Prayer Matters

January – April 2014 Including LENT

Dear Friends, Along with Karen and Philippa I have great joy in welcoming you to this new season of prayer. This issue of Prayer Matters, collated and edited by Karen Findlay, includes material for the time of Lent. We are grateful to Major Kath Jones, Assistant Spiritual Life Secretary for preparing this for us. As I write to you we are planning for the Prayer Gathering at Swanwick taking place at the end of January. The response for this event has been overwhelming and this indicates the need in the Territory to deepen our spiritual lives. The theme for the weekend is ‘Prophesy’ which follows on from the excellent resource booklet written for us by Lyndall Bywater called ‘Prophetic Prayer, walking with the God who talks.’ We had 5,000 copies printed and needed a reprint which again indicates the desire to listen to God, be in tune with what He is saying and be obedient to His voice. In our praying we often sing and say too much. This is not wrong of course; we all have the need to call out to God. But finding time to be silent, to listen, to be open to God’s voice and to enjoy the quietness ,is maybe rather more demanding in our busy lives. An old song, ‘In the secret of thy presence’ (SASB 591), came alive for me when I had spent a few hours in the prayer room at the corps hall. To have permission to be with God during our 24/7 prayer event was an absolute pleasure and to sing the words ‘In the secret of thy presence, in the hiding of thy power’, was simply an affirmation of what had happened between me and God during those hours. I would encourage you to spend what we often call a ‘quiet time’, actually being quiet before God. As the Bible Challenge continues we have included the chapter for each day to remind us all of the reading plan. You will have heard of Fit for Mission and I believe that to be fit spiritually we need to add a measure of prayer into our daily lives. Prayer Matters helps us to focus on some specific prayer subjects and unites us with thousands of others who are praying for the same issues. Again, thank you for your prayers. The prayers of the people in this Territory are a powerful force. We need each other and thank God for each of you. Blessings Jill Major Jill Miller, Prayer Coordinator.

January 2014

HOPE 2014 Mission Prayer Focus

HOPE 2014 began where Hope 08 left off – bringing local churches together in mission to transform communities. Throughout 2014 churches of all denominations have committed to share the hope we have in Jesus, together in words and actions. During this first month of the New Year we will join with more than a million Christians around the country interceding for our nation in this season of prayer. The prayers have been prepared by the Evangelical Alliance, The World Prayer Centre, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, World Council of Churches and Homeless Action Week UK.

Wednesday 1st: Year of God’s Favour. Luke 4:19 (James 1)

Jesus proclaimed God's favour. It is the message of hope which the nation needs to see and hear. Pray that your Church will be a community of boldness, proclaiming and living a message of hope and transformation, making the most of every opportunity in this HOPE 2014 year of mission.

Thursday 2nd: Hope for Parents. Luke 2:46 (James 2)

Being a parent is not always easy. Pray for parents today. Pray that God will grant grace, love and limitless patience to parents in bringing up their children. Pray that God will enable the building of strong relationships, especially in times of stress.

Friday 3rd: Hope for National Leaders. Isaiah 45:22 (James 3)

Father, we thank you for all those in authority – for Her Majesty the Queen and all who serve in our national and regional governments. Bless them with wisdom and understanding, and give them hearts of compassion, to honour every part of our society, without prejudice. May they seek you and listen to you. Saturday 4th: Blessing of Hope. Numbers 6:24-26 ‘Blessing’ means the favour of God: that God will help, protect and provide. It implies God’s goodwill: that we will receive only the best from God. Use these verses from Numbers 6 to pray a blessing over a close friend, a family member and someone you meet today. Pray that God will open up a way for you to tell them that you have prayed for them.

Sunday 5th: Hope for our calling. Ephesians 1:17-19 Father, we pray for wisdom and revelation, that we may know you better. May we know the hope to which you have called us, and your incredibly great power. May we see each other as you see us - the riches of your glorious inheritance. Monday 6th: Hope at Epiphany. Matthew 2:11 (James 4) The word ‘Epiphany’ means ‘revelation’ and is linked with the visit of the wise men to the Christ-child. We pray for those of all faiths and nationalities living in our communities, that the witness of the Church during HOPE 2014 will help them to discover that Jesus is Lord of every nation, tribe and people-group. Tuesday 7th: Hope through reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (James 5) Loving Father, as we meet people today, please show us how to reach out to them, with your love. Help us to communicate your love both in our conversations and in our actions. Wednesday 8th: Hope for ourselves. Colossians 1:9-12 (1 Peter 1) Let us take time today to pray for ourselves, sharing our hopes and fears for this New Year. Ask God to help you bear fruit in every good work, and be strengthened with all power, so that we can all be people of hope in our communities. Thursday 9th: Hope for our Nations. Matthew 19:26 (1 Peter 2) “The Church transforms society when it takes the risks of renewal in prayer, of reconciliation, and of confident declaration of the good news of Jesus Christ” (Archbishop Justin Welby). Let us pray for a fresh and mighty outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit throughout the Church and across our nation.

The Persecuted Church

Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide Friday 10th: Persecuted church. Romans 8:28 (1 Peter 3) Father, we thank you that we have the freedom to worship and to share our faith without fear of threat or violence. We pray for those around the world who are victimised because of their faith: for strength to trust you, and to tell people about you even when it feels like no-one is listening.

