Week Beginning May 19

Luke 23 & 24

So much in two chapters! Luke captured so much signiiucant stuff in his story of Jesus’ trial, death, resurrection and then appearance to the people. As I pray LORD what are you saying to me through these passages – the first thing that comes to me is how much happens in life and that God is present in every moment. At times I tend to package God into ’special’ moments whereas the text today has God’s hand and presence in every moment of the story. Whether it is Pilate questioning Jesus or Jesus speaking to women along the ‘way of sorrows’ to his death or the theives on the cross or the men on the road to Emmaus – every moment is filled with God. This is what I will take with me today – that every moment has God’s presence and purpose at work. Prayer [LORD may I be like Luke today and see your story happening in my life and in the lives of those around me. Thank you Jesus for going the distance for the sake of everyone. Amen]

Psalm 20

These words give me hope and assurance today – 4May God do what you want most and let all go well for you. 5Then you will win victories, and we will celebrate, while raising our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD answer all of your prayers! 6I am certain, LORD, that you will help your chosen king. You will answer my prayers from your holy place in heaven, and you will save me with your mighty arm. 7Some people trust the power of chariots or horses, but we trust you, LORD God. 8Others will stumble and fall,  but we will be strong and stand firm. May you also know that others are praying this prayer for you today.

Week beginning 12th May

Luke 21

Trouble – what a week of trouble in Asia – Cyclones and Earthquakes. As if it’s straight out of Luke 21. The stories coming out through the media. And what a contrast – one country open to help and the other shut down. I almost get overwhelmed when I think on what it must be like there, but am thankful for those who are trying to help. [LORD bring your strength and peace and mercy] All through Luke 21 Jesus says ‘don’t worry’ – how can he say this in such devastating conditions – but ‘don’t worry’ is the good news that God’s purpose and God’s eternity is greater than any present suffering. This doesn’t diminish the suffering but it allows us to ultimately not be overcome by it. God’s good day will come – and this, even in the place of devastation, can keep us perservering. Please pray for the people of Burma and China.

Week Beginning 5th May

Luke 19

What am I doing with what God has given me? This is the question that jumps out at me from the stories of Luke 19 – Zacchaeus and the ten servants. Each of them had a role with responsibilities. Some of them responded with wisdom and some squandered. Zacchaeus provides me with the picture of hope and conversion. Ater meeting Jesus his heart and mind were changed and he knew what he had to do. Jesus didn’t have to tell him, Zacchaeus responded out of his own actions. The key here is taking time with Jesus and seeing the world and eternity through His eyes. [My Prayer - LORD help me serve you and others through all that you have given me.]

Luke 20

Jesus has come into Jerusalem and now he is really beginning to upset people. The closer Jesus got to the cross the more His passion came out and the more His way challenged those around him and those in authority who didn’t act justly or truthfully. But Jesus didn’t relent from His course of action. The word for me today is persistence and passion. [My Prayer - LORD keep your Spirit alive in me that I might follow Jesus' way with persistence and passion]

Psalm 18

I love you LORD God, and you make me strong. You are my mighty rock, my fortress and my protector, teh rock where I am safe, my shield, my powerful wepon, and my place of shelter. The words of someone who has experienced the love and care of God. I am quick to call to God when things are tough…am I equally as quick to give thanks when God has given me a victory in my life? David recognises that it is only God who can love and care for him in the battles of life. It is good to be reminded of God’s love and power and to offer thanks for victories won. [My prayer - LORD I want to say amen to David's pslam of thanks - only you give the victory in life]

Genesis 18

The promises of God are good – Abraham’s relationship with God is an example to me of the kind of relationship that God wants with me/us. A friendship where God can bless us and a friendship where we can come to God and ask/challenge/question what God is doing or going to do. God will listen to us when we have this relationship with God. [My Prayer - LORD, thankyou for your promises for life and blessings - please help your church, your world to listen to you and what you desire for us. We need your love and compassion, your truth and your justice. Let it be so]