September 2021 Daily Prayer

''LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY''

Bring Joy to your day and read all the messages sent by Marisha and others and beautiful prayers that will fill your day with the most precious gift, free to all, the Word of God.

New: Rev'd John Poole will put out something on Fridays, and provide us with some ‘tasters’ for the coming Sunday

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Reading & Prayer 30th September 2021

Reflection from Jill Pargeter

I have been thinking about procrastination recently; I am very good at it!  So I decided to look at what the Bible says about it and it has challenged me.  There are lots of verses about not being lazy, making the most of the days we have, and putting God’s Kingdom first. But the passage in today’s reading resonated as we are in harvest season.  If a farmer doesn’t put the work in, he gets no harvest; if we don’t put the work in for God, we won’t see His Kingdom grow. 

So let’s work together to see the fruits of our labour in the church.

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Reading & Prayer 29th September 2021

Message from Marisha

The world loves young people and somehow as we get older our opinions are often not heard. How wonderful that the Lord still values   us even as we grow old. Many of us have been Christians for a long time and we have the first hand experiences of being able to trust and rely on the Lord. Experience is a valuable asset in the world during difficult times. 

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Reading & Prayer 28th September 2021

Message from Marisha

The world is full of different kinds of people, some we will have a natural affinity to and some who are so different it is hard to imagine ever having any kind of bond. That is what the standard is for a lot of people; do I like them, what have we in common, can we be friends. However, in our scripture today we are called to think and behave in a very different way. When we became a follower of Jesus we joined a very different set up; we became one family. Our thinking does not change overnight, we don't suddenly love or even like everyone but that is the goal to be aimed for by us all. We are now one body; Christ is in all and we are all in him. The Holy Spirit helps us when we seek him. He helps us to see others through the eyes of Christ which is always with love. He gently reminds us when we become judgemental or unkind; little by little we will change as we take heed of him. 

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Reading & Prayer 25th September 2021

Message from Marisha

I think the idea of love has probably been the most sung about topic that there is. Everyone wants to be loved by someone and in fact we all are. Over and above the love another person might have for us we have the love of God.  Love between people can be intense but then it can wane, that is the difference between our love and the love God has for us. His love never changes.

Today I will be reading the words from 1 Corinthians to people who have already declared their love for each other and inviting them to remember that God is also a vital part of the equation. As the scripture says 'a three cord rope is not easily broken' 

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Reading & Prayer 24th September 2021

Message from Marisha

I wanted to speak a little about forgiveness which is mentioned in the lovely passage from Colossians.

It is a fact of life that we all get hurt at times by others, not always in a malicious way, often just a careless word or attitude. We too can be the ones doing the hurting. I have often heard it said ' well I forgive but I am never going to forget' . I would have to think that there has been no real forgiveness going on.

Though we are not God we are expected to act in a Godly way which means allowing Him to take even the smallest remnant of unforgiveness and remembrance from us. It is not easy.

One way I believe helps us to change is to ask the Lord to pour down blessings on that person, want the very best for them. It is surprising how our own attitude changes when we see what the Lord is doing in that person's life. Having unforgiveness in our lives generally is more harmful to us than to the other person. They may not even be aware of how we feel. 

Let us recall that God forgave us and blotted out our sins forever, never to be remembered by Him. 

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Reading & Prayer 23rd September 2021

Message from Marisha

As I re-read the passage this morning, I realised that I have seriously under estimated what I and you all have when we receive salvation. As Christians we already seem to have so much; joy, peace, love and all the other gifts that have so freely been given and yet we have more to come.  I wonder what the full knowledge of salvation will feel like at the end when we see Jesus, face to face.  If it is good now, just imagine.......

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Reading & Prayer 22nd September 2021

Reflection from Jill Pargeter

Our reading today is from a letter that St Paul sent to the church in Colossae.  In this extract we read how Paul reassures his readers of his prayers.  Prayer is simply talking to God.  It is good to set aside time to be in God’s presence, but we can pray anytime and anywhere.  Simply put, prayer is conversing with God; we can do it while we are walking, shopping, cleaning, working or travelling.  St Paul was a busy man and the Colossians weren’t the only ones he prayed for; there must have been lots of people and churches on his prayer list!  But he says “we have not ceased praying for you”.  This implies that he prayed constantly, not shut away in a prayer room, but as he walked and talked, and went about his ministry, he was conversing with God.  It’s a good practice to have.