Saturday 11th: Costly faith. Matthew 19:29 Pray today for the thousands around the world who have lost friends, jobs, homes and even family because they have chosen to follow Jesus: for comfort in the midst of loss, for provision in the midst of crisis, and for the courage to keep choosing Jesus, even when it seems to cost everything. Sunday 12th: Supporting persecuted Christians. Philemon 1:7 Lord God, we thank you for the many agencies around the world working to support those who are experiencing persecution for their faith. Show us, your Church in the UK, how we can support and resource these agencies and in doing so, do our part in standing with those suffering persecution. Monday 13th: Christians in Cuba. 1 Corinthians 12:26 (1 Peter 4) Lord, we pray today for the ‘Ladies in White’ in Cuba, as the government continues to prevent them from attending Mass on Sundays. We pray that they will sense your powerful presence with them, and that you will intervene in their situation, so that they will be free to worship you. Tuesday 14th: UN Special Rapporteur. Proverbs 31:8 (1 Peter 5) Lord, we pray for the UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Heiner Bielefeldt. Give him wisdom as he writes his annual report for the UN, and may his recommendations be accepted and applied by governments, so that freedom of religion or belief becomes a reality for all. Wednesday 15th: Middle East. 2 Thessalonians 1:4 (2 Peter 1) Lord, we pray for Christians in the Middle East, that you would be with them as they face political changes, economic pressures and sectarian violence. We also pray for political leaders in Egypt, Iran and Syria: may they act in the interests of all their citizens, without discrimination on the basis of religion. Thursday 16th: Operation 18. Isaiah 58:6 (2 Peter 2) Please pray for Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s campaign “Operation 18: Upholding the right to choose your religion”. Father, we pray for those whose freedom to choose their religion or belief is under threat today. Please shield them from the violent words or acts of those who would oppose them, and give them Your peace.

Friday 17th: Closed Countries. Matthew 24:14 (2 Peter 3) Jesus promised that the Gospel would be preached throughout the whole world. Give thanks today for the thousands coming to Jesus in nations where it is illegal to practise the Christian faith. Pray that this epidemic of grace will spread like wildfire throughout our world, regardless of geographical borders or governmental legislation.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Source: Resources prepared for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Saturday 18th: Together we are called. 1 Peter 2:9 Merciful God, together with all those who call on the name of the Lord, in our brokenness we hear your call to be saints. By the power of your Holy Spirit, draw us together and strengthen us to do your will and proclaim the mighty acts of Christ Jesus our Lord. Sunday 19th: Praise for God’s grace. Philippians 1:3-5 Most loving and gracious God, we give thanks for the gifts of your grace that we experience in our own tradition, and in the traditions of other churches. By the grace of your Holy Spirit, may our gratitude continue to grow as we encounter one another and experience your gift of unity in new ways. Monday 20th: Praise for the gifts God gives. 1 Corinthians 1:7 (1 John 1) Faithful, open-handed God, we praise you and acknowledge the truth that you have given us all the spiritual gifts we need, in order to come to the measure of the full stature of Christ. Help us to be signs of your abundance, gathered in unity to bring the gifts of your everlasting Kingdom to every place of pain. Tuesday 21st: The faithfulness of God. Psalm 57:10 (1 John 2) As we work towards more collaboration between churches where we live, we pray: Faithful God, we give thanks for your steadfast love and faithfulness. As we wait in joyful hope, working and praying together for the full visible unity of your church, fill us with confidence in your unshakeable promises. Wednesday 22nd: Called into fellowship. John 15:11-12 (1 John 3) Father of love you have called us into the fellowship of your Son and appointed us to bear fruit in our witness to the Gospel. By the grace of your Spirit enable us to love one another and to dwell together in unity so that our joy may be complete.

Thursday 23rd: Seeking agreement. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (1 John 4) Today we pray about those disagreements which divide us, either within our congregations or between different churches: Loving God, you give us prophetic witnesses in times of conflict and division. When we seek you, Lord, send us your Holy Spirit to make us agents of reconciliation, united in the same mind and the same purpose.“ Friday 24th: Belonging to Christ. Mark 9:39-41 (1 John 5) We give you thanks, O God, that you bless each and every member of the Body of Christ with the gifts of Your Spirit. Help us to be supportive of one another, to be respectful of our differences, and to work for the unity of all throughout the world who call upon Jesus as Lord.”

Poverty and Homeless Action Week

Source: www.actionweek.org.uk Saturday 25th: Prayer and Action. Psalm 99:4 Poverty is a complex and daunting issue, even in a relatively wealthy nation like the UK. It can be easier to ignore it than pray about it. Give thanks for Poverty Action and Homelessness Week. Pray that God will use it to bring hope to many who feel trapped in poverty. Sunday 26th: Poverty Action. Deuteronomy 26:12 God has always been clear that he intends his people to give of their wealth to help those who live in poverty. On this Poverty Action Sunday, pray that churches will have a generous heart and will know how to help meet the needs of those in their area who don’t have enough. Monday 27th: Poverty awareness. Psalm35:10 (2 John 1) Poverty and Homelessness Action Week challenges all of us to notice the poverty in our own communities. Pray for those living in streets and neighbourhoods near you, which are renowned for being poor or deprived, that light will shine in the darkness and that practical solutions will be found. Tuesday 28th: Making ends meet. Matthew 6:34 (3 John 1) An economic crisis and a series of benefit and tax credit cuts have left many people in our nation struggling to make ends meet. Pray that God will raise up more agencies with the skills and resources to help people get out of debt, and break free from the life-draining burden of worrying about money.

Wednesday 29th: Wise government. Isaiah 58:9-10 (Jude 1) Pray today for all those serving in our Government who have the responsibility of deciding how the nation’s finances should be spent and how poverty should be tackled. As they make decisions which will have far-reaching consequences, pray that their planning will be wise and efficient, but also compassionate and generous to those in need. Thursday 30th: Homelessness prevention. Proverbs 19:6 (Revelation 1) Pray for young people in your community who are at risk of becoming homeless. Pray today that God will bring someone responsible alongside them, who will help them to talk honestly about how they feel and their options. Pray for a transformation in their circumstances. Friday 31st: Homelessness support. Proverbs. 2:8 (Revelation 2) Poverty and Homelessness Action Week culminates in Homelessness Sunday this weekend. Pray for the organisations working in your local community to support and re-house those who have become homeless that they will have enough volunteers to work one-to-one with clients, and that clients will stay in touch with them over the long-term.

