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Thursday 16th November 2023

“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. 30 And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him.” Luke 9:28-32 NKJV

Yahweh M’Kaddesh, Lord who sanctifies (Ezekiel 34:28),

You set us apart to be holy and make and keep us washed us sinless and pure. Think of that! We thank You that You make us holy from the top of our head to the tips of our toes because we could never make ourselves practically, spiritually or mentally holy, sinless or pure! We could never be that good that long!

This miraculous event in Jesus life from Luke 9 tells us so much about Your relationship with us. Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him, three of His followers from the New Testament with him. Hot headed fishermen (Mark 3:17), wanting to be the greatest in Your Kingdom (Luke 22:24). You send Jesus two might men of the old Testament, Moses and Elijah to also encourage Him. Mighty men? A murderer who didn’t want to do the speaking to Pharaoh (Exodus 4:10) . . . and a Prophet who ran away when things were scary and felt very sorry for himself (1 Kings 19:14).

Being mighty men and women of God is not about being hero’s or superwomen. You choose the foolish and weak to show Your divine power at work in us (2 Corinthians 4:7). We are new creations, the old has passed away the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have our failings just like the disciples and the men of old . . . we just need to do our best one day at a time and pick ourselves up when we fall. And You renew, refresh and restore us minute by minute. That’s a miracle. Thank You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Yahweh M’Kaddesh, Lord who sanctifies,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For those facing difficult decisions, in poor health, needing healing and comfort. For those who need to step away from harmful situations.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities.
For our Government, that You would reveal sin, oust it and guide it, for the good of the nation.
For our King and Queen and their family and the work they do for the nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An full stop an end to war and conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, that they would hear of Your love.
For those facing things that they would rather go round. Surgery, family difficulties, relationship breakdown, difficult truth. Making hard decisions for the best. Overcoming hurt and forgiving even where trust has to be rebuilt.
For ourselves, that we would know that there is nothing we have done that You have not forgiven.


In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Thursday 16th November 2023
A long introductions, but hold on they are beautiful words

I fear not, for the Lord is with me
He upholds His righteous hand
From His Word springs life, its drawing home the broken
He redeems the fallen man

Your grace is all I need
You are strong when I am weak
I will boast in the power of Christ in me
You are strong when I am weak

God, our love, transforms the low to mighty
He gives power when we are faint
Though we become dismayed in trials and persecution
Only One renews our strength

Your grace is all I need
You are strong when I am weak
I will boast in the power of Christ in me
You are strong when I am weak

We’ll soar on wings like eagles, we’ll walk and not be faint
We’ll run and not grow weary, our Father is our strength
We’ll soar on wings like eagles, we’ll walk and not be faint
We’ll run and not grow weary, our Father is our Strength

(Repeat 5 times)

Your grace is all I need
You are strong when I am weak
I will boast in the power of Christ in me
You are strong when I am weak

I will boast in the power of Christ in me
You are strong when I am weak

Lyrics: Response Band

Wednesday 15th November 2023

“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. 30 And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. 33 Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.”” Luke 9:28-36 NKJV

Father God,

About 8 days later Luke says- after these sayings. What sayings? Ah putting it in context. Jesus had been saying He would suffer, be rejected and put to death and called them to them take up their cross to die to self daily. We see his humanity. Facing an incredible battle Himself to submit to what You had asked Him to come and do, He showed us what to do in hard situations. Draw aside and meet with You. He took three trusted believers, even if they didn’t fully understand.

And Your response? To show us His divinity and to come and bring encourage Him. You also sent two mighty men of God from the Old Testament Moses and Elijah who had longed to see Jesus time of deliverance. They had both faced trials and found and proved You trustworthy. Thank You for the testimony of the old and new Testament and those who encourage us..