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Reading & Prayer 21 September 2021

Message from Marisha

How wonderful it would be if we were completely wise. How many mistakes we wouldn't have made, how many arguments we could have avoided, how many wrong paths taken but shouldn't have?

The Lord desires us to be wise in this world and he freely gives it to those who ask.  We do have to listen to what he is telling us. So often we are impulsive and just jump right in without thinking it through (guilty as charged on that one) without one small prayer for guidance. We are promised a life of peace and happiness to those who seek the wisdom of God; now who wouldn't want that? A wise person not only finds a better life, they are able to help others to be wise too and have all the riches that gold or silver cannot buy.

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Reading & Prayer 20th September 2021

Message from Marisha

Today we look on with concern at the volcanic eruption happening in La Palma, a sister island which we can see from Tenerife. Our hearts go out to the people, those we know from Synod and all who have made their home there. Our prayer today was written by Fr. Stan from Lanzarote another island of the Canaries. The world is full of natural disasters of course and we should pray for them too; now we have one on our door step and it is so much more personal. Just a little insight that wherever we are that place becomes precious to us.

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Reading & Prayer 18th September 2021

Reflection from Jill Pargeter

Freedom of choice – it’s a gift that most of us have and take for granted.  Some people may be forced into doing things they don’t want to do, but in general, most of us can choose what we do, where we go, who we see and how we live.  God never forces anyone to do anything; He asks us to do things, but has given us the free will to choose whether we do what he wants or not.  However, the

choices we make have consequences; sometimes the consequences will bring us happiness and sometimes our choices cause sorrow.  Every day we make choices; let’s try and make good ones for ourselves and others.

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Reading & Prayer 17 September 2021

Message from Marisha

Some of you may be gardeners or growers and you will know all about rearing your plants and even having produce at the end. All of us whether we know anything at all about plant growing are called to spread the seed of God's word.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if it were just a case of throwing a few seeds about and then coming back later to a fantastic harvest?

Any grower will tell you that planting the seed is the easy bit. After that is the rearing, the looking after, the sad case of trying hard but in the end nothing comes of the plant. There will of course be those who survive and flourish and go on even to make seeds themselves. Our scripture today can be taken several ways; looking after and providing for the faithful or as I saw it working to bring more people into the Kingdom. Even when people come to believe they still need nurturing and feeding.

However we see it, it can be a tiring business which never ends. We are asked to be steadfast and not grow weary. Whatever the task God gives us he will give us the wherewith all to do it.

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Reading & Prayer 16th September 2021

Reflection from Jill Pargeter

Our lives can sometimes become very busy and chaotic, especially if you are a ‘doer’ rather than a ‘thinker’.  But it is good to sometimes stop ‘doing’ and reflect on the moment.  When God formed the earth, it was a ‘formless void’; there’s nothing more chaotic than that!  But God created order out of the chaos.  Everything that God has created has order;  we only have to look close up at a snowflake or the leaves on a branch to see the patterns and perfection of God’s creation. If your life is full of ‘busyness’, take a few moments now to just sit and reflect on God, on His creation, on what He has done for us or just on who He is.  He wants to bring calm and order to your chaos.

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Reading & Prayer 15th September 2021

Message from Marisha

This morning's story from Acts is an amazing story of the unexpected. I am sure you have all seen films where somehow a prisoner escapes from jail and all the rest take the opportunity to run away too.  It could have been just like that in this case, Paul and Silas could have made their break for freedom when the earthquake shook the doors open. They didn't through. Why? Was it that they knew that the jailor would be punished for letting them get away or was it that they were trusting the Lord for their freedom, or being powerful witnesses that would make a man want to be like them. 

Perhaps it was all of that, but for sure they were already free men. They had already been made free when they accepted Christ as their Saviour. There are many in the world today in chains, imprisoned for their faith, even tortured, yet their faith remains strong, as it says in another scripture 'if Christ shall make you free you will be free indeed' and that includes whatever physical circumstances you are in. 