February

Saturday 1st: Territorial Leaders

Pray for our territorial leaders. Pray that today they will be aware of a deeper indwelling of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Pray that God will grant them a clear understanding of His will for them and for the territory. Thank God for them!

Sunday 2nd:

Pray that today as we meet together in worship throughout the country in many different settings that God will be glorified in all we do. Pray that there will be an openness to allow God to reveal himself through the teaching of His Word.

Divisional Focus – Central North Division

This week we join together to pray for the ministry of the Central North division.

Monday 3rd: (Revelation 3)

Pray for the Divisional leadership team. Pray that as they seek to lead and work together to develop the divisional strategy, they will know the peace of God in their lives. Pray they will have a deeper understanding of where God is leading them.

Tuesday 4th: (Revelation 4)

Pray for those who are leading Corps and centres without officer leaders. Thank God for their faithfulness and pray that God will fill them afresh with his invigorating Spirit.

Wednesday 5th: (Revelation 5)

Pray today for the ministry that is taking place within the Lifehouses. Pray that God will renew those who serve with his strength. Pray that those who are involved in this ministry will know that they are loved and accepted by God.

Thursday 6th: (Revelation 6)

Pray for the work and ministry undertaken within the Holt House Care Home. Pray that those who are cared for will see God’s love in action. Thank God for the work that is done to bring fulfilment and enrichment in the lives of our older generation. May each one know they are valued and loved.

Friday 7th: (Revelation 7)

Throughout the division ministry happens within the community every day. Pray that as this takes place God’s love will be demonstrated to those who are marginalised and vulnerable.

Saturday 8th:

Pray for those who work with young people. Pray they will have a deeper awareness of the presence of God in their lives. Pray that through their ministry many young people will experience a life changing encounter with God.

Sunday 9th:

Pray for all those who are leading worship in Corps and Centres throughout the division today. Pray that as they give out God’s Word they will do so with confidence knowing they are standing on Truth.

Scripture Focus – Romans 8

Monday 10th: Romans 8:1 (Revelation 8)

By our faith we are free. God detests sin, but through Christ’s death, we may stand spotless and pure in His presence. Pray today for those who struggle to either accept this freedom that Jesus has gifted us with, or who feel condemned, that they may know true freedom.

Tuesday 11th: Romans 8:5b (Revelation 9)

Which way do our plans and our daydreams go? Where does our happiness lie? Pray that through the Holy Spirit, we may all be able to love more, encourage others and have a mind that is growing to be more like that of Jesus.

Wednesday 12th: Romans 8:15 (Revelation 10)

The walk with God is not one of enslavement or bondage to an ‘owner’, but one of being a dearly loved child, of a wise, doting father. Pray that God would show you and those you know, some of the depth of his everlasting love.

Thursday 13th: Romans 8:25 (Revelation 11)

We bring to God those for whom the place they are walking through is rough and seems long, especially those who are persecuted for their faith. Pray that they would know that God is with them, that He has won; we are just waiting.

Friday 14th: Romans 8:26 (Revelation 12)

Sometimes we do not have the vocabulary to express the innermost desires or deepest cries of our hearts. The Holy Spirit ensures we are not overwhelmed, teaching us how to pray, comforting and helping us over discouragement. Today we pray that those who need to pray ‘deeply’ will be assisted by the Holy Spirit to express their needs in prayer.

Saturday 15th: Romans 8:35

Troubles are not a sign, nor a result of God loving us any less. God’s love is constant, consistent and more solid than anything in this world. In our deep attachments to our possessions, family and friends, we forget how temporary this world is, yet how permanent God’s love for us is. Today pray for those who are hurting as they lose worldly connections, that they may know God’s eternal love.

Sunday 16th: Romans 8:38-39

The most valuable thing we acquire, the love of our Creator, cannot be ripped away from us. We cannot mislay it; we cannot do something ‘wrong’ that disqualifies us. No power is greater than God’s love. At the end of this week, pray that you and those you know will be able to have greater understanding of this love.

International Focus – South America East

(Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina) Monday 17th (Revelation 13) Approximately 80 children live in two Salvation Army homes, one in Paraguay and one in Uruguay. Pray that each of these children will know their value and place in God’s creation.

Tuesday 18th: (Revelation 14)

For many young people, The Salvation Army provides safe, affordable housing for students in Argentina and Uruguay. Pray that each one will know the safety that is found in God.

Wednesday 19th: (Revelation 15)

Pray today for the older people in Salvation Army nursing homes. May they know the love of God through the care they receive. Pray blessing on the staff as they care for the residents.

Thursday 20th: (Revelation 16)

Pray for those involved in the women’s ministries throughout the territory. Pray that each one who comes under the influence of this ministry will discover the life changing love of God.

Friday 21st: (Revelation 17)

Pray for The Refuge a men’s shelter in Buenos Aires which serves men who have little choice but life on the streets. Pray that the men who stay here will come to know the security and safety found in a relationship with God.

Saturday 22nd:

Pray for the ministry of the Salvation Army medical services throughout the territory. Pray for those who bring healing in the lives of many; that the people they reach will know the healing found in God. Pray that God’s love will be demonstrated and experienced.

Sunday 23rd:

Pray for the Territorial Leaders and their team. Pray that God will empower them and renew them as they seek to enlarge the Kingdom of God in the areas they serve.

Focus on the Local Church

This week we focus on the needs of children and young people in our corps and community

Monday 24th: (Revelation 18)

Ask God to place on your heart today one young person in your corps and commit to ‘standing by them’ in prayer – praying for them every day throughout the coming week.

Tuesday 25th: (Revelation 19)

Pray for those who lead your Children’s Ministry and Youth Work; that God will enable them to relate and communicate well, and they will find their source of love and compassion in him.

