For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:8-10 NKJV
Father God,
I linger here along with this woman by this well, not just because this shows that Jesus cared and gave one woman his whole attention. But because Your Son did not follow the social rules of the day. Your Son spoke to her with respect, honesty and without judgement. He knew she would be there at that time. It was not chance or coincidence. Your Son was the foreigner in her land and yet he broke down the barriers to show that the Kingdom of God is open to all regardless of where we were born, their gender, life experience or religious background..
It was the beginning of the disciples seeing and understanding that You, our God so loves every person in the world. Not just those born into the nation of Israel. This ordinary woman then becomes Your spokesperson to the Samaritans! A woman in her fifth relationship after 4 husbands! Many of the Samaritans believed in Your Son because of her testimony (John 4:39). She begins to widen the diversity of the early Christian community and the discipleship of women.
Help me to see the world as You see it. The opportunity to reach one person at a time regardless of who they are, where they come from and what they believed previously. You meet us just where we are, as we are. You have no prejudice and no preconceived ideas. You just see a person needing Your Son and His life. She listened and heard. Point us to those who need to hear, will listen and accept life.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father God,
For our family, friends, neighbours. Meet them where they are and bless them with Your real life.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Give opportunities to share the good news.
We pray for kings and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2). Charles family. Princess Anne.
For the general election and the best for this nation.
For France and their political situation.
For Paris and athletes preparing for the 2024 Olympics, starting July 26th 2024.
For Christians preparing to serve at the Olympics ready to pray or share their faith.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Peace and the best future for all.
For Ukraine, an end to war. We continue to ask for a miracle from You.
For our local communities and all who keep them running smoothly and safely.
For our nations health and well being as Covid continues to appear.
For those who ensure we have clean safe water.
For a change in attitude and behaviour of those who pollute our rivers and coast.
For those who dig wells overseas and provide villages with local clean water pumps.
For us where ever we find ourselves to know You are encouraging us and giving us refreshment at Your well of life.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 4th July 2024
This song reflects how good God has been to me since I first met Him at the well.
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It keeps running after me
‘Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Lyrics: Ed Cash, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson and Jenn Johnson.