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Reading & Prayer 14th September 2021

Reflection from Jill Pargeter

Those of you who have had children will have heard them say "It's not fair" many times I'm sure. And as adults, there are times when things happen and we think 'that's not fair'. As Christians it's part of our nature to want fairness, equality and justice. And today's passage challenges us in this thinking.

Jesus tells the story of the vineyard owner who pays those who had only worked for an hour the same as those who had worked hard all day. It's no wonder the early workers felt aggrieved. But Jesus's parables about the Kingdom turn the world's ideas of fairness upside down. And one of the lessons that we can learn from this parable is that all those who come into God's Kingdom are equal. So whether you've been a Christian for 60 years, 6 years or 6 months, you are equally entitled to the same promise of eternal life.

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Reading & Prayer 13th September 2021

Reflection from Jill Pargeter

I have chosen today’s reading because, despite anything that we are going through, we know that God is always for us.  When we feel like we are walking on sinking sands, He sets our feet on a rock; when we are at our lowest point, He lifts us up out of the despair.  He is a faithful God who can be trusted and this Psalm reminds us to always acknowledge what God does for us, to be thankful and to always praise Him for His goodness, because none can compare with Him!

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Reading & Prayer 12th September 2021

Reflection from Jill Pargeter

We can gain many insights from the book of Proverbs. It is almost a manual for living, giving good advice about all sorts of things including relationships, parenting, trade, wealth and how to treat others. There are plenty of wise words, many of which were written by Solomon, who is known for his wisdom. However, this gift of wisdom, discernment and understanding wasn’t a natural talent. It was God-given. In today’s passage we read of how God asked Solomon what he wanted and he asked for “understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil”. And because Solomon asked for something that benefitted others rather than himself, God also gave him what he hadn’t asked for – riches and honour.

I wonder what we would ask for if God asked us what we wanted! All through the book of Proverbs, Solomon exhorts his readers to seek wisdom. Perhaps we should ask for that too.

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Reading & Prayer 11th January 2021

Message from Marisha

I am sure you have all heard the quote ' Christ is the head of this home, the unseen guest of every meal, the silent listener to every conversation' If we saw that regularly on our wall, would it make a difference to our behaviour? Our scripture today  says "The LORD took note and listened." There is no getting away from it, we can't fool the Lord. Not only does he hear us but knows our thoughts as well. Would we say and do some things if we thought that Jesus was standing next to us? Probably not. It is a challenge for us all. None of us is perfect and we have moments we regret. As we go along in our Christian walk, we need to recognise those times and ask for forgiveness. Whilst we are in this life our aim is to be more like Jesus. Keeping him in mind, will I am sure, temper some of the behaviours we have. He is wanting the very best for us.

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Reading & Prayer 10th September 2021

Reflection from Jill Pargeter

Yesterday Marisha led the memorial service for Fay and read Psalm 139.  I was thinking of these verses just the other day when I did one of the readings and prayers, but didn’t use those particular verses, so thought I would share them today.

When we go to a funeral or a memorial service, we hear about the life of the person who has died because we want to celebrate what they have done and what they have meant to us.  But every person who knew them would probably know something different about them, something that they shared with them.  Some will have seen them at work, others as part of their family, some at church or as part of their social circle, or from their tennis club, choir or dance class.  We see just parts of people’s lives, but God knows every single aspect of us, He knows us intimately and fully.  And we are wonderfully made by Him.  What an awesome God!

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Reading & Prayer 8th September 2021

Message from Marisha

Life does send us some curved balls at times. It is probably good that we don't know what is around the corner. When we look back over lives, I am sure we can all recall lots of hard times and problems but we survived them all and maybe even learnt something from them.

In our reading this morning we are assured of God's protection over lives.  That isn't to say we will have a carefree, problem less life but we know that to the Lord we are precious in his sight and our lives are important to him.

I hope you like today's picture taken by a member of our church. Just walking along over her were the protective wings of God. Look out for how the Lord is saving situations for you, getting you out of harm's way. He does so much I think we often don't even notice.

Let's remember to thank him too.