Wednesday 26th: (Revelation 20)

Pray for your local schools. Where there is no Christian input already, pray that God will raise up gifted people to communicate the gospel there.

Thursday 27th: (Revelation 21)

Where there is Christian witness in schools, pray that God will give those sharing their faith favour in the eyes of staff and head teachers.

Friday 28th: (Revelation 22)

Pray for teenagers in your community; pray they will find the help and support they need as they mature to adulthood and that God will give them courage to make right choices for their lives.

Saturday 1st:

Pray for young people applying to university, college or for employment, that God will bless them with wisdom. Pray they will get opportunities that will develop in them the gifts that God has given them.

Sunday 2nd:

Pray for all the children and young people who come to your corps or centre today; that they will hear something which touches them and confirms their faith.

Focus on Leaders

Monday 3rd: Divisional Leaders and Teams

Pray for your Divisional Leaders and for the teams they work with; that their vision for your region will be strong; that they will work well together and that God will give them wisdom as they seek to balance the needs of many different types of corps and centres. Pray that they will be encouraged and renewed as they visit different parts of the division, and that this will go some way to making up for missing their regular church family.

Tuesday 4th: Local Leaders

Pray for your own church leaders, that God will protect them, both from outside pressures and from internal anxieties. Pray that he will teach them how to handle criticism well, and how to discern what to take on board and what to leave aside. Pray that they, and the ones they love, will know the incredible blessings of a God who can do more than all we ask or imagine. The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

LENT 2014

Major Kath Jones. Asst. Spiritual Life Development Secretary.

Week one

Wednesday 5th Ash Wednesday Bible Reading – 1 Peter 1:3 -9 This is the first day of Lent 2014; Lent is a period of forty days concluding on Easter Sunday. During the forty days we will focus on Jesus as he journeyed to Jerusalem, to his crucifixion and resurrection. Many Christians find Lent a time when they come closer to God. It is also a time to share with others, by reading God’s word and praying together. Sharing in this way enriches fellowship, as we journey together. Consider: Sharing this Lent period with a group of fellow travellers Pray: Heavenly Father, as we begin our Lent journey today may you be our companion: guide our thinking and inspire our hearts through your son Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Thursday 6th Bible Reading – Matthew 6: 5 – 15 The Lord’s Prayer will be very familiar to you, and probably you repeat this prayer from time to time in your devotions. The Lent readings for this year are based on the Lord’s Prayer and we will consider a line of the prayer for each week of the next seven weeks. Martin Luther said that ‘a Christian has prayed abundantly who has rightly prayed the Lord’s Prayer.’ Consider: Think about Luther’s comment and discuss with others. Pray: Repeat the Lord’s Prayer slowly and pause between each line.

Friday 7th Bible Reading – Luke 11: 1 – 13 Luke’s interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer is a little different to that in Matthew’s gospel. The context in which they are each set is also different. Matthew’s gospel includes the Lord’s Prayer within the teaching of Jesus known as the Sermon on the Mount. Whilst Luke, records the Lord’s Prayer as Jesus’ response to the disciples when they ask him to teach them to pray. Joanna Collicut, in her book ‘When you Pray’ says, ‘it was the practice of the early church to prepare candidates for baptism during Lent, and the Lord’s Prayer was the basis of instruction in the Christian faith’. Consider: Was it Jesus’ intention that we recite the Lord’s Prayer as it is written or was he suggesting a pattern or an outline for prayer?

Saturday 8th Bible Reading – 2 Corinthians 13: 11 – 14 In neither Matthew nor Luke’s recording of the Lord’s Prayer is the phrase, ‘thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever’ included. This doxology or ending was added, it is thought by the apostles. It was first found in a document in the late first or early second century called the Didache meaning apostles teaching. Interestingly Paul in his letters adopted the custom of ending with a doxology, or final grace as in today’s reading.

Sunday 9th Bible Reading - John 17 In today’s reading Jesus prays for himself, his disciples and for all believers. Jesus prays knowing that his arrest is imminent. Despite this his concern is for those he cares about. Within his prayers there are elements of the Lord’s Prayer. He prays that his Father is glorified on earth, that God gives the disciple’s his protective power from evil. That all believers will be brought to unity, an indication of the kingdom of God perhaps, and that none will be lost, an echo of lead us not into temptation! As we now begin to look at the Lord’s Prayer in detail, we will also see the significance the prayer has in relation to Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem. Consider: Listening to a choral recording of the Lord’s Prayer Pray: Lord as we journey through this Lent period together may we know you more clearly, follow you more nearly and love you more dearly. Amen.

Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name.

Week Two

Monday 10th

Bible Reading: Psalm 89: 26 – 29, Galatians 3: 26 – 29, 4: 1 – 7 In Old Testament prayer God is not usually addressed as Father. One reference however is found in Psalm 89, where the psalmist describes King David crying out to his father God, his rock and salvation. David recognised the awesome majesty of God, as clearly portrayed in Psalm 8. However in Psalm 89 it would seem David also shared in a father – child relationship with God, one in which he felt sufficiently assured to refer to God as Father. Consider: How do you address God in prayer? Do you always use the same name? Pray: Look into the night sky and proclaim Psalm 8.

Tuesday 11th Bible Reading – Jeremiah 31: 7 - 9, Romans 8: 15-16

Whilst to address God as Father was not usual in the Old Testament, it has been suggested that this was a term occasionally used in later Hebrew worship. Joanna Collicutt in her book, ‘When you pray,’ comments, ‘one Hebrew word for father, is ‘abinu’ meaning, ‘Our Father’ or ‘My Father’ this would have been a word familiar to Jesus in Temple worship.’ The word ‘abinu’ is interpreted as a father who is somewhat remote, residing in heaven, one whom we approach formally and dutifully.

Consider; To address God as father may not be easy for some whose relationship with their earthly father is not a positive experience.

Pray: For peace and healing for those whose father - child relationship is difficult for whatever reason.

