Tag: You are my hiding place

Tuesday 22nd April 2025

“Meanwhile, Saul stayed at Gilgal, and his men were trembling with fear. 8 Saul waited there seven days for Samuel, as Samuel had instructed him earlier, but Samuel still didn’t come. Saul realized that his troops were rapidly slipping away. 9 So he demanded, “Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!” And Saul sacrificed the burnt offering himself.10 Just as Saul was finishing with the burnt offering, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet and welcome him, 11 but Samuel said, “What is this you have done?” Saul replied, “I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn’t arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle. 12 So I said, ‘The Philistines are ready to march against us at Gilgal, and I haven’t even asked for the Lord’s help!’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself before you came.”” 1 Samuel 13:7b-12 NLT

Lord of all,

What have You done? What’s worse than doing something wrong? Being caught out? Here we hear Saul’s response. I only did it because you never came when you said you would. We couldn’t wait another day . . . the men were afraid I did it for them. I wanted to make sure God was on our side . . . I did a peace offering and a burnt offering as was planned . . . I felt compelled by your lateness to step in . . . Not taking any responsibility for anything.

Panic or fear or both? Very powerful but not signposts! Sometimes we don’t even realise we just need to step back, stop and trust. You are our Shepherd and we should know Your voice (John 10:27). When we hear nothing it is not a time to panic and fill the void. You promised, “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21). Samuel was only hours away arriving just as Saul finished. Lord, You lead us, help us recognise when it is the enemy giving us a push or two.

Help us to wait for You. Till we can hear and see clearly again. Help us to allow Your perfect love to cast our fear (1 John 4:18). Even when or if the worst happens You will always show up, already be there and be our help and strength (Psalm 46:1-3).

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Have to slide this in every year as it is my go to chorus for life’s challenges. Chill out for 2 minutes.

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7).
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You (Psalm 56:3)..
Let the weak say, I am strong (Joel 3:10b)


You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You

I will trust in You
Let the weak say I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
Let the weak say I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
I will trust in You.

Lyrics and music: Michael Ledner

Michael Ledner, composed “You Are My Hiding Place” at the age of 27 when he was going through a painful period in his life, a period of separation from his wife. He shared the song with several friends, made a recording of it, and set it aside. Nine months later he shared the song with a group while they were serving at a kibbutz (communal settlement) in Israel. These friends took the song back with them to California, and after it was sung there, Michael was contacted by Maranatha Music who asked if they could record it.


Saturday 2nd March 2024

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”
Matthew 11:28-30 New Living Translation

Father,

I moan about carrying shopping home or rather unloading it and carrying from the car and packing it into the fridge! Then I remember those who walk miles to carry water home . . . But we all carry the responsibilities and practicalities of life. And ours are ours. And there is something else I carry, feel burdened down by sometimes . . . guilt, worry, anger and fear? Sometimes the stress of not knowing, being afraid of what may happen weighs me down Father. Help me bring it all to You, little and large, and find You want to carry it with me, shouldering the weight of responsibility and removing the weight of sin and shame and guilt. We do not have to beat ourselves up or feel we have to worry as penance. Or making ourselves ill to try to show how much we care? Help us rest in Your gentle almighty strength.

Paul also told us to, ‘Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.’ (Galatians 6:2). If we are not weighed down by our own needs we are free to help each other. Not by taking on their burdens but listening and handing them over to You and helping with the practicalities.

You do not burden us down, You lead to a place where You carry them with us and for us. You do not ask for beautifully worded prayers or hours of prayer . . . help us if we feel overwhelmed. We will trust in You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father,

For family, friends, neighbours, You know their real needs for today, bless them.
For our church family, ministers and all who serve, Carry them smoothly through todays tasks.
For all the Royal family. King Charles to Know You’re carrying Him through all the treatments.
For our government. In all the comings and goings today and many words be their guide.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle and soon. Have mercy Father.
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. May talks start, lead to a ceasefire and peace..
For the many things we hear in the news and can do nothing about – we bring to You Father who can.
Bless our local communities, food banks, groups toddlers groups, social and lunch provision.
Encourage and strengthen those who work in hospitals, dentist and doctors surgeries. Those who work in maternity, surgery and cancer wards. Those volunteering and working in hospices. Comfort the comforters.
For us to know You walk with us Help us know you shoulder our cares and worries and give us joyful rest.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 2nd March 2024
I will trust in You.
Simple words, beautiful haunting melody. Singing Scripture.
“You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7).
“Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” (Joel 3:10).

