Friday 31st July:
Hymn: Who paints the skies (SofF 1118)
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, so often we are pre-occupied with the question ‘why?’, and often end up frustrated because we can’t find a satisfactory answer. But when we ask ‘who?’ – who is responsible for all the wonder of Creation, who has won for us forgiveness and the promise of eternal life, who is with us and loves us and gives us peace, and hope for the future, then there is only one answer, and it is you Jesus. Thank you!
Amen
Liz Stuart
Thursday 30th July:
Hymn: Immortal, invisible, God only wise (StF 55/H&P9)
Prayer:
Eternal God, this pandemic has taught us that with all our scientific knowledge, all our human wisdom, with all our medical skills, there is so much we do not understand, that is beyond even the sharpest minds – so many questions that we cannot answer. And so we turn to you, our all wise, all knowing, all loving God, coming in humility, admitting our limitations, and acknowledging our dependence on you. We ask, Lord, that through all we have experienced we may learn a greater respect for your Creation, and through putting our trust in you, find hope for the future. In Jesus’ Name.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Wednesday 29th July:
Hymn: Faith can light a candle in the dark
Prayer:
Sometimes, Lord Jesus, the world can seem a very dark place. The news brings stories of war and suffering, of injustice and inhumanity, and we look in vain for signs of hope. And there are people we know who are going through difficult times – and maybe we ourselves too. It’s then, Lord, that we need to remember that through the Cross and the victory of your Resurrection the power of evil and even of death itself has broken once and for all, and that with you there is light in the darkness, and you say to us ‘do not be afraid.’ So help us to hold onto our faith, Lord, for then that ‘fire of hope will burn within our hearts’, as we find security in your love.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Tuesday 28th July:
Hymn: The Potter’s hand (SofF 1184)
Prayer:
Loving God, you were at work in us before we were born, guiding our first steps into life and into faith. You have a perfect plan, designed by the Master Craftsman, and individually tailor-made for each one of us. As you gently lead us to discover our calling, give us the courage to let go of our own desires and allow you to mould us, and to fill our lives with the presence and power of your Holy Spirit, that we may become fully alive in you, fully aware of you, and grow ever more completely into the people you created us to be. In Jesus’ Name.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Monday 27th July:
Hymn: Fight the good fight (StF 634/H&P 710)
Prayer:
At the beginning of a new working week, we thank you loving Lord, that whatever we are doing, whatever we may face, that ‘Christ is our strength’. His grace and his resources are there for us, waiting for us to call upon him so that his Holy Spirit may guide and reassure us. For then we are given the courage we need to step out in faith and trust.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Sunday 26th July:
Hymn: O my soul, arise and bless your maker (SofF 1481)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when we think of all you are to us, all you have won for us through your Cross and Resurrection, and all you want to bring to birth through your Holy Spirit alive in us, we cannot help but sing your praises with hearts overflowing in love and thanksgiving. As we worship you today, we ask that you will strengthen our faith and trust in you, both now and for the future.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Saturday 25th July:
Hymn: Over all the earth you reign on high (StF 63/SofF 1498)
Prayer:
Lord God, we see the evidence of your goodness and your power in the world around us – all of your creation speaks, no, shouts aloud of your majesty and glory. What would it mean, Lord, for you to be king in our lives – for us to allow Jesus to be not only our Saviour but also our Lord! Then surely we shall become the people you created us to be, truly reflecting your beauty and your love – and so this is our prayer today: ‘Lord, reign in me!’, to your praise and glory.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Friday 24th July:
Hymn: Faithful (SofF 2271)
Prayer:
In a confusing and disturbing world, Lord God you are forever faithful. You are the One who holds us in the palm of your hand, not removing us from the storms of life but shielding our souls, giving us an inner peace and security that comes from knowing that nothing can or ever will separate us from your loving care. Thank you, Lord, that whatever is going on around us we do not need to fear.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Thursday 23rd July:
Hymn: King of kings, majesty (StF 331/SofF 1404/CMP 1000)
Prayer:
Lord God, you are an awe-inspiring God, and we want to praise and worship you with our whole heart. But what is even more amazing is that you want to make your home in us, to transform us from the inside out through your Holy and Life-giving Spirit living in us. As we revel in your love and tenderness towards us, as we remember all you have done for us in Jesus Christ, may we never forget just how great you are, and respond to you not only in love and thanksgiving, but also in humility.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Wednesday 22nd July:
Hymn: Christ be in my waking (SofF 2244)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for being with us at all times and in every situation. We want to grow deeper in our faith and to become more like you, so help us to invite you into every part of our lives, the day to day routine, the joys and disappointments, and into the parts we try to keep hidden, even from ourselves. For only then can we really come close to you, and truly become enfolded in your love and your peace.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Tuesday 21st July:
Hymn: You carried me
Prayer:
Sometimes, Lord, there comes a point when we don’t know which way to turn. We’ve explored all the possibilities, tried to find a way to relieve the pain, the anxiety, the feeling of helplessness, the grief, all to no avail. It’s then, Jesus, that we remember how you have been there for us in the past – not with easy answers, but lifting the weight of our burdens, reminding us how much you love us, and inviting us to lean on you. And in this we find the courage and the hope we need. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness.
Liz Stuart
Monday 20th July:
Hymn: Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we don’t know what lies ahead of us in this coming week, what challenges we will face, what unexpected news we will receive, or what gifts of joy and hope will come our way. But what we can be sure of is that your grace and your strength is, and always will be, sufficient to meet our every need. So grant us patience, Lord, and help us to trust you to work in every situation we find ourselves in, for you love us and will never let us go.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Sunday 19th July:
Hymn: Shine, Jesus, shine (Stf 59/MP 445/SofF 362)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it’s so wonderful that we can come into your presence at any time, and that whenever and however we come, we are always welcome, always accepted and always changed. Help us to grow more and more into your likeness, so that all we are and all we do may reflect your light and your love, to your praise and glory.
Amen.
Liz Stuart
Saturday 18th July:
Hymn: Great is the Lord (StF 50/MP 199/SofF 145)
Prayer:
Often at the time, Lord, we don’t recognise when you are at work in our lives. It’s only as we look back that we can see how you have inspired us, enabled us and brought us into the place we are now. Not that it’s always been an easy path, but somehow your purpose has shone through, and most of all, we have had the assurance of being safely held and deeply loved. And so we want to praise and thank you, Lord.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Friday 17th July:
Hymn: My Lighthouse
Prayer:
In our times of darkness, despair or doubt, you, Lord Jesus, are the One who alone can bring us the light, the direction and the reassurance we need. As a lighthouse beams its light over turbulent seas, guiding ships to a safe harbour, so we find safety and shelter in the arms of your love. We put our hope and our trust in you.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Thursday 16th July:
Hymn: I will sing the wondrous story (StF 323/H&P 223)
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you are with us in every season of our lives – that you never leave us or forsake us. Whatever we have gone through, are going through, not only will you give us the strength to keep going, but because you have conquered sin and death, we have the assurance that our future is secure in your love. And in this we find peace and hope.
Amen
Liz Stuart
Wednesday 15th July:
Hymn: Under his wings
Prayer:
Sometimes, Lord, the more freedom we are granted the less secure we feel. How good it is, then, to know that we have absolute safety in you. That in every situation your everlasting arms are there to encircle us, giving us the comfort and the strength we need, and that, at the end of the day, nothing can ever separate us from your love. Thank you for this wonderful promise!
Amen
Liz Stuart