Wednesday 12th Bible Reading - Luke 11: 1-2, Matthew 11: 25 - 30

When the disciples observed Jesus at prayer they were curious as to the intimacy with which he approached and addressed God. They often found him praying alone in the open air, or on a mountainside, or early in the morning, without any ritual or formality. They also heard Jesus address God with the Aramaic word for father, ‘Abba’ this being a more familiar expression for father. A comparable meaning for us would be Papa, loving yet respectful. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray in this less formal way. Thursday 13th Bible Reading – Hebrews 10: 19 – 25, Mark 14: 32 – 36 Tom Wright in his book ‘The Lord and Prayer’ says, ‘The name Abba, as Jesus instructed the disciples to use, contains within it not just intimacy but revolution, not just familiarity but hope. To begin prayer by calling on the liberating father was to recognise in Jesus the beginning of the new exodus – a new liberation’. The disciples were introduced to a new order in which all may approach the throne of grace in prayer without fear or formality. Friday 14th Bible Reading - Ezekiel 36: 22 – 28, Revelations 4 However we address God in prayer we are reminded that God’s name is to be hallowed, for his name is Holy. The reading from Ezekiel describes how the house of Israel failed in being the light to the nations by profaning the name of the Lord. The sovereign Lord is holy and he is to be approached with reverence and respect. Hugh Melinsky in his book ‘Modern Readers guide to the New Testament’ says, ‘God shall be God that man shall not whittle God down to a manageable size and shape’. Pray: Abba, as you hold me in your arms, may I hold your name holy.

Saturday 15th Bible Reading – Isaiah 6: 1-7, Philippians 2:1 – 11 I find this Isaiah reading very moving, especially if I accompany the words with an excerpt from Faure’s Requiem called Sanctus. I imagine Isaiah entering the Temple, feeling sad at the death of King Uzziah, not knowing that God would in that moment enter into his life in such a spectacular way. Isaiah’s response to

his vision of God was to cry out ‘holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory’. Isaiah was overwhelmed by the majesty of God whilst being aware of his own unworthiness. As Faure’s music crescendos it portrays for me a sense of the sheer immensity of Gods holiness, and causes me to think we can do no more than bow down in worship. Consider: Take a walk in the country and appreciate the vastness of Gods creative power, or visit a large church or cathedral and observe how the architecture tries to express something of the glory of God.

Sunday 16th Bible Reading - Isaiah 53, Matthew 27: 45 – 55, Hebrews 5: 7 – 10 The reading from Matthew’s gospel records the one occasion when Jesus did not address God as ‘Abba’. He cries out ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthan, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me’. It is a desperate plea for help and speaks to us clearly of the humanity of Jesus; in the final moment of suffering a cruel and horrific death Jesus feels the most deserted and afraid. Tarjei Park in the book ‘Seven words for Three hours’ says, ‘the realisation that God is present even when God does not intervene is not a loss of belief in God. It is recognition of who God is and who we are. We are inextricably united to God, but in ways we often cannot detect. Jesus Christ suffered as a human being and that human experience is taken up into divinity, crucified humanity is taken up into divinity’. Jesus understands us when we feel the most lonely and afraid; he hears our cry of despair even when we feel abandoned of any sense of faith in a loving heavenly father. The following words were found inscribed on a cellar wall in Cologne where some Jews had been hidden for the duration of the Second World War.

I believe in the sun, even when it doesn’t shine I believe in love, even when I don’t feel it. I believe in God, even when he is silent.

Pray: Read Psalm 139 to remind us that even if God does not intervene, he is still present. Consider: The practice was to say the word ‘Abba’ at the commencement of a prayer then to pause, before continuing. This pause recognised the presence of God.

Thy Kingdom come,

thy will be done on earth as in heaven

Week Three

Monday 17th Bible Reading – Mark 1: 14 – 15, Matthew 25: 31 - 46 The Kingdom of God was the constant theme of Jesus’ teaching. He spoke of the Kingdom of God being here and now and also as a future event when Jesus would return to bring his glorious Kingdom in. Tim Chester in ‘The Message of Prayer’ says, ‘everything about the Lord’s prayer resonates with Jesus announcement that Gods Kingdom is breaking into the story of Israel and opening up Gods promised new world and summoning people to share in it.’ Consider: The Kingdom of God exists wherever people live by and model its principles of justice, love and peace. Pray: Father how we love you; we lift your name in all the earth. May your kingdom be established in our praises, as your people declare your mighty works. Blessèd be the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come; who reigns forever more.

Tuesday 18th Bible Reading – Isaiah 40, Luke 16: 1 -17 ‘They all were looking for a king to slay their foes and lift them high; Thou cam’st a little baby thing that made a woman cry.’(George Macdonald). The expectation was that God’s kingdom would be established by a mighty warrior King who would bring judgement upon those who oppressed the people of God. However Jesus, when he spoke about the Kingdom of God did so in terms of the kingdom coming not by force or might, but by his spirit. Consider: Do you see evidence of God’s Kingdom on earth?

Wednesday 19th Bible Reading – Matthew 13:1 - 23, Psalm 78, 1-8 When Jesus described the Kingdom of God he often spoke in parables to help his listeners in their understanding. Parables are descriptive illustrations, usually from everyday life; a teaching tool which preachers use in sermons to emphasise a particular truth. On one occasion Jesus spoke about the coming

Kingdom of God as a tiny mustard seed and on another occasion as yeast in dough. By this he meant that it was a gracious and sometimes hidden coming, thus giving opportunity for personal realisation and commitment, ‘now being the accepted time’. But he also spoke about the fact that one day there would be a harvest, at the appointed time, when the King will come in power and glory. Consider: Contemplate Maranatha “Our Lord come” and your response. Pray: Help us Lord to proclaim the good news of your Kingdom.

