“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NKJV
Father of purpose and time,
The writer of Ecclesiastes, possibly Solomon, (wise and depressed by so many wives?) starts this chapter with the big picture, seasons and purposes. A time to be born and a time to die. True for all of us. And it has me thinking and then thanking You.
I was never very good at history, but I do like a good documentary on the past. The more I see and hear, the more thankful I am that I was born in my time! A time which has seen so much change for the better in technology (the good parts), practicality (gadgets for cleaning, gardening etc) transport (public and private) health (medical breakthroughs, provision of care). A time when in this country it is safe to be a Christian. A time with many comforts and conveniences and order.
And as I mature . . . I am glad that I do not have to know and face all that future generations will have to. But for them it will be right, they will grow into it with You.
So with the writer of Ecclesiastes, I say to everything there is a season and am glad You order them Lord. Whether season are long or short I know nothing will take You by surprise. My present and my future was ordained by You and is with You (John 14:1-3).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of purpose and time,
For our family, friends, neighbours. To be provided for and appreciate each new day.
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. For them to be reassured they walk with You.
For our nation and future Government. Guide us forward towards a good government.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Move those with power to find a way to peace.
For Ukraine, a move of Your Spirit to change hearts and end war.
For the churches in Ukraine, Myanmar, Russia, Afghanistan and Syria. A season of protection.
For Christian aid agencies at home and overseas and in war zones.
For the generations not yet born, to be open to Your love and become the church of tomorrow.
For us to know we were born for such a time as this. You planned it all.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 14th June 2024
My, this is a golden oldie. I don’t even know where I know it from! It’s story is below the lyrics.
Thank you for giving me the morning.
Thank you for ev’ry day that’s new.
Thank you that I can know my worries
can be cast on you.
Thank you for all my friends and brothers.
Thank you for all the men that live.
Thank you for even greatest enemies
I can forgive.
Thank You I have my occupation
Thank You for every pleasure small
Thank You for music, light and gladness
Thank You for them all
Thank you for many little sorrows.
Thank you for ev’ry kindly word.
Thank you for everywhere your guidance
reaches ev’ry land.
Thank you, I see your Word has meaning.
Thank you, I know your Spirit’s here.
Thank you because you love all people,
those both far and near.
Thank you, O Lord, you spoke unto us.
Thank you that for our words you care.
Thank you, O Lord, you came among us,
bread and wine to share.
Thank you, O Lord, your love is boundless.
Thank you that I am full of you.
Thank you, you made me feel so glad and
thankful as I do.
This simple song of thankfulness is of German origin: The original title was “Danke” – or “Danke für diesen guten Morgen”. Written by the German theologian, church musician and song-writer Martin Gotthard Schneider (1930–2017) in 1961. It was for a competition run by the Evangelische Akademie Tutzing for new sacred songs in the jazz or pop genre. It won first prize and later spent six weeks in the German pop-charts. Translated into 25 or more languages, the English translation was made by Walter Van Der Haas and Peter-Paul Van Lelyreid.