Sing to the Lord, and praise him! Proclaim every day the good news that he has saved us (Psalm 96.2, GNB).
If you would like to receive these by email, please click here.
Opening
Speak these words out loud:
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)
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.
If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering towards slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done? (NIV)
If you are weak in a crisis, you are weak indeed. Don’t hesitate to rescue someone who is about to be executed unjustly. You may say that it is none of your business, but God knows and judges your motives. He keeps watch on you; he knows. And he will reward you according to what you do. (GNB)
Proverbs 24.10-12
Many years ago, when I was still exploring ordained ministry, I was working for a church as a parish assistant (= dogsbody). It was hard work, but I met some wonderful people and had some powerful experiences of the Holy Spirit while I was there, which changed my life.
As a staff team we had a training day that involved some personality profiling. The Church of England does a lot of that sort of thing, and sometimes it’s useful (!). On this occasion, the most useful part for me was the assessment of how we respond to pressure and stress – useful to know as a team, but also useful for us as individuals.
What it told me, is that under pressure my ‘boldness’ goes sky-high: in other words I start making decisions and doing things to sort the situation out. That can be extremely useful, but also extremely dangerous – so it’s good to be aware of.
At the opposite end are people whose ‘boldness’ drops. Unlike me they won’t make rash decisions – but they might also shy away from facing the issue.
Friends, let’s not falter in a time of trouble, nor charge ahead without thinking: let’s be brave, and wise, with God’s help and strength.
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:
Bruce & Judith Ackers, Tony & Janet Land
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: Vacancy Leadership Team
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.