Thursday 20th Bible Reading – Luke 6: 20 – 42, Matthew 6:23 - 34 Today’s reading from Luke is known as the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus here describes the qualities or attitude of those who belong to the Kingdom of God. Love being the most important value, quickly followed by not judging others. In considering membership of the kingdom of God Joanna Collins in ‘When you Pray’, says, ‘sometimes we have become so comfortable in our world that we struggle to adopt a heavenly perspective, or we feel that we can never be good enough therefore not entitled to receive the Kingdom’. Consider: What does it mean to be a citizen of the Kingdom of God?

Friday 21st Bible Reading-Revelations 21: 1 – 5, To pray ‘thy will be done on earth as it is heaven’ is illustrated well for us in today’s reading. This will be a time when heaven will come down to earth and God will dwell with his people. Tom Wright in ‘The Lord and His Prayer’ remarks ‘pray not merely that certain things might occur within the earthly realm that would coincide with plans that God had made in the heavenly realm, but that a fresh integration of heaven and earth would take place.” Consider: Heaven and earth cry out your name, nations rise up and see your face; and your Kingdom is established as I live to know you more. Is this your experience?

Saturday 22nd Bible Reading – Matthew 28: 16 – 20, Matthew 16: 21 – 28 Today’s reading from Matthew contains the mission statement Jesus gave to the first disciples ‘to go and make disciples’; and primarily this is our mission too. Many corps and centres have compiled mission statements that are relevant to the community in which they serve. Such statements are usually displayed as a reminder of intent. Do you have a personal mission statement? Today may be a good day to think about this as you read through the great commission. Consider: Uniformed Salvationists wear an ‘S’ on their lapels, this is to indicate that they are saved to save! Catherine Booth said ‘Every man saved, every man at work to save others, this is the quintessence of Salvationism. If the Salvation Army should decline it will be because self-denying love for souls has dwindled in the heart of Salvationists’. There is mission in my living; there is meaning in my word. Pray: Lord may your Kingdom come, may your will be done, in and through me.

Sunday 23rd Bible Reading – Mark 14: 32 – 42, John 3: 10 - 21 ‘Abba father’, Jesus said, ‘everything is possible for you; take this cup from me, yet not what I will, but what you will’. These are the anguished words of Jesus as he prayed knowing he was to suffer a horrific death. Scripture tell us that Jesus fell to the ground as he prayed, as he earnestly sought to obey his father’s will. John 3 makes clear what his Father’s will was; ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him’. There was no other way, ‘there was no other good enough to pay the price of sin, He only could unlock the gate of heaven and let us in’. Pray: He was wounded for my transgressions, acquainted with sorrow was he, In the garden he prayed, and sweats great drops of blood, To save a poor sinner like me. (John Lawley SASB 137)

Give us this day our daily bread.

Week Four

Monday 24th Bible Reading – Isaiah 55, Acts 2: 42 – 47 The chapter from Isaiah invites us to accept the provision God has made for us. I like the line that says ‘Listen to me and eat what is good’. I remember as a very small child been given the crust off a loaf of bread, fresh from the bakers, spread with best butter, there is nothing better! I can almost taste this treat as I write! I am sure we would still say that bread is the staff of life, just as it was two thousand years ago. In Jewish tradition the father of the family would take the daily baked bread, break it and give thanks. He would then share the broken bread with those sat around the table. Not surprising then that Jesus spoke a lot about bread! Pray: Break thou the bread of life O Lord, to me, As thou didst break the loaves beside the sea. Beyond the sacred page I seek thee, Lord, My spirit pants for thee, O living word’. (Mary Lathbury SASB 650).

Tuesday 25th Bible Reading – Psalm 104: 10 – 15, Matthew 6: 25 – 34 In the original script of Matthew and Luke’s gospel is a Greek word ‘epiousis’ meaning daily; as in give us this day our daily bread, or so it was supposed! Apparently when this word was scrutinised by biblical scholars it was suggested that its meaning was doubtful and somewhat confusing. Some of the early church fathers thought ‘epiousis’ was referring to consecrated bread for use in communion, others thought maybe it was bread that would be shared at the second coming of Christ. Today the thinking is that the word ‘epiousis’ means tomorrow’s bread; we ask therefore for enough bread for the next twenty four hours, no more and no less. Pray: We thank you Lord for this our food, much more because of Jesus blood. Let manna to our souls be given, the bread of life sent down from heaven.

Wednesday 26th Bible Reading – Exodus 16: 1-5, 13 – 19, 23 – 32; 1 Kings 17 : 1 - 15 O those troublesome Israelites, they should have been acquainted with the line from Toplady’s song, ‘Day by day the manna fell: O to learn this lesson well! Still, by constant mercy fed, give me, Lord, my daily bread’! Elijah had to learn to be totally reliant on God’s daily provision. Today’s readings remind us that we should put our trust in God’s providential care. Whilst understanding the truth that God provides what we need, not what we want!

Consider: In western society we throw away a huge quantity of untouched food, how does this fact make you feel when many in the world are starving?

Thursday 27th Bible Reading – Luke 12: 13 – 21, 1Timothy 6: 17 – 19 In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus describes the consequences of storing rather than sharing what you have! Can you remember a few years ago when we had the butter mountain and then the cheese mountain? This excess food production was shared with the population, many corps became distribution centres. Thinking about this parable perhaps it would be helpful to remember that the Lord’s Prayer says, ‘Give us our daily bread’. Meaning this is not just a personal prayer but a corporate prayer, one in which we consider the needs of others as well as our own. Prayer: Lord, turn our hearts outwards to see the needs of our brothers and sisters, and give us all, today, tomorrow’s bread.

Friday 28th Bible Reading – John 6: 25 – 35 In today’s reading Jesus describes himself as ‘the bread of life’; and that those who come to him will never go hungry. Jesus meant that just as bread is an essential for us nutritionally, Jesus is the one who sustains our spiritual well-being. How do we benefit from this provision? By regularly feeding on God’s word and communing with him in prayer. Prayer: O bread of God I choose thee now with gladness, Though sweet the taste of earthly gain may be! My spirit pines in poverty and sadness, Unless my sustenance be found in thee.

