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:

As for God, his way is perfect: the Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.

from 2 Samuel 22.31

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 15.23

‘A timely word’ – I love that phrase!

I get a lot of cold calls here at the vicarage, but sometimes – just sometimes – they are worth it. About a year ago I received a call from Christians Against Poverty. Although we support their excellent and important work, I confess I groaned inwardly when I answered and realised they wanted money. However, I do my best to be polite to people in call centres because I know they have people being incredibly rude and unpleasant to them. So we started to chat – she was asking about the church and how we’re doing – and then she asked how I was doing.

Which, that day, wasn’t great. I was feeling particularly exhausted – I can’t remember why – and weary. I’m sure many of you recognise the feeling: expending huge amounts of energy but getting so little back you wonder if it’s worth it. For some reason I didn’t say, ‘Oh, fine,’ I told her exactly how I felt. She stopped the spiel immediately to pray for me, and as she prayed she used these words from Galatians:

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6.9 (NIV)

That verse is now printed on a strip of paper and stuck to the top of my computer screen. It was exactly what I needed to hear – and in fact what I have needed to hear quite regularly since.

Friends, we may speak a ‘timely word’, but actually they come from God; which means speaking them – and knowing the joy that brings – starts with listening to God.

Maybe next time you’re talking to someone – especially if they are struggling – you might say a little prayer and ask God to give you a ‘timely word’ for them, and see what happens…

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:

Vacancy (All Souls) – especially the Wardens

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: Coleshill & Polesworth Deanery

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.