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Reading & Prayer 7th September 2021

Reflection from Jill Pargeter

Name changes are really interesting.  I have changed my surname a few time;

through marriage and more recently deed poll.  I chose my current surname

because it was my grandmother's maiden name and I was very close to her.  In

our passage today, we hear how Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter because

of his affirmation that Jesus was the Messiah.  It must have been quite

amusing to the disciples because of Jesus' play on words: Peter means 'rock'

and he says "On this rock I will build my church".  But it was a profound

statement that has had connotations for the Church through the ages. In the

Bible names are often given to babies because of how they believed their

character would be, and all names have meanings which may or may not

personify the bearer.  But whatever our name is, God knows it; He knows us

by name, He knows our character, He knows our strengths and our flaws, He

knows us inside out.  How wonderful that God calls us by name and knows us

intimately.

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Reading & Prayer 6th September 2021

Reflection from Jill Pargeter

As you will have seen from Marisha’s emails, she is taking two memorial services this week.  Thinking about this brought to mind today’s reading.  We really do not know how long we have on this earth; I’m sure many of us have lost loved ones in the past 18 months, some due to COVID and others due to other illnesses or tragic circumstances. 

I think for many people, the reality of death has been brought home to them and I know a lot of people who have said they want to make the most of their lives because you just don’t know what is round the corner.  The reading from the letter of James goes further than that; he says that we shouldn’t just be doing what WE want to do to make the most of our time, but we should be doing what GOD wants us to do.

Marisha is doing just that by giving her time to serve the Church in Tenerife.  Please pray for her this week as she comforts and supports the families and friends of Graham and Fay.

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Reading & Prayer 5th September 2021

Message from Marisha

Some people might say that we gravitate towards those who are like us; maybe of a similar education, or work or just the same kind of out look in life. Perhaps that is why there are so many clubs and associations in the world. People banding together with a common interest. I too have belonged to such clubs; the sewing club, human rights organisations, walking groups and others. Never fancied the tennis or chess club though.

As Christians we have a common interest; the same love of God, the same desire to follow Jesus, the same desire to obey the Lord's commandments. Yes, we have a great deal in common, we have become brothers and sisters in the Lord. However, there are still the differences to contend with.

Our scripture shows this up clearly. There will still be the rich and there will still be the poor and we certainly don't get rid of our bias or prejudice towards others in one go. We might not look at others favourably, perhaps judgementally even but that is not how God looks at us at all. He loves us, even with our faults, whatever nationality we are, however clever we are or how rich or poor we are. For that we can be thankful as we would almost all fail the test if he did judge us like that. We are called to love unconditionally. That is a tall order, there will always be people we struggle with, don't agree with or just don't gel. This is where the Holy Spirit comes in. God's desire is for us to love and through the Holy Spirit He makes that possible. We only have to be willing and allow the work in our hearts to be done. So often we hold on the old grudges, old prejudices and stuff that belongs to our old life not the new creation we have become through Jesus.

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Reading & Prayer 4th September 2021

Message from Marisha

Invariably each of us has a different picture of what Jesus the Christ looks like. I know because I have looked at dozens on the internet. Whilst we can only imagine what He looks like we do know from the scriptures what he is like. The height and breadth of him is hard to comprehend. We tend to understand in little fragments at a time; Jesus the healer, Jesus our Saviour, Jesus the cornerstone of the church and so much more. Actually, it is quite exciting to think that there is more to know and understand about him as our lives go by. One day of course we will meet him face to face and at that point I am not sure that it will matter what we know or don't. Being with him will be enough.

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Reading & Prayer 3rd September 2021

Message from Marisha

I wonder how many of us have seen an angel. I know people who have. As the scriptures remind us maybe 'we have entertained angels unawares '.  Peter, at first, thought he was having a vision and that would be understandable to most of us but after getting through locked gates and past guards he did believe that God had sent an angel. I am sure that encounter changed Peter's outlook a whole lot.

There are many testimonies of how God has changed situations for people, even rescued them from disaster or certain death. What does it mean for us when we hear these stories? Are they meant for others but not actually you or me? I think they enlarge our faith and trust in the Lord. We might not always need a rescuing angel but  each and every one of us is special to God and he looks after us according to our individual needs. 

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Reading & Prayer 2nd September 2021

Reflection from Jill Pargeter

Today’s reading is a well-known one and can often be a comfort when things are not going as we hoped they would.  A couple of the lines jumped out to me as I read it again and helped me to reflect on what is happening for me right now.