Thank You that Jesus shows us both His humanity and His Divinity. That You, God are there when it is humanly hard and we need You and also when all is well. Thank You that You place people encouragers around us. Help us to seek You first when we are tired, weary or troubled and not be afraid to ask others for help.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father God,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For those facing difficult decisions, in poor health, needing healing and comfort. For those who need to step away from harmful situations.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities.
For our Government, that You would reveal sin, oust it and guide it, for the good of the nation.
For our King and Queen and their family and the work they do for the nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An full stop an end to war and conflict and bloodshed.
For those in the midst of conflict, whose share their faith, to see people choose Christ Jesus.
For those who suffer for their faith, risk loosing their lives and for the families of those who are left behind.
For those facing things that they would rather go round. Surgery, family difficulties, relationship breakdown, difficult truth. Making hard decisions for the best. Overcoming hurt and forgiving even where trust has to be rebuilt.
For ourselves, that we would see Jesus, one of us who understands our deepest need and also as Christ the Lord, our sacrifice for sin, seated at Your throne (Hebrews 10:12).

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Wednesday 15th November 2023
Yesterdays beautiful worship is still ringing in my ears – All my life You have been faithful . . . and today’s promise for the future is all will be well.

Through the love of God our Saviour,
all will be well.
Free and changeless is his favour,
all, all is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us,
perfect is the grace that sealed us,
strong the hand stretched forth to shield us,
all must be well.

Though we pass through tribulation,
all will be well.
Christ has purchased full salvation,
all, all is well.
Happy, still in God confiding,
fruitful, if in Christ abiding,
holy, through the Spirit’s guiding,
all must be well.

We expect a bright tomorrow,
all will be well.
Faith can sing through days of sorrow,
‘All, all is well.’
On our Father’s love relying,
Jesus every need supplying,
Then in living or in our dying,
all must be well.

Lyrics: Mary Peters

Mary Peters (1813-1856) was born in Cirencester and was governess to the children of an Anglican rector, John William Peters, whom she subsequently married. Later became members of the Plymouth Brethren. Mary’s hymns are found in several published collections. It has been suggested that, scholar as she was, she would have been familiar with the newly-rediscovered work of Mother Julian of Norwich who had written: ‘All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.’ The tune ‘Ar hyd y nos’ (‘All through the night’) is traditional to Wales.

Tuesday 14th November 2023

“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:23-26 NIV

Father of Glory,

I wonder! Nobody today likes to talk about denying themselves anything. New years resolutions are quickly forgotten and lent is not really a time of denial anymore. Or am I being too cynical Lord? You gave up Your only Son to Your cruel creation. Jesus called His disciples to do likewise, deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow Him. I wonder if they wondered why he was talking about crucifixion, the horrendous death for criminals! It must have hit home after Jesus was crucified, dead and buried.

He called them to take up their cross after he told them He must be rejected by the religious leaders and be put to death (Luke 9:22). Perhaps they did not dare ask to many questions.

I thank You that I do not have to literal take up my cross and become a martyr. Many are put to death for their faith in parts of the world today. And we wonder why Your people, who are called to love, are hated so, but then You were too (John 15:18). Following You does mean dying to self. Not ourselves, but the selfish self. All the things that would harm us. Worshipping anything else but You. Over indulging. Immorality. Lying. Jealousy. Malice. Pride. Thinking too much of ourself or not loving ourself.

It is a challenge sometimes, but it is the safest, best, right and most joyful way. Help us one day at a time, one step at a time, to die to self direction and follow You, in Your strength.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Father of Glory,

We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For each ones need, dreams, hopes and strength for today. We give thanks for answered prayers.
For ministers, pastors, congregations and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities.
For our Government, that You would guide and reform it, for the good of the nation.
For our King and Queen and those who work for the best future for our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to this conflict.
For those in the midst of conflict, whose share their faith, to see people choose Christ Jesus.
For those who suffer for their faith, risk loosing their lives and for the families of those who are left behind. For those in the worst places for persecution: North Korea , Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, Nigeria, India.
For countries where Your people face the most violence. Pakistan, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Cameroon, Central African Republic, India, Mali, South Sudan, Ethiopia.
For ourselves, that we would appreciate the freedom we have to follow You.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Tuesday 14th November 2023
Yes, a hymn I choose again because it says just what I want to say in worship.

I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me

‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It keeps running after me

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

Lyrics: Ed Cash, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson and Jenn Johnson.