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Tuesday 26th Sept 2023

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV

Father God,

Whose steadfast love never ceases, and whose mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Even when I have trouble arising from my warm comfortable bed. Even the sorrowful writer of Lamentations had Your love and mercy as His foundation. But pray without ceasing? That is a challenge!

Jesus talks about prayer. Pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44), don’t pray to show off (Matthew 6:6) just be positive and direct (Matthew 7:7). He even gave us a simple but beautiful prayer (Luke 11:2-4). But non stop prayer? It is easier to talk about prayer than to do it sometimes. We sometimes spend more time sharing points for prayer in prayer meetings than actually talking to you.

Yet you hear the conversation and know our hearts desires? Perhaps voicing prayers helps us more than You -to concentrate, know we are asking You, the source of everything? I know that voicing and hearing prayer out loud is more reassuring than silent prayer sometimes.

Help us. Help us to remember to breath prayer, have a constant conversation with You whether out loud in the privacy of our own space or with my friends when the opportunity arises. And silently, in my spirit, at other times.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of steadfast love and mercy,

We bring our family and friends and church family and neighbourhood to You for their needs, for their good and to ask that they would know Your love and mercy today. Please keep calling to those who do not know You personally and open their ears and eyes to hear You and see Your compassion.

Bless Ukraine and Russia with new beginnings towards peace and the end to war. We remember all those still in shock, trauma and grief from the recent disasters and whose lives will never be the same. Be not only their rock but their provider and their healer and comfort. May human aid be plentiful and ongoing.

We pray for our Parliament. Because they need Your help and direction whatever their politics. Times are challenging. Finances are difficult. Help them come together for our Nations best future. Bless King Charles and his family and all the work they do supporting charities and encouraging volunteers.

As the rain falls we pray that You will have enabled the farmers to gather in the grain harvest and give enough dry days for them to finish. Pray for those harvesting late fruit and vegetables, help, strength and good crops

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Worship Tuesday 26th September 2023
I love singing scripture. Singing the truth into my soul.


The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
God’s mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning, new every morning;
great is your faithfulness, O Lord,
great is your faithfulness.

Lyrics and tune: Edith McNeill
Lamentations 3:22-23

Monday 25th September 2023

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17 NIV

God of Truth,

In these days , I find myself becoming sceptical of what I hear and read. Can I believe even the news, I used to think certain channels broadcast without prejudice. It seems there is a slant, a bias an unseen leading behind most news stories.

Here Paul tells us. this You can believe, fully and completely. Christ came into the world to save sinners. Now that line is the best, simplest and most wonderful news anyone could ever tell or remind me of.

Of whom I am the worst? Paul knows what he has done, his testimony and actions led many to be put to death in the early church. He persecuted innocent people guilty only of belief in Jesus. But I wonder if he thought of the moment when on the road to Damascus Jesus reminded him of his sin. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Acts 9:4. Saul was the unbeliever who denied Jesus. Surely persecuting you though people like Stephen whose was stoned to death was worse.

I may not have caused anyone to be put to death but there was a time when I denied You, did not believe and used Your name as a swear word. We who have stepped from unbelief to faith are no better than Paul. The is no best and worst sinners. Just those who realise how offensive it was to not believe in the King of Kings who died for us. Now to You, our King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God of Truth,

Help all those we love and care for and know to step from unbelief into Your love and grace. We pray You will meet their physical needs too and touch those who need healing in body or mind. We bring those we are at odds with or have been hurt by and ask that You would work out a road to reconciliation or protection from further harm.

We pray for those who are persecuted by people who go out of there way to make trouble. The school bully, the annoying colleague, those who stalk or try to control others. We pray You will break these strongholds and bring them to repentance. Protect those who are vulnerable and place people around them who are good and strong and kind.

Bless Ukraine with hope for the future and freedom from oppression and war. Hold the people of Morocco and Libya in Your almighty hand while they receive comfort, aid and hope for the future.

Thank You for the smile of a friend, the light of daybreak and the comfort of a cuppa.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Monday 25th September 2023

All my days I will sing this song of gladness,
Give my praise to the Fountain of delights;
For in my helplessness You heard my cry,
And waves of mercy poured down on my life.

I will trust in the cross of my Redeemer,
I will sing of the blood that never fails;
Of sins forgiven, of conscience cleansed,
Of death defeated and life without end.

Beautiful Saviour, Wonderful Counsellor,
Clothed in majesty, Lord of history,
You’re the Way, the Truth, the Life.
Star of the Morning, glorious in holiness,
You’re the Risen One, heaven’s Champion
And You reign, You reign over all.

I long to be where the praise is never-ending,
Yearn to dwell where the glory never fades;
Where countless worshippers will share one song,
And cries of ‘worthy’ will honour the Lamb!

Lyrics: Stuart Townend





Sunday 24th Sept 2023

“Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.” Ephesians 6:23-24 NIV

Lord of the Sabbath,

Today is Sunday and it is the first day of the Christian week. Sabbath was originally the day to celebrate when You completed creation and took the seventh day as a day of rest (Genesis 2:2-3). That would make it Saturday. The Israelites started Shabbat and their worship and day of rest Friday evening and ended Saturday evening. From sunset to sunrise. It is a day to worship You.

Yesterday’s hymn reminded me of when I followed some children to Sunday school and my parent thought I had gone missing. I was given an attendance card and once a year was given an attendance prize and was disappointed when I got a book that was not about animals or horses!

Thank You that church worship is not about obedient attending but about wanting to be in Your presence with people who become like brothers and sisters. When I met Christ, later in life, I still remember the feeling of belonging deep within me. Belonging to You and belonging to a huge Christian family.

Even when we cannot make it to church we know we belong and we do not get marked as missing. Church is a place we can put down roots, know we have family in Christ, hear the Word of God, and belong to a bigger family. Thank You that You do not mark my card, You are with me wherever I am. What a wonderful God You are.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Lord of the Sabbath,

We pray for those we love and those who are related to us, our friends and those who are our Christian family (to numerous to name!) You know their needs and their wants and we ask that You give them blessings and provide all that is good at this time. Help us to have what we need to grow in You, find joy and be a blessing to others.

We pray for churches who have no minister or Pastor at the moment. Help them to help each other till one is available and we pray that those You are calling to church leadership would hear and respond. Provide for them to train. Match the churches up with leaders.

Change the Russian plans to peace not war and give Ukraine opportunity to grieve, rest and recover. For those touched by disaster and loss in Libya and Morocco we pray everything they may need. God of provision and comfort, enable and smooth the way of aid agencies, human comfort and Your love.

Thank You that You are with Your church worldwide and that it is growing.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 24th September 2023.
Originally I had this scheduled for yesterday but somehow it seemed to fit here today for worship – and yes we had it in August but some hymns are favourites!

Wonderful grace that gives what I don’t deserve,
pays me what Christ has earned then lets me go free.
Wonderful grace that gives me the time to change,
washes away the stains that once covered me.

And all that I have I lay at the feet
of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.

Wonderful love that held in the face of death,
breathed in its final breath forgiveness for me.
Wonderful love whose power can break every chain
giving us life again setting us free.

And all that I have I lay at the feet
of the wonderful Saviour who loves me.
Repeat Chorus

Lyrics: John Pantry