You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid

I will trust in You
I will trust in You
Let the weak say
I am strong
In the strength of the Lord

Lyrics and music: Michael Ledner

Michael Ledner, composed “You Are My Hiding Place” at the age of 27 when he was going through a painful period in his life, a period of separation from his wife. He shared the song with several friends, made a recording of it, and set it aside. Nine months later he shared the song with a group while they were serving at a kibbutz (communal settlement) in Israel. These friends took the song back with them to California, and after it was sung there, Michael was contacted by Maranatha Music who asked if they could record it.

Thursday 8th January 2024

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Psalm 56:2 NKJV

“You are my hiding-place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7 NIV

You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You

I will trust in You, Let the weak say I am strong
In the strength of the Lord

You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid I will trust in You

Lyrics: Michael James Ledner
CD: Praise Worship, Glorify Thy Name, Kent Henry, Integrity’s Hosanna Music.

A powerful little chorus I learned many years ago for when I am afraid. Unless You never feel afraid?

God, who is trustworthy,

When we are full of faith and all is going well it is easy to trust. But of course the news is depressing, the smart meter is whizzing round when the heating is on. The storms have loosened all sorts of things if only in our imagination! Unexpecting little daily complications crop up. And sometimes the smaller the worry – the bigger it grows in our minds.

Thank you, that being a Christian does not mean we are super spiritual, super human or in control of life. I love it that as the Psalmist says, whenever I am afraid I will trust in You. Whenever means the Psalmist, and You Lord, know most of us fear at some level at some time.

So we ask You to help us hold our trust before our eyes so to speak. So we constantly see everything that happens as an opportunity to see You at work in our lives. When we cannot see we will still trust.

Help us to be honest with You, so when we are hurt, upset, or need deliverance from fear, we can hear Your song of love in our hearts. When it is tough, we can retreat into You and trust You to be our strength, reassurance and lead us forward. One step at a time. Thank You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God and Father,

For family, friends, neighbours, to find You and lean on You whenever they need help.
For our church families to welcome everyone and help them encourage faith in You.
For the Royal family for healing and to know they can trust You for healing, for the future.
For the governments in the UK. England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Unity whilst serving the different needs of the different communities.
For Michelle O’Neill, N. Irelands first minister stepping up to all her responsibilities.
For Your wisdom and peace in decisions made by the international world Governments. Those whose power affects more than their own nation.
For Ukraine and Gaza permanent peace. Along with Myanmar, North Korea, Chine, Sudan, Syria and other countries where there is oppression and slavery and sickness.
For abusers, bullies, manipulators and scammers. Uncover them, protect the vulnerable from them. Help the police and crime preventers catch and charge them.
For those who live in fear to be able to escape to freedom from violence and slavery.
For those organisations who help and provide safe places and new safe lives.
For our NHS and doctors. For the good medical health of the people of our nation.
For us, to have a day full of trust and without fear. Cause us to smile and send us blessings.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father, I place into your hands
The things I cannot do,
Father, I place into your hands
The things that I’ve been through.
Father, I place into your hands
The way that I should go,
For I know I always can trust you. 

Father, I place into your hands
My friends and family.
Father, I place into your hands
The things that trouble me.
Father, I place into your hands
The person I would be,
For I know I always can trust you. 

Father, we love to see your face,
We love to hear your voice.
Father, we love to sing your praise
And in your name rejoice.
Father, we love to walk with you
And in your presence rest,
For we know we always can trust you. 

Father, I want to be with you
And do the things you do.
Father, I want to speak the words
That you are speaking too.
Father, I want to love the ones
That you will draw to you,
For I know that I am one with you.

Lyrics:  Jenny Hewer