their lives and for the families of those who are left behind. For those in the worst places for persecution: North Korea , Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria, India.
For countries where Your people face the most violence. Pakistan, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Cameroon, Central African Republic, India, Mali, South Sudan, Ethiopia.
For ourselves, that we would appreciate the freedom we have to follow You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 14th November 2023
Yes, a hymn I choose again because it says just what I want to say in worship.

I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God


I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God


‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me

‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It keeps running after me

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

Lyrics: Ed Cash, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson and Jenn Johnson.

Monday 13th November 2023

 “Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” 13 He replied, “You give them something to eat.”
They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” 14 (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. 16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. 17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” Luke 9:12-17 NIV


Father God,

In these cold wet windy days it is lovely to linger on the outskirts of Bethsaida and sit, metaphorically speaking, with the crowds who were listening to Jesus. We do thank You for those warm days last summer when we could eat in the garden with friends or throw open the windows and doors. Some of the best pleasures cost the least. But, most of us have not had to feed 5,000!

You, Lord through Luke want us to see and understand who Jesus really is. Not just a good man, great teacher, compassionate leader. He is able to do anything. Nothing is impossible. He challenges them to provide food, so there is no doubt, He performs the miracle. When it looks impossible or desperate, and we cannot do – remind us You can.

You, Lord God also wanted the disciples to see where Jesus and therefore Your heart is. He does not take the opportunity to teach more, he does not command everyone to go away and look after themselves. He meets them where they need. He lets them sit, rest and feeds them. He is not in it for fame, riches, an easy life or the accolade. He has compassion on people in need and also was demonstrated how it would be in His coming Kingdom when we will sit down and feast in Heaven.

William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army said, “You cannot warm the hearts of people with God’s love if they have an empty stomach and cold feet.” A cup of tea and a biscuit for a friend, food for the man outside the supermarket or maybe donations for the Food Bank. Help us to be compassionate here and now.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father God,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For them individually, for their needs to be met, to know they are loved and kept safe in Your care.
For our ministers, pastors and youth workers and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities and support overseas projects.
For our Government, that You would guide and shape it, for the good of the nation. Uproot that which is not good, true and above reproach.
For our King and Queen and his family as they work for the good of our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to this conflict soon.
For those who in these days just want to be celebrities and those who do not like themselves or do not feel good enough. Help them see Your values and love more precious than fame.
For those who use their position to help charities, missions and start new initiatives.
For ourselves, that we would find joy in helping others, giving to projects that change other peoples lives.

In Jesus name we pray Amen.

Worship Monday 13th November 2023
Wonderful to see all these young worshippers. Wonderful words. Wonderful truth.

How I long to breathe the air of Heaven
Where pain is gone and mercy fills the streets
To look upon the One who bled to save me
And walk with Him for all eternity

There will be a day when all will bow before Him
There will be a day when death will be no more
Standing face to face with He who died and rose again
Holy, holy is the Lord


And every prayer we prayed in desperation
The songs of faith we sang through doubt and fear
In the end, we’ll see that it was worth it
When He returns to wipe away our tears

Oh, there will be a day when all will bow before Him
There will be a day when death will be no more
Standing face to face with He who died and rose again
Holy, holy is the Lord


And on that day, we join the resurrection
And stand beside the heroes of the faith
With one voice, a thousand generations
Sing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain”

And on that day, we join the resurrection
And stand beside the heroes of the faith
With one voice, a thousand generations
Sing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain”
“Forever He shall reign”

So let it be today we shout the hymn of Heaven
With angels and the saints, we raise a mighty roar
Glory to our God who gave us life beyond the grave
Holy, holy is the Lord

So let it be today we shout the hymn of Heaven
With angels and the saints, we raise a mighty roar
Glory to our God who gave us life beyond the grave
Holy, holy is the Lord

Holy, holy is the Lord
Holy, holy is the Lord.

Lyrics: Brian Johnson / Phil Wickham / Bill Johnson / Chris Davenport