The first was ‘a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing’ – we have all had to refrain from embracing over the last 18 months; some of us have not even been able to see our loved ones and when we have, we have had to keep distant.  But it was the right time to refrain from embracing to protect others  So now, that we can hug each other again, let’s value it and appreciate those loving hugs we receive.

The second line that stood out for me was ‘a time to keep and a time to throw away’.  If you have been reading my reflections over the last few weeks, you will know that I’m in the UK to have a big sort out as I moved to Tenerife last October, but had put all my belongings in storage in the UK.  So, during the last few weeks I have been deciding what to keep and what to dispose of.  It’s really amazing how little you actually really want to keep.  What is really important to us?

As you read the passage, ask God to highlight verses that are pertinent to you and reflect on what that means for you in your particular circumstances.

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Reading & Prayer 1st September 2021

Message from Marisha

I expect for many of us reading this mornings scripture we might consider ourselves 'officially retired' or leastways not in paid employment. Of course when we serve the Lord there is no retirement date; we are His and right to the end of this earthly life there will be tasks for us to fulfil. It may be to be an intercessor, it may to be a befriender, it may be just being available to help others when needed. Wherever we find ourselves in life it will be because the Lord has put us there for a purpose and for that reason alone we can be content. When we live in the centre of God's will, doing what He requires, being a faithful witness in the world, there can be no better place to be.

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 Reading & Prayer 30th September 2021

Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:8-10

Loving Father, You are the God of all provision and we thank you for the abundant harvest that you provide year after year. Help us, Lord, to make the most of opportunities that present themselves to us to serve you and help others.  Give us the desire to serve you to the best of our ability and not to put off doing good. Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 29th September 2021

The righteous flourish like the palm tree,

and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

They are planted in the house of the Lord;

they flourish in the courts of our God.

In old age they still produce fruit;

they are always green and full of sap,

showing that the Lord is upright;

he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him

Psalm 92:12-15

Loving God, you have known and cared for us from the beginning of our lives and your love continues even as we grow old. In you we have life and strength and pray that we will still be useful to your kingdom even unto our departing this life. When we feel weak, send us your strength, when we are afraid or uncertain send us your courage that your will for our lives will be fulfilled. Amen

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 Reading & Prayer 28th September 2021

There is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all! As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:11b-15

Lord God, we thank you that you have given us a new heart and a new life. May we  live out the truth of your Gospel in our relationships, in our worship and in our inner being. We long for the day when we no longer struggle to be as you would wish us to be. May we bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our life and all that would be pleasing to you. Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 25th September 2021

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-13

Lord God, you created us in love and you have never forsaken us because of that love You have made us for love; to love you and each other. When our hearts grow dim and our love diminishes, fill us again by the power of the Holy Spirit with the joy and faith that bring us back to be the loving people you want us to be. May your implanted love in us go out into the world that other might see that you are indeed the God of love. Amen

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 Reading & Prayer 24th September 2021

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:12-4:1

Holy Spirit, direct our ways, and sharpen our conscience.

Loving God, forgive us when we fail to love as we should.

Jesus, may our lives reflect you and all you are.

We are thankful for the work you have begun in us and that you walk with in our daily lives, protecting and keeping us. Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 23rd September 2021

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:1-10

Lord God, our hearts rejoice that though our Lord Jesus Christ we have become new a new creation and we have hope. Blessed be your name. We pray for your protection from all that would cause us to be afraid, or have doubt. May we, at the end of this earthly life be presented spotless before your throne and in the mean while be faithful servants in your service. Amen

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 Reading & Prayer 22nd September 2021

For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.  May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. 

Colossians 1:9-12

Heavenly Father, thank you that through Jesus we have an open door to your presence.  We praise you for your compassion and concern for all humankind.  We know that you want us to bring our prayers for the world, for our neighbours, for our friends and loved ones to you.  Give us the desire the consistently bring each other’s needs before you, and in doing so, may we bear the fruit of patience, perseverance and joy. Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 21st September 2021

Happy are those who find wisdom,

and those who get understanding,

for her income is better than silver,

and her revenue better than gold.

