“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3: 22, 23.
Faithful God,
How encouraging is this little verse. Plucked out from the book of Lamentations, not a book known for its joy and humour! Jeremiah bewails the pain and loss of freedom of the land of Judah, the Temple and the exile of all the leaders to Babylonia around (586bc) and maybe even growing old.
In the verses before this little burst of hope, he says You have filled him with bitterness, made him drink wormwood (very unpleasant), broken his teeth with gravel and covered him with ashes. In other words, he is really, really not in a good place. He is down and depressed physically, spiritually and mentally. Yet in the midst he suddenly remembers he is not consumed. In the middle of it he knows your compassion will not fail him, it is new each day.
In the middle of the mess our world, our Government and councils are in, today, and where the weather is still playing havoc . . . we remember Your mercies Lord. We are not consumed, Your mercies will not come to an end, because Your compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. Help us to remember, each new day, every new morning we awake, Your faithfulness.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer
Faithful One,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. To know Your faithfulness, compassion and blessings.
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations. To grow in compassion.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family. Direct and guide them.
For our government and their families. Lead and speak clearly to them. Raise up the right people to stand in the elections, grant us a good Government.
For Ukraine and Russian. A miracle, many miracles . . . Peace an end to war.
For wherever there is unrest, war, military oppression: Myanmar, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria, China . . . change people, situations, hearts, politics.
For international relationships and politics.
For those who provide others with shelter and help, for the homeless, the victims of abuse.
For the gift of friendship. Protection from scammers, liars and those who would take advantage or the vulnerable.
For those who have been bereaved.
For those who have welcomed new baby to the family. For the new baby found abandoned last week and the mother.
For ourselves, a good day full of light, cheerfulness upheld by You faithfulness and the promise of a good nights sleep to come..
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 24th January 2024
Yes, this was last Fridays worship but had to have it again.
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 10, 000 beside
Thomas O. Chisholm wrote this originally as a poem in 1923 about God’s faithfulness over his lifetime. He sent the words to William Runyan in Kansas, who put the poem to music. A great much loved favourite in many denominations. Billy Graham frequently used this hymn on his international crusades. It speaks to the head and the heart.