Our church building may be closed, but God’s eyes are open and his ears are attentive to our prayers (2 Chronicles 7.15).

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Opening

Speak these words out loud:

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One, says:
‘In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength.’

from Isaiah 30.15

Today’s Proverb

Read the proverb through three or four times, slowly. Pause in-between, maybe write it out by hand – savour the words, let them speak deeply to you.

Proverbs 14.19

This is one that I almost skipped; it seems a little too feudal. But – as ever – a key principle when reading the Bible is to keep pushing for deeper understanding.

The Twelve (disciples) understood this verse – like many in their day – to be about lordship. They knew the prophecies about the nations coming to Israel and kneeling in homage. One of the reasons Judas betrayed Jesus was that he expected Jesus to usher in this godly rule: when he didn’t, off he went for his pieces of silver.

But put this proverb with Jesus’ response to his disciples’ argument about ‘who is the greatest’ and you get something interesting:

‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.’

from Mark 10.42-43 (NIV)

In other words, God’s rule is not about lordship (though he is the Lord), it is about service: even Jesus, ‘did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Mark 10.45). Perhaps this proverb is less about people doing homage (though it may mean that as well), and more about people acknowledging that God’s way of service is best?

How do you follow Jesus’ example of service?

Prayers

Pray for Five – pray for your five friends / family from Thy Kingdom Come.

Our daily prayer sheet includes the names of everyone for whom we have a signed church family directory form – and local parishes and senior church leaders. Today we are praying for:

Price Family (Ash, Elsie, Emilia, Matt)

Father, please bless them with your peace, and a deep awareness of your presence with them, every day and in every way.

We also pray for: Lonely & Bereaved People

Please pray for our leaders and healthcare workers, and all those working to keep us safe, well, and fed. Please pray that people would unselfishly put others before themselves.

Church Family Prayer

Come Holy Spirit,
and make us one in heart and action,
so that we can serve God faithfully:
abounding in love,
maturing in holiness,
and seeking out the lost.
Help us grow as disciples of Jesus –
in commitment, in depth, and in number –
that we may be a blessing to Amington;
to the glory and praise of God the Father.
Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

Closing Prayer

Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labour in vain.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus
the only way to the Father.

Psalm 127.1, Hebrews 12.2 & John 14.6

May Christ our Saviour give us peace.
Amen.