Galatians 5:22-26 – Start The Day

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:22-26 KJV

God, who is Father, Son and Spirit,

It is good to pause on this familiar, well loved Bible Verse again today but to turn to the King James version. My attention is drawn to a word we do not often use now Father, and which recent translations have changed from temperance to self-control (the ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires, especially in difficult situations). Temperance: moderation in action, thought, or feeling. I quite like the change to self control! One could be moderately sinful where as to control oneself is about not doing what is sinful?

I suppose I have to confess I do not always control myself and You know when I am smiling but inside there is a hidden reaction. Or a far from kind quip or response. Ice Cream? No self control there either. Temperance at one time was about not drinking I believe? Perhaps it is self control after all. For some one drink is one too many!

Lord, to grow Your fruit, display Your fruit and share it with others we definitely need self control. To limit the opposites. When humour crosses over to crudity, irritability, pessimism, unkindness etc . . . Sometimes it is a battle and when we are knocked down or not well it’s harder. Help us by Your Spirit.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of Fridays,

For our family and friends and neighbours. Plant the fruit of Your love in their lives today.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Your Spirits gifts and fruits in them.
For the royal family. Help them by Your Spirit to do all they need to do and also be a family.
For our nation and Government at this time. Help Politicians to focus on the nations good.
For Ukraine, show Your power for peace and disassemble this war. Holy Spirit move in power.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. We despair but turn our hope to You for peace.
For the persecuted church in Myanmar amidst the continuing difficult military situation.
For isolated and persecuted Christians to know Your presence and help by Your Spirit.
For those who struggle with temperance with addiction. Temper, depression, meanness.
For us to worship today giving thanks that You are a loving, generous, kind, good God. Thank You for God’s good people.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Sunday 2nd June 2024
I love this meditational hymn. God’s gentle Spirit but who comes with the power to conquer fear and death.

Breathe on me, breath of God
Love and life that makes me free
Breathe on me, breath of God
Fan the flame within me

Chorus
Teach my heart, heal my soul
Speak the mind that in Christ we know
Take me to Your sanctuary
Breathe on me

Breathe on me, breath of God
Love and life that makes me free
Breathe on me, breath of God
Fan the flame within me

Chorus

Speak to me, voice of God
Soft and still, inside my heart
Speak to me, word of God
Comfort, heal, restore with light

Chorus . . .

Breathe on me . . .

Lyrics: Lucy Fisher

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another.” Galatians 5:22-26 New English Translation

God, Three in One,

God, last Sunday was Trinity Sunday. We are in awe when we consider the all works of Your hands. We are humbled when we think of Your Son giving His life for us. W try to understand how the Holy Spirit can come with flames of power and yet gentle as a dove. All You. Your Holy Spirit comes not just to teach us how to live but with gifts and fruits to grow. No longer an unapproachable holy God, no longer limited by humanity only able to be in one place. No longer apart due to our sin. But You, Gd by Your Spirit able to live in us, with us, because of Jesus.

Help us acknowledge Your Spirit and grow Your fruit, which You will not force upon us. Why would we not want joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? We are not more holy or better than others. We all need Your help. And it is a battle sometimes! The enemy tries too get us to worry, be thoughtless, plain selfish or get rattled. (1 Peter 5:8).

Help us to welcome Your Holy Spirit at the start of the day., and spend it with Him.

Jesus name we pray, Amen.

God, Three in One,

For our family and friends and neighbours. Holy Spirit work in their lives for good..
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Empower them to do Your will with joy.
For the royal family. Help them by Your Spirit to do all they need to do and be a family.
For our nation and Government at this time. Spirit of truth and goodness speak in them.
For Ukraine, show Your power for peace and disassemble this war. Holy Spirit move in power.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. We despair but turn our hope to You for peace.
For the church in Myanmar amidst the continuing difficult military situation.
For the overseas missions we support to prosper and grow. Holy Spirit lead, guide, provide.
For isolated and persecuted Christians to know Your presence and help by Your Spirit.
For those who teach in school, university, trainees, apprentices, church, family. Patience.
For us to live today, whether at home, work or away, with Your fruits ruling our lives.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Worship Saturday 1st June 2024
The addition of a chorus just refreshes and brightens up this traditional hymn.

Come, Thou Almighty King,
help us Thy name to sing;
help us to praise:
Father, all glorious,
o’er all victorious,
come, and reign over us,
Ancient of Days.

Come, Thou Incarnate Word,
gird on Thy mighty sword,
our prayer attend:
come, and Thy people bless,
and give Thy Word success:
Spirit of holiness,
on us descend.

All glory be to the Father
All glory be to the Son
All glory be to the Spirit
The blessed three in One.

Come, Holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear
in this glad hour:
Thou who almighty art,
now rule in every heart,
and ne’er from us depart,
Spirit of pow’r.

To Thee, great One in Three,
eternal praises be
hence, evermore.
His sovereign majesty
may we in glory see,
and to eternity
love and adore!

Lyrics: Anonymous
Chorus: Keith and Kristyn Getty