“I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that travelled with them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.” 1 Corinthians 10:1-6 NLT
God who is all knowing,
When I first read the old testament and the escape from Egypt and the much mumbling and complaining and idol revelry and disobedience in the dessert, I was very judgemental. But then through life I have noticed how easily I can grumble. It is too hot, it is too cold, the supermarket queue was too slow, someone took my parking space . . .
Your people God, were heading towards a promised land symbolic of our journey to Heaven. They ate the bread (manna) from heaven and the water that sprang from the rock on the way. You gave us Jesus, the bread of heaven and water of life to sustain us on our way. Help us to willing make our way even when it seems we are in a dessert and help us not to moan.
You have promised that we will not be scattered in the wilderness (John 6:37) but will be safe with You (Matthew 28:20) till we reach our promised land.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God who is all knowing,
We bring the needs, hopes and prayers of those we love and care for. Our family whether close or distant in miles or relationship. The many friends we have through church and other groups we belong to. The people who make our life rich and help us manage in so many ways. Hear and answer their prayers. Bless us with all we need at this time.
We pray for the many people bereaved in Morocco and even if they do not know You we ask that You would reveal Yourself and Your love for them even in their distress and pain. That they may know Your comfort. We pray and give thanks for those trying to search, help and give human comfort. We pray for those in Libya and the devastation from the floods. It is too much to comprehend and we just pray for Your mercy and provision for those living through such a terrible time.
So many murders in the news. Every one, one too many. We ask Father that Your Holy Spirit would move and prevent those who have murder in their hearts carrying it out. Confuse their plans, disperse gangs. Scupper their intent. What a lovely word – scupper – put a hole in their plans so they sink!
Thank You for all the good that prevails in this world and help us be a part of it.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 16th September 2023
Holy Spirit, rain down, rain down
Oh Comforter and Friend
How we need Your touch again
Holy Spirit, rain down, rain down
Let Your power fall
Let Your voice be heard
Come and change our hearts
As we stand on Your word
Holy Spirit, rain down
No eye has seen, no ear has heard
No mind can know what God has in store
So open up heaven, open it wide
Over Your church and over our lives
Lyrics: Russell Fragar