Lord God, I come thy life in mine is waking; What’er I am I bring into thy care: Thy loving hands will bless me In the breaking of bread thou givest, and I long to share. (Catherine Baird).

Saturday 29th Bible Reading – John 21: 4 - 13

‘I see your hands, hands that turned water into wine, turned simple fish and bread into a banquet.

And now you turn to me offering the bread, inviting me to take and eat and share the meal with you.

My hands reach out in awe, the smallest frustration of the day forgotten. And like those men around the fire

I dare not ask, “Who are you Lord? I know.’ (Eddie Askew).

Consider: Perhaps you could arrange to invite some friends to share a meal with you. One suggestion could be that you share the meal in silence whilst someone reads a portion of scripture (or listen to an audio recording), this is a practice that Benedictine monks adhere to for their main meal of the day.

Sunday 30th Bible Reading – John 6: 37 – 51 From our reading today Jesus makes a clear indication that it would be necessary for him to give his life for the salvation of the world. The analogy he uses is that of bread; verse 51 says ‘This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world’. Just as bread is broken, and given for our sustenance, so Jesus’ body is broken in crucifixion for our salvation. A loaf of bread, very ordinary, necessary to our daily nutrition, yet if we had to, I guess we could manage without bread. However Jesus, the amazing “bread of life” we need to ‘feed on’ constantly for our spiritual health’s sake. Pray: Thou art the bread of life O Lord, to me. Thy holy word the truth that saveth me: Give me to eat and live with thee above: Teach me to love thy truth, for thou art love. (Alexander Graves)

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who

trespass against us.

Week Five

Monday 31st Bible Reading - Psalm 103, Matthew 6: 14 – 15, Psalm 103 expresses very well Gods desire to forgive our sins, as the verses express, ‘the Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love, he does not treat us as our sins deserve’. However there are two essentials to receiving God’s gracious forgiveness; one that we confess our sins, and secondly we forgive those who sin against us. Richard Foster says of this line in the Lord’s Prayer, ‘He teaches us this way because it is the one thing he yearns to do, aches and rushes to do, at the very heart of the universe is Gods desire to give and forgive’. Consider: Which is easier, to be forgiven or to forgive others?

Tuesday 1st April Bible Reading – Psalm 51, 1 John 1:3 – 2: 2 This Psalm is known as the psalm of penitence. David makes his confession having committed adultery with Bathsheba and ordering the murder of her husband Uriah. David gives recognition to his sin; he takes responsibility for his actions and is filled with regret. He then speaks words of contrition and cleansing when he says to God, ‘Create within me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me, do not take your holy spirit from me, restore to me the joy of your salvation’. Then it would appear that David’s relationship with the God he loves is restored. Pray: Lord Jesus, before you I patiently wait: Come now and within me a new heart create. To those who have sought you, you never say no, Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. (James Nicholson SASB 436).

Wednesday 2nd Bible Reading - Luke 15: 11- 24 This parable has become one of the most well-known stories of forgiveness and reconciliation. Henry Nouwen who was a Roman Catholic priest wrote a book called ‘A Story of Homecoming’ based on this parable. The front cover of the book shows Rembrandts picture ‘The Return of the Prodigal’; and looking at this picture for many hours Nouwen commented, ‘I came to understand how from his brush there emerged the figure of a nearly blind old man holding his son in a gesture of all-forgiving compassion. One must have died many deaths and cried many tears to have painted a portrait of God in such humility’. Consider: Look at Rembrandt’s painting ‘The Return of the Prodigal’ and use a guided explanation of all that is to be seen in the picture. http://www.rembrandtpainting.net/rembrandt's_prodigal_son.html

Thursday 3rd Bible Reading - 2 Corinthians 5: 16 – 21, Luke 15: 25 – 32 Henry Nouwen in his book ‘A story of Homecoming’ examines and comments on each character in the parable of the prodigal son. Thinking of the disgruntled eldest son Nouwen says ‘Is there a way out? It often seems the more I try to disentangle myself from the darkness the darker it becomes. I need light, but that light has to conquer my darkness, and that I cannot bring about by myself. I cannot forgive myself. I cannot make myself feel loved. By myself I cannot leave the land of anger. I cannot bring myself home, nor can I create communion on my own. I can desire it, hope for it, wait for it, and yes even pray for it. But my freedom I cannot fabricate for myself that must be given. I am lost; I must be found and brought home by the shepherd who goes out to me’. Pray: Remind me Lord that in your purposes and love, I can stand straight and whole. That living in the life your son has bought and given me, I can return to what I truly am. Your child, real and fulfilled.

Friday 4th Bible Reading – Matthew 18: 21– 35, Colossians 2:11-16 Charles Dickens’s book ‘Little Dorritt’ is a depiction of life in a debtor’s prison in Victorian England. The story was probably a reflection on personal experience. Dickens’s own father was imprisoned in such a place for failing to pay the

bakers bill! This debt affected Dickens in that he had to leave school at the age of twelve and start working to support his family. Debtor’s prisons have an ancient history and were obviously a feared place as in Jesus parable; where whole families could be imprisoned for failing to pay a debt. This parable is a reminder that to be forgiven we too must forgive! We are assured in Colossians that our debt is paid in full if we follow this principle. Therefore because of God’s great mercy towards us, we too should be gracious and merciful people in all our dealings.

