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The LORD is righteous in all he does, merciful in all his acts. He is near to those who call to him, who call to him with sincerity.
Psalm 145:17-18
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Week 28th February to 6th March 2021
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Sunday
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness and was tempted as we are, yet without sin; give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Monday
Liberating Lord, we give you thanks for the Prime Minister’s announcement that all schools can reopen from 8th March. We know that many pupils have missed out on several months of face-to-face teaching. For this reason, we pray for all school children who have been unable to go to school. Please help them catch up with learning and other social skills that have been affected by lockdown restrictions. We ask too that pupils’ mental wellbeing will be a priority in the coming months. Your word in Psalm 127v3 reminds us “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.” Amen.
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Tuesday
Unchanging God, we pray for missionaries who are labouring to spread the gospel among the nations. Please give them wisdom and understanding of different cultures, so they can tell others the truths of your saving grace. Enlighten us with your Spirit so that the whole world may be filled with the knowledge of your truth. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.
Are there any missionaries connected to your church that you can uphold in prayer and encourage them in some way?
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Wednesday
Creator God, thank you for the rich cultural heritage that we have in the Church. We praise you for the many works of literature, architecture, paintings, stained glass, sculptures and music. Your word in Exodus ch35v30-35 and in chapter 36 tells us how highly you value the skills and abilities of craftsmen. As pandemic restrictions ease, help us to share these treasures with others in ways that draw them to you. In your mercy. Amen.
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Thursday
All Wise Saviour, we bring before you the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have officially stepped down as working royals and also lost their royal patronages and military titles. Please guide them in what their next steps should be and where their priorities should lie. We pray for the safe arrival of their second child, due in the Spring. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Friday
Creator and Father of all, we pray for those who are elderly and do not feel as well as they used to. Bless them and those who serve their needs; that they may put their whole trust in you and be filled with your peace. Please be especially close to older people who are less mobile and sometimes find it difficult to get out. May they know your presence and not feel isolated in the communities where they live. In your mercy, we pray. Amen.
Are there any elderly people in your church that you can offer practical support to?
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Saturday
Psalm 95v1 says: “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” God of mercy and compassion, your word calls us to faith and love. Accept all we offer you this day and sustain us in all we do. Help us to serve you in a way that honours you and brings glory to your name. In the name of Jesus, Christ the Lord. Amen.
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A Word in Season from Rev Ian Moore
“ …… Jesus went out to the mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12 NKJV). Jesus, the Son of God, spent the night praying alone! Finding a solitary place to pray was an integral part of Jesus’ life (see Mk 1:35, Lk 4:42 & Mk 14:32).
The verses that follow our text are amazing. They describe how, after the night of prayer, Jesus came down to His disciples and chose twelve to be Apostles. He went on to heal a great number of sick and demonised people. Finally, “Looking at His disciples, He said: “Blessed are you who are poor for yours is the kingdom of God ….”. Jesus preached the greatest sermon the world has ever known, the Sermon on the Mount, expounding the ethics of the Kingdom of Heaven. This happened because He had spent time with His Father.
Later Jesus told His disciples, “I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.” (Jn 12:49). Jesus spent time regularly sitting at His Father’s feet. How much more should you and I follow His example. It’s total presumption and folly to do anything less. It’s an affront to God for me to think I can search Google, instead of waiting upon God and listening to His still, small voice.
The amazing truth is, God wants to talk with you. The prime reason He calls us to “lie down in green pastures” is to converse with us, without distraction. Will you do it?
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General enquiries email: admin@nctuk.org or call 01277 365398 (option 4)
Nationwide Christian Trust
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