Tag: When the music fades

Friday 25th April 2025

“One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp player. Not only that—he is a brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a fine looking young man, and the Lord is with him.” 19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse to say, “Send me your son David, the shepherd.” 20 Jesse responded by sending David to Saul, along with a young goat, a donkey loaded with bread, and a wineskin full of wine. 21 So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse asking, “Please let David remain in my service, for I am very pleased with him.” 23 And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away.” 1 Samuel 16:18-23 NLT

God of harmony,

Harmonious living was brought to Saul’s household by the introduction of musical harmony and discord was calmed! I am absolutely sure that all the household appreciated and benefitted from it. Music has that way of moving us. To dance, to relax, to be stirred emotionally. Drummers have led armies into war. National anthems have stirred loyalty. Love songs have melted hearts.

Then we remember the times we have been moved by a hymn or worship song. Moved to worship, repent or just to praise You. Or been lifted out of darkness and back into hope. Thank you for Psalmists, the hymns writers and the song writers of our generation. Yes, but thank You that Your Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, Your Spirit who takes those words and chords and melodies and uses them to reignite, to heal, to do whatever it is You desire, within us. Help us be open to hear Your harmony and join in.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 25th April 2025

When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that’s of worth
That will bless Your heart
I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the ways things appear
You’re looking into my heart

I’m comin’ back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You
It’s all about You, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You
It’s all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve?
Though I’m weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath
I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart, yeah

Chorus x 2

I’ll bring You more than a song
I’ll bring You more than a song, (more than a song)
I’ll bring You more than a song
I’ll bring You more than a song, (more than a song)
You’re looking into my heart
You’re looking into my heart
You’re looking into my heart
Into my heart

I’ll bring You more than a song
I’ll bring You more than a song, yeah, yeah
I’ll bring You more than a song
I’ll bring You more than a song

Lyrics: Matthew James Redman

Sunday 10th December 2023

“Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come. 2“Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel. ” Genesis 49:1,2.

“Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you. 9You are a lion’s cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? 10The sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. 11He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.” Genesis 49:8-11

God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and Jesus,

The second Sunday in Advent. Coming! We see the Old Testament as a history of Your coming as Jesus, we see You at work before history, through history and making history! Giving us a sure and certain hope for the present and the future. Even when we cannot see clearly. You are never under the circumstances! You are God – working out Your purposes despite and because of mankind’s and our sin.

In the midst of Jesus family tree it sometimes looks like man has messed up Your plan. But no! Suddenly we find a second wife and a forth son chosen. Leah and Judah! The wife with weak eyes Jacob had not wanted to marry! Who would have thought.

Judah agreed to putting brother in pit. But he did return to lift Joseph, his brother, out, even if too late. When they took Benjamin to Egypt (Genesis 43:8,9) to get food, Judah put himself up as pledge. But he was not a superhero and Leah was not wonder woman. But You chose them regardless.

As we approach Christmas, help us to come back to basics. You chose us. Forgive us our sin, help us persevere with You even when life is tough and take responsibility for our choices. Help us live in today, in Your fulness, Your blessings and Your forgiveness. Not under the circumstances.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of the generations

For all our family, friends and neighbours. Love those we love and care for with blessings and all they need today.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. Pray seeds of faith will be sown and take root.
For our Government, for the country to come first in all the think, say and do.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families and a coming together in joy and harmony.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a sudden miraculous way forward to peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war, and soon.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those who delivering help and aid in difficult times, war zones and places where there is famine, flood or poverty.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling. Christmas presents where they may not be any.
For the NHS and in particular the maternity units, the midwives, new mothers and babies.
For the courts: High Court, the Crown Court, Magistrates Courts, Family Courts, Juvenile Courts, Bankruptcy Courts, Tribunal Courts. For all those affected by crime, fraud and violence.
For ourselves, in all circumstances, that we know You will come to our aid and Shepherd us through the day.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Friday 10th December 2021
A day to simply worship

When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that’s of worth
That will bless Your heart

I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart

I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much you deserve
Though I’m weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath!

Lyrics: Matt Redman