13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13 New King James Version
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13 New English Translation
God who is love,
Such well known Bible verses. Reflecting You. Now these three remain-reminding us You are three in one, the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Three persons and yet one, perfect in unity and coequal in power and glory. They remind me that You give me faith, hope and love. I don’t have to work them up or produce them. And they are best when in unity together and bring balance into my life.
Paul knew hardship, persecution and human relationship difficulties. He boiled down what he needed to the things he learned he could not live without. When he was travelling (Acts 13:4,5) and often just with one other person. When he was attacked for preaching the gospel (Acts 14:19). When he had to write because he could not visit and heard churches were not in unity (Ephesians). He knew these three gifts from You, God would keep, inspire and lead him. It is no different now. No different for us, me.
The writer of Ecclesiastes (4:12) tells us – “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Help us bind these three things together and help them growing, rooted strong and deep in our hearts. Faith, hope and love.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. You know Lord their needs and hearts desires.
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations. Faith, hope and love abundantly.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family. Restored health. Direct and guide them.
For our government and their families. Raise up good honest people now and to stand in this years elections. Lead out those who would hinder good government or have selfish desires.
For Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, unity while respecting differences.
For Ukraine and Russian. We will not cease to ask You to bring peace an end to war.
For where there is war, military oppression, division: Myanmar, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria, China . . . be the God of peace and justice and bring change.
For international relationships and politics.
For those families going through trauma, crime, relationship breakdown, depression, illness . . . be their strength and help. And help others see where actual and emotional help is needed.
For ourselves, thank You for today, lift our Spirits to add joy to our faith, hope and love.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 28th January 2024
Flash back to Covid -Churches still were able to come together in lockdown to worship. Just let them sing as if the words are to bless You personally.
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen
We pray a blessing
Manna rain down from heaven
It isn’t second guessing
We know we are protected
Grace and favour is Your nature
In Your essence
May His favour be upon you
And a thousand generations
And Your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His favour be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen
May His favour be upon you
And a thousand generations
And Your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you . . .