Call to worship:

He tends His flock like a Shepherd, he gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah Ch 40 v11)

In Heavenly Love abiding

Pray:

Today, we miss what Sunday offered us and have taken for granted, an opportunity to gather together one with another for public worship and Christian fellowship. To welcome dear friends, and to welcome new guests. Almighty God, nor worship though , is confined to one place, or a building, or a day. We believe all our life is worship and lived before Him. Therefore, pray reminding yourself of the presence of the Lord, of the spiritual unity we have in Christ, as members of His body, the Church. Pray today that He might ‘Search me and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts, see if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting’ (Psalm 139 23-24). Pray our lives would seek to glorify Him and that the theme of the devotional today would bless those who visit and would honour our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Children’s Story: Good Shepherd 

Song: The Baa Baa Song

Readings:

Psalm 23:

2 Corinthians Ch1 v3-11:

Listen to: Whate’er My God ordains is right: with Kirsty, Theresa, Debbie, Gary, Claire, Margaret N and Frances

There is a Hope

The 23rd Psalm: Singing the Lord’s Song in our tumultuous times:(5)                                                     “Valley Faith”

Prayer:

Pray over what you have heard today. Take time today praying to the Lord about all the fears that you carry. Pray asking Him to help you remember He is with you, and in faith through Christ, we are with Him. Pray asking for the strength we each need to deal with the Lock Down. Pray for the comfort and compassion He gives us in His love and mercy that we may nurture such a heart in serving others. Pray for one another through this difficult time, and for one another as a church family. Pray for all who are self-isolating because they are more vulnerable to the threat of infection. Pray for families with children, the disruption to their normal routine, to school, exams, and being with friends. Remember all we hear of who are in need of experiencing His comfort and compassion. Pray our devotion and hope in the Lord will grow deeper as we depend on Him. Pray we may use our time wisely, taking time to read His Word and in prayer that we may walk with him more closely. Remember the significance of VE day and give thanks for the freedoms we are beginning to realise are precious.

Leaning on the Everlasting arms

Blessing:

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever! Amen. 2 Peter Ch3 v18

For thinking over:

Read 2 Corinthians Ch 1 v3-11 again.

1. What caused Paul to praise God (Ch1:3).  For what can you praise God today?
2. What is one reason God comforts us (Ch1:3, 4)? Find other examples in the Bible that point to God’s mercy and love as the basis for our expression of mercy and love to others.
3. What trouble had Paul endured in Asia (Ch1:8)? What happened as a result of these troubles? What might God be teaching you through the troubles that you are enduring?

Resources:

The UK Blessing

Free e-Book: Revelation for You by Tim Chester