“In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, 2 “The Lord has been very angry with your fathers. 3 Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 1:1-3 NKJV
Lord of Hosts,
Come home. For me those tow words could mean the opposite when I as young depending on whether I was in trouble or not! Zechariah is reminding the children of Israel that You are not a benign blessing giver sitting on a cloud waiting to hear our prayers and smile at our worship. And I must confess Lord that sometimes I enjoy the singing so much I forget it is in worship of Your magnificence! And yet even as Judge, you offer mercy and a way out.
This scripture was spoken and written at a particular time in history, the eighth month of the second year of King Darius. About 2, 542 years ago. In a different country to a different nation.
Yet how grateful we are that You still offer a way out. Return to me and I will return to You. And we do not return to a God who is unapproachable – though You are-we return to You through Your beloved Son Jesus. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, my sin (John 1:29). We paid the price so we can reach Your heart of forgiveness. Keep us from wandering, growing cold, inattention and distraction. And please keep calling to the lost – to return to You their loving Father.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord of hosts,
For our close family.
For our extended family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for..
For our fellowship, ministers and congregations. Oil of joy and new harvest of souls.
For our king and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government. Lords and commons. Civil Servants.
For Ukraine and Russia. Oh Lord, peace. Divine protection of life.
For Israel, Lebanon, all around the Middle East. For medical help and supplies.
For America and their political future.
For children who leave home to be found and helped and loved and put in safe homes.
For the healing of families and stability and help through difficult times.
For those who have not known good parents to know Your Fatherhood embracing them.
For us to know we belong to You and Your family of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A close knit family with a hope and a future.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 7th October 2024
Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
And You tell me that You’re pleased
And that I’m never alone
You’re a good good Father
It’s who You are
It’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am
It’s who I am
It’s who I am
Oh, I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching
For answers only You provide
Cause You know just what we need
Before we say a word
Chorus: You’re a good good Father . . .
Cause You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us, aah
You are perfect in all of Your ways
Oh, you’re perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us
Oh, it’s love so undeniable
I, I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable
I, I can hardly think
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
Into love, love, love
Chorus: You’re a good good Father . . .
Lyrics: Chris Tomlin