Saturday 5th Bible Reading – Acts 7: 48 – 60 Stephen the first Christian martyr cried out as he was stoned to death ‘Lord do not hold this sin against them’ Stephen so full of the Holy Spirit had so much to say, he couldn’t keep quiet. He was direct, some may say confrontational. Not surprising that he angered the Sanhedrin whose reaction was to kill him. Yet in that final moment Stephen shows the strength of his gracious spirit when he calls on the Lord not to condemn his accusers but asks for the debt to be written off. Consider: Sometimes all it takes is to start a conversation or to write a letter, or make a phone call, for healing and reconciliation to begin. Pray: Lord, we bring our little will to forgive. Take it and transform it into a love that heals wounds, breaks down barriers and makes peace. So we shall be called the children of God.

Sunday 6th Bible Reading: John 21: 15-25. 1 Corinthians 13: 1- 13 ‘Don’t come down until you are sorry’ these were my mother’s final words to me, when, as a child as I was sent upstairs to reflect on my behaviour over my latest misdemeanour. My time upstairs would be swiftly penitent especially if there was something going on downstairs I wanted to be part of! Peter had three days to contemplate his denial of Jesus, and probably recalled again and again the look Jesus gave him (Luke 22: 61). The impetuous Peter who previously boasted that even if others let Jesus down he would stand firm (Mark 14: 27 – 31) Looking at today’s reading we find once again, Peter, not hesitant at all, but jumping into the sea to get to Jesus first. Tasker, a commentator on John’s gospel says of this impulsive behaviour, ‘Peter here needs to be assured of the forgiveness made possible through Jesus death and

resurrection. Without that forgiveness, Peter will be unable (and he knows it) to be what Jesus had said that, one day he would be.’ Three times Peter had denied knowing Jesus, and three times Jesus asked Peter how much did he love him! And whilst John doesn’t record that Jesus actually spoke words of forgiveness to Peter, this is such a personal conversation perhaps we are not privy to all the dialogue that took place. One thing we are assured of however is that Jesus full of mercy and grace restored and reinstated Peter, Hallelujah! Pray: Love stands the test, love gives its best, Love planned our life’s course designedly blest. Love won in the garden, love climbed the green hill, Love will live on for love stands the test. (SASB 51).

Lead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil.

Week Six

Monday 7th Bible Reading – Genesis 3: 1 -13, James 1:2 – 18 Thomas a’ Kempis (1380 – 1471) became an Augustinian monk at the age of nineteen. The following excerpt is taken from the book, The imitation of Christ, a Christian classic written by Gerhard Groote and edited by Thomas a’ Kempis. ‘No one is free from temptation because the source of temptation is within us; we are born with sinful desires. When one temptation passes, another is on its way. We will always have temptations because we are sinners who lost our original innocence in the Garden. We cannot win the battle by running away alone; we must not despair when we are tempted but instead seek God fervently asking for his help in time of trouble. Let us, therefore, humble ourselves before God and take shelter beneath his hand. God will lift up all who have a humble spirit and save them in all trials and tribulations’.

Tuesday 8th Bible Reading Matthew 4:1-11, Hebrews 2: 1 – 18 ‘He knows, he knows the storms that would my way oppose; he knows and tempers every wind that blows’. (SASB Chorus 127) We have the assurance that Jesus understands what it is to be tempted, for he was tempted too. Jesus countered every temptation with scripture, and

knowing scripture helps us in our times of trial too. We also have Jesus as our advocate, and when we earnestly seek him in prayer he will answer. Consider: God will not let us be tempted beyond that which we can bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Wednesday 9th Bible Reading – Luke 4: 1 – 13, Psalm 91 Just when Jesus felt the most affirmed he is tempted by the devil! At his baptism Jesus received the wonderful words from his heavenly father, ‘you are my son, who I love and with you I am well pleased.’ So what does the devil say, twice he taunts Jesus with the words, if you are the son of God, and if you bow down to me I will give you all the kingdoms of the world ! This was a challenge to the identity and the authority of Jesus, but Jesus resisted the three temptations and in his response confounds his tempter. Consider: ‘Fasting alone in the desert, tell of the days that he passed. How he was tried and was tempted, yet was triumphant at last. Tell me the stories of Jesus write on my heart every word.’ (SASB 99)

Thursday 10th Bible Reading – Ephesians 6: 10 – 18 Tim Chester commenting on the above passage of scripture in his book ‘The Message of Prayer’ says, ‘With the exception of the sword, of the spirit, the word of God, the armour is essentially defensive. With the belt of truth we refute the lies of Satan, the breastplate of righteousness that is ours in Christ we counter the accusations of Satan; the gospel of peace is the message of reconciliation with God and with one another. Through faith we overcome the arrows of doubt that are directed at us. The helmet of salvation which is also ours in Christ protects us in battle. To put on this armour and to stand firm is to remain true to gospel living in the face of a beguiling enemy’. Pray: ‘Be strong in the grace of the Lord, Be armed with the power of his might: Be daring when dangers abound, Courageous and brave in the fight. Be strong and victory will be your delight.’ (SASB 679)

Friday 11th Bible Reading – 2 Samuel: 22:2, Psalm 18:16 – 28, Isaiah 45:3 We all go through trials in our lives from time to time; sometimes not of our own making. It maybe that at such times we cry out ‘Where are you God?’ We are in good company; for scripture is full of characters who knew moments of despair and desertion, characters such as Job, Elijah, Hosea to name a few. Trials can come in many different ways, sometimes through hardship, family break up, illness, loss of a loved one for instance. We may find it difficult to pray, and it is then that we appreciate the support and prayers of others. Whilst no one would choose to go through times of trial it is however at such times that we can see treasures in the darkness as the Isaiah reading expresses. Treasures, such as, a friend who stood by us, or sent us a note of encouragement, or the smile of a child, enjoying a spring day, a particular verse of scripture, or a shared prayer of comfort. Consider: Has God laid someone’s name on your heart today who is in need of your support, or should you send a card of encouragement to someone, or say a prayer for or with someone?

Saturday 12th Bible Reading – 1 John 4: 1 -12 ‘The glorious word of scripture is that we are not left to our own resