Faith & Worship

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.  This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.  In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,  for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world."
(1 John 5:1-4 )

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Life is stressful, Father,
Every second of our time
controlled precisely,
whether by work or play
'Must go there' 'Must do this'
'Must watch that'
'Must buy one of those'
'Must achieve something'
'Must be loved' 'Must feel wanted'
'Must do more' 'Must win'
'Must… must… must…'

Father, you gave us limited hours
within each day
for work and play,
and balanced them by the allocation
of night and day,
and provision of the Sabbath.
It is our choice to push the boundaries
of what you consider reasonable,
and live our lives to the limits,
become stressed,
and unwell.
Bring us back to simplicity of living, Father,
when what matters is not
'must' or 'more'
but 'maybe' and 'in all good time'

Give us the time to reassess our lives,
our worth, and our responsibilities,
to ourselves and others

 

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If we had a fraction of the faith in you that you have in us
then this world would be transformed, Lord.

If we showed a fraction of the love that you show to us
then this world would be transformed, Lord

If we possessed a fraction of the patience that you display with us
then this world would be transformed, Lord.

If we shared just a portion of the blessings that we have received from you
then this world would be transformed, Lord.

If we showed as much trust in others as you have shown in us
then this world would be transformed, Lord.

If we claimed just a fraction of the power you promised to your Church
then this world would be transformed, Lord.

Transform us first, Lord, that we might transform this world
through your love and your power.

 

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Can we really move mountains
with a mustard seed of faith?
It seems rather a difficult task.
Could we maybe start with a molehill
and work our way up gradually?
But that's not the way it works, is it, Lord?
So often you challenge us
with the mountain
when we feel so unprepared,
unequipped for the task.
It's then that we have to put self aside,
and fear,
and pride,
and cling tightly to your hand.
It is only then that we really feel
the warmth of your touch the certainty of your love,
the power of your presence.
It is only then
that our faith begins to grow,
and we begin to see our real potential.
Thank your, Heavenly Father,
for mountains,
and mustard seeds,

 

 

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Loving God, we see all around us
the evidence of your love
and your loving provision for our needs.
And yet on our television screens,
our newspapers and on the streets of our towns and cities
we see people who have so few of life's basic essentials,
clean water, food and shelter.
This is wrong, we know that in our hearts.
You love all of humankind, not just the ones
that history has placed in the so-called developed world.
Loving God grant a spirit of responsibility
to those in positions of power
a conscience that sees inequality
and wants to do something about it.
And Lord, include us,
for we have become immune
to the suffering of others.

 

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God of Love, God of Peace,
This fractured word
Cries out in pain,
Burns deep into my soul
And challenges me,
To make a difference.

God of Love, God of Peace,
God of this world,
Scarred by grief and tears,
Ignorance and fear.
Soften hearts of stone,
And begin with mine.

God of Love, God of Peace,
Create within me
A heart for people,
A desire for change,
For new beginnings,
To start this day.

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Your people,
A particular people,
Chosen and cherished
From the beginning of time,
Lavished and loved,
Sheltered and shepherded
Through sunshine and storm.
Restore us O Lord,
Make your face shine upon us,
That we might be saved.

Your children,
Prodigal children
Wandering far from home,
A wilderness people
Yet never forgotten,
Never separated
From the warmth of your love .
Restore us O Lord,
Make your face shine upon us,
That we might be saved.

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