Sing to the Lord, and praise him! Proclaim every day the good news that he has saved us (Psalm 96.2, GNB).
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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.
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear. (NIV)
An idea well-expressed is like a design of gold, set in silver. A warning given by an experienced person to someone willing to listen is more valuable than gold rings or jewellery made of the finest gold. (GNB)
Proverbs 25.11-12
We see jewellery as special now – but actually for us it is pretty readily available: a gold or silver ring can be bought for under £100. In Tamworth we live not half an hour from the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, with dozens of specialist shops selling all sorts of precious things.
When Solomon spoke this Proverb almost 3,000 years ago things were very different. Most people couldn’t even dream of owning anything made of gold – the glint and glitter on others showed how wealthy they were.
It’s in that context that Solomon declares, ‘Like an earring of gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear’.
We’ve seen Proverbs make both of those points, but not usually together: wise advice / words and a willingness to listen are both precious.
And rare.
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:
Irene Davies, Alan & Joyce Page, Rita Harris
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: Local Councillors
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.