“For just as in one body we have many members, and not all the members serve the same function, 5 so we who are many are one body in Christ, and individually we are members who belong to one another. 6 And we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith.7 If it is service, he must serve; if it is teaching, he must teach; 8 if it is exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:5-8 NET
God of mercy,
Showing mercy with cheerfulness. Words not too popular in todays language. Mercy and cheerfulness and certainly I do not hear them said together very often. But thinking about it, it makes sense. Kindness without making someone feel indebted?
Mercy: the compassionate treatment of those in distress, especially when it is within one’s power to punish or harm them. With cheerfulness!
The gift of showing mercy? Help us see where we can do this naturally and by making an effort. Help us be patient with people’s quirks. Help anyone around us who is hurting. Give people a second chance. Do good to those who hurt us? (Do we have to? I find that hard sometimes if I am honest). And I know what the answer is Lord. Be kind to those who offend us. Help those in need or distress.
It sometimes surprises me about how cheerful I feel when I have helped someone or given a donation where there is need. Help me make cheerfulness part of my giving.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of mercy,
We would that all our friends, family and neighbours would be cheerful today. Would know something of Your mercy and provision. Work out Your purposes in their lives and bless them with Your cheer.
We pray for the many places in distress around the world. For the people trying to live and just survive under oppressive regimes. For the girls and their families in Afghanistan. We pray You would move in the Government and religious rulers to allow them to be free to reach their potential.
We pray for those areas suffering from poverty and without the ability to change their circumstances. Areas like Papua New Guinea, that we rarely hear about, but who need mercy and much provision. Even to have the basics of clean water and shoes to keep them from the terrible foot infections.
Help us give thanks and be cheerful because we have much.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 16th August 2023
Now often improved by singing Brother, sister, let me serve you.
Brother, let me be your servant;
Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I might have the grace to
Let you be my servant, too.
We are pilgrims on a journey;
We are family on the road;
We are here to help each other
Walk the miles and bear the load.
I will weep when you are weeping;
When you laugh I’ll laugh with you;
I will share your joys and sorrows
Till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in Heaven
We shall find such harmony,
Born of all we’ve known together
Of Christ’s love and agony.
Brother, let me be your servant;
Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I might have the grace to
Let you be my servant, too.
Lyrics: Richard Gillard (1978)