What a friend we have in Jesus

“Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him.But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.” John 2:23-25 NLT

Miraculous God,

Many believed in Your Son because of His miracles. But He didn’t trust them because He knew what was in their hearts! He knew and still went to the cross . . .

John called Jesus, ‘Your Word’ (John 1:1-5), who was with You from the beginning and through whom all things were created. He is also called Wisdom, Your Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24). He knows everything all the time. That takes some considering.

You know all about all people. That is a sweeping statement. It could be seen as general. You know all about how people behave in general. But then John clarifies how You see . . . You see each persons heart. And You know our inmost thoughts and feelings and still love us, fickle as we are!

Today these verses inspires two requests. First that you find my heart faithful and help me keep it clean and pure. Secondly that You help me be able to know, who like You, can be trusted. It is good to know who we can confide in and ask for help.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggested for prayer . . .
Miraculous God,

For our family, friends, neighbours. For their needs, some of which we know nothing about.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Churches in our vicinity.
We pray for kings and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Ours and in other nations.
For the general election and members of Parliament who will serve their constituencies honestly.
For the NHS, the countries finances, education and employment.
For Paris and athletes preparing for the Olympics. All nations to compete together safely at peace.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Solutions for peace and the best for all.
For Ukraine, an end to war.
For those who are a friend in need or a friend who meets a need. For active friendships.
For us a good day to encourage ourselves, be encouraged by You and give thanks.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 30th June 2024
Sunday worship. Our best friend. Does not hold anything against us, understands us and loves unconditionally.

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
  All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
  Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
  O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
  Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
  Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
  Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
  Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
  Take it to the Lord in prayer.

re we weak and heavy-laden,
  Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
  Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
  Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
  Thou wilt find a solace there.

Lyrics: Joseph Scriven.

“Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,²⁰teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
Matthew 28:18-20 New Living Translation.

Lord God,

I am reminded that You are Father, Son and Holy Spirit and that as One God, You love me, Your creation and Your church in Christ. Even if it doesn’t always seem so. How awesome that You authorise us, messed up us, to represent You. Not sending us out alone, unsupported! But by being with us, committed to us and helping us every step of the way.

You will stick with us – even to the end of the age and for ever. There have been lots of ages . . . each generation has seen extraordinary things. Good things: the discovery of medical treatments, anaesthetics and vaccines. The development of central heating! The designing of engines of every kind. Its not that long ago we had no washing machines! But there and extraordinary terrible things even in our so called enlightened age. War, murder, pollution, manipulation of the truth. Will we ever learn?

How can we ever express our gratitude that You are with us, personally all the time. Not busy doing something else but giving us Your full attention. Sharing our pain and our joys. Cheering our victories and comforting us in loss. Every single step of the way till we see You face to face. Thank You and help us find ways to share our faith, with Your authorisation to those we know and meet.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Lord God,

For family, friends, neighbours, give them a glimpse of Your glory and provide for them today.
For our church family, ministers and all who serve, Let them know and hear Your well done.
For all the Royal family. King Charles to see healing coming with the treatment.
For our government. Use their authority to do good and guide them in right paths.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle.
For the church in Ukraine, Myanmar and the underground churches. Keep them safe and strong.
For Gaza an end to all the killing, hostage taking and hate. Enable and give success to peace talks.
Bless our local communities, all those who work to provide compassion through food banks, support groups and being good neighbours.
Encourage and strengthen those who work in hospitals, dentist and doctors surgeries. Those who work in hospices and those who are close to the bereaved. Comfort the comforters.
For us a day to take a deep breath and be glad to be alive literally and also alive in Your love.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 1st March 2024
Timeless truth

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there

Lyrics: Joseph Medlicott Scriven