“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.” Ephesians 1:18 New Living Translation.
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,” Ephesians 1:18 NIV.
God of Heaven and Earth,
Today, Sunday, it is wonderful to be able to give thanks that we are Your people, and You, God, call us Holy. You call us Your people and the sheep in Your care (Psalm 95:7). Sheep are not always sensible or holy! Farmers will tell you how easily they get themselves into trouble. Yet You came to earth and laid down Your life on the cross for us. Opened the way to heaven, to salvation, to knowing You personally, being forgiven, holy, being loved.
You lighten our darkness, Your light showing the way home . . . and our light of understanding along the way. You give us Your history in Your Word, so we can know the story of salvation.
And here You Lord right now with us. We do not have to perform some special good deed or ritual or earn Your affection. Help us move that from our head to our hearts. To know beyond doubt we are chosen, adopted, loved citizens of the Kingdom of God because of Jesus gift of life and love. Help us humbly accept, believe and learn to live in You. Open our eyes and hearts to receive Your ineffable (beyond words) love.
In the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of confidence and hope,
For our family, friends, neighbours, those we promised to pray for.
For our fellowship and congregation members, our ministers, servers, wardens.
For our king and His family and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
For our Government, advisors, diplomats and ambassadors.
For Ukraine and Russia. Miracles to lead to the end of war and oppression.
For Israel, Lebanon, the Middle East. Countries in conflict. Your purposes overriding man.
For those trying to provide water, food and medical supplies in war zones.
For those with actual heart problems for medical treatment and those doing research.
For those with broken disappointed hearts to be mended by Your love.
For those in refuges and who have left dangerous relationships. Keep them safe.
For Your kindness to us and mercy. Weave Your ineffable love and shine on us today.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 24th November 2024
Ineffable (too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words) love. I love contemporary worship but sometimes a traditional hymn just raises the praise.
O worship the King all-glorious above,
O gratefully sing his power and his love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
O tell of his might and sing of his grace,
whose robe is the light, whose canopy space.
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
and dark is his path on the wings of the storm.
O measureless might, ineffable Love,
while angels delight to hymn Thee above!
Thy humbler creation, though feeble their lays,
with true adoration shall sing to thy praise!
Lyrics: Robert Grant 1833