She is more precious than jewels,

and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Long life is in her right hand;

in her left hand are riches and honour.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

and all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;

those who hold her fast are called happy.  

Proverbs 3:13-18

Father God, in your great love for us you have given us the opportunity to live our lives wisely and pleasing to you. We earnestly desire your wisdom, for we know  it will keep us walking in the way of righteousness and goodness. Take from us all that is not worthy or would keep us from the happiness and peace you wish for us. Amen

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 Reading & Prayer 20th September 2021

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,

    the world, and those who live in it;

for he has founded it on the seas,

    and established it on the rivers.

Psalm 24:1-2

Heavenly Father, Lord of sea and sky. Thank You that You are sovereign over all creation. But because our earth is fallen and flawed, and for reasons we do not always understand, natural disasters are allowed to happen - disasters that sometimes cause injury and devastation. Your Word tells us that no matter what our circumstances are we can take both big and small things to You in prayer and that You will hear us. Lord. We thank You that no one has been killed from the volcanic eruption on La Palma and we pray it stays that way. Please keep Your people on La Palma safe during this time of uncertainty. God, we also pray that this volcanic eruption would cease quickly so that people would be able to return to their homes.

In the name of your precious Son, Jesus Christ, Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 18th September 2021

“Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.  Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:14,15

Heavenly Father, we thank you that you created us freely and with free will.  We repent of the times when we have not done your will because we have favoured our own.  We pray that you would show us your will, and that we would make wise choices.  Help us to sincerely pray ‘Thy will be done”. Amen

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 Reading & Prayer 17 September 2021

Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

Galatians 6:9-10

Father God, you have given all things for our benefit especially our Lord Jesus Christ. You have trusted us with your precious Word to sow in the world so that none might be lost but all may be saved. Give us courage to speak, stamina to continue in the work given to us and faith that we will bear fruit for the Kingdom according to your word. Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 16th September 2021

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.  Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.  And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.  God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.”  So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so.  God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so.  God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.  Then God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so.  The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:1-12

Creator God, you brought order out of chaos.  We thank you for all that you have perfectly created.  Thank you that we can enjoy the beauty of your creation.  Help us to take the time to just ‘be’ with you and to enjoy your presence. We pray that those whose lives are so busy may find peace and order in their chaos. Amen

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 Reading & Prayer 15th September 2021

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Acts 16:25-30

Lord God, in you we are free, whether bound or not, for through Christ we have been made free, have become your own daughters and sons and now have eternity with you. May we live our lives in expectation, in faith, that you have a plan for us which the world cannot thwart. Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 14th September 2021

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.  After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.  When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went.  When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same.  And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’  They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’  When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’  When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage.  Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage.  And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’  But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?  Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Matthew 20:1-16

Father God, You are a just and faithful God.  We praise you for the generous blessings you give us and the promise of eternal life.  We thank you that we don’t have to ‘earn’ our salvation; it is given freely.  We pray that we would see the world through your eyes and treat everyone equally as you do. Amen

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 Reading & Prayer 13th September 2021

I waited patiently for the Lord;

    he inclined to me and heard my cry.

He drew me up from the desolate pit,

    out of the miry bog,

and set my feet upon a rock,

    making my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth,

    a song of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear,

    and put their trust in the Lord.

Happy are those who make

    the Lord their trust,

who do not turn to the proud,

    to those who go astray after false gods.

You have multiplied, O Lord my God,

    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;

    none can compare with you.

Were I to proclaim and tell of them,

    they would be more than can be counted.

Psalm 40:1-5

Almighty God, our all-powerful Creator and Lord, we praise you that you have rescued us from our despair.  Thank you that you keep your promises and bless those who put their trust in you.  We praise you with our songs and honour you with our lives.  May we always be thankful for your goodness. Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 12th September 2021

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today.  And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.  And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted.  Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?”

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed, I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.  I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honour all your life; no other king shall compare with you.

1 Kings 3:5-13

Almighty God, You are all-wise, the source of all true wisdom, Your understanding is beyond measure and Your knowledge is perfect. Thank you that you long to give us what we need and you delight in giving us what we want.   Give us the grace to ask for what we really need and guide us in your wisdom to paths of understanding. Amen

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 Reading & Prayer 11th September 2021

Those who revered the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him, of those who revered the Lord and thought on his name. They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, my special possession on the day when I act, and I will spare them as parents spare their children who serve them. 

Malachi 3:16-17

Father God, you indeed are our Father who loves and cares for us. Our lives have been changed through your grace and mercy; once we were in darkness and now we are in the light. Forgive us when we act or speak unworthily; may our voice only praise your name and all we do only give glory to you. Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 10th September 2021

For it was you who formed my inward parts;    

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.    

Wonderful are your works;

that I know very well.    

My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,    

intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.

In your book were written    

all the days that were formed for me,    

when none of them as yet existed.

Psalm 139:13-16

Creator God, we praise you that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  You knit us together in our mother’s womb; the whole of creation is a mystery to us, but we thank you for everything you have created.  We are so glad that you know us intimately and love us unconditionally.  You understand us and are always there at our side. May we know your love and presence with us. Amen

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 Reading & Prayer 8th September 2021

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence;

he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day,

or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only look with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place,

no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the adder,

the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.

Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name.

When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble,

I will rescue them and honour them. With long life I will satisfy them,

and show them my salvation.

Psalm 91 v 1-16

Father Almighty, you are our protector, our guide in this life and to you we owe our very existence. We give you thanks that through all the adversities which come our way you are with us and we face nothing alone. In you we trust. Keep us strong in faith until the day when there will be no more danger, fear or anxiety but only peace in your Holy presence. Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 7th September 2021

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 

Matt 16:15-18

Lord God, You have so many wonderful names – thank you that we can call you Father, Lord, Healer, Counsellor, Comforter and so many others.  We thank you that you have called us by name because you know each of us intimately.  You know the number of hairs on our head and we are your sons and daughters.  Help us to remember that you have called us your friends too. Amen

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 Reading & Prayer 6th September 2021

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.”  Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that.”  As it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.  Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin.

James 4:13-17

Eternal God, we thank for the life we have; a life full of good things.  And we thank you that when life becomes fragile, you are there to support us and to comfort us. We pray that we will heed your word and make the most of the lives we have to serve you, to serve your church and to serve each other. Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 5th September 2021

My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favouritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonoured the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you?                                                                                                      

You do well if you really fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.

James 2:1-10

Father God and Lord of all, in you there is no partiality, for all are loved and precious in your sight.  We are sorry that so often we fall short of loving our neighbours as our selves. We ask for your forgiveness and pray that our hearts will truly be changed and we see others as you see them. Let no discrimination come between between your  people; may we learn from each other, may we be generous to those who have little material advantages but most of all may we learn to love each other as you have loved us. Amen

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 Reading & Prayer 4th September 2021

Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

Colossians 1:15-20

Jesus, we worship and adore you

In you we have our being

Jesus, our Saviour and redeemer, we love you 

In you we have everything Jesus,

in you all is known; love, wisdom, and compassion 

In you we are reconciled to the Father,

this day and forever more

Jesus, Lord of all we praise your Holy name. Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 3rd September 2021

When King Herod had seized Peter, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him.     The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. The angel said to him, “Fasten your belt and put on your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel’s help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting

Acts 12:1-11

Lord God, Almighty Father, we give thanks to all who had faith and called upon your name to save Peter whilst he was imprisoned. We give thanks for your glorious and miraculous provision of an angel to rescue your servant. We pray that we too will have faith in the miraculous, have faith in your abiding love for us and have faith that with you all things are possible. Open our eyes that we may glimpse beyond the known and the physical, that will cause us to never doubt your power and provision in every situation. Amen

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 Reading & Prayer 2nd September 2021

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to throw away;

a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Eternal God, you control time and space.  Thank you that everything we do is in your hands.  We know that everything has its time and place, yet sometimes we react negatively when something happens that we don’t like  Help us, Lord, to accept your timings, whether that involves tears or laughter, speaking or silence, mourning or dancing. Amen 

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 Reading & Prayer 1st September 2021

Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24

Father God, Lord of all, our lives belong to you and we are your willing servants. However we are used and employed may it always be for your glory. May each task bring both you and us joy knowing we have been obedient to your word. Let our lives serve as a witness to those who do not know you and our words echo the words of love you put into our hearts. Amen

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