“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” John 14:2 NIV
Father God,
Thanks to Jesus and His resurrection, we little clay jars (2 Corinthians 4:7), are assured our place in Heaven. He tells the disciples He is going to prepare it for them. So that when they witnessed his death, they will remember it is not the end, He is Lord of their future. He would never leave them. How very human that shortly after , Jesus said this James and John had an ambition. They wanted to know if they could sit next to him when he came into His Kingdom. Matthew says it was their mother who asked! (Matthew 20:21)!
They wanted a front seat. How brazen we think. But others say You have not because You asked not! Some of us prefer to stand at the back and wait and see? Some do not look forward to heaven being all worship all the time? It says in Revelation the living creatures were constantly saying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” And the elders were joining in with “You are worthy . . . ” (Revelation 4:8-11). Saying, interestingly, not singing? Then we are told it was silent in heaven for half and hour (Revelation 8:1). So silence was unusual?
Sometimes a hymn really moves us and sometimes we just sing. And there are those times when we fall silent and are aware of Your presence. Who knows what heaven will be like? But we know it will be good because You have prepared it and know what we need and what is good. It will be beyond our hopes, better than our expectations and will be home.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father God,
For our family and friends. Hopes and needs for today and a glimpse of the promise of heaven.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. May the church be relevant and welcoming.
For the royal family. For Charles as he returns to public work and for Kates treatment.
For our Parliament, MP’s to shine with truth, integrity, and a desire to serve.
For the local elections of Police Commissioners.
For Ukraine, peace. A supernatural end to war. We look to You for a miracle.
For Gaza, a way to talk and to live with neighbours, together in peace.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all other places of conflict and Military oppression. Respect for life, relief.
For countries where there is no social services, pensions, unemployment benefits and free medical treatment. Be their provider.
For our schools, universities and our young people, safety. Raise up leaders for the future.
For today and all that we need to keep us strong and faithful and encouraged. Your joy.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Wednesday 1st May 2024
I’ll fly away to a land where joy shall never end – because Jesus will be there.
Some glad morning when this life is o’er,
I’ll fly away;
To a home on God’s celestial shore,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).
I’ll fly away, Oh Glory
I’ll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).
When the shadows of this life have gone,
I’ll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)
Oh how glad and happy when we meet,
I’ll fly away;
No more cold iron shackles on my feet,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)
Just a few more weary days and then,
I’ll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)
Lyrics Albert E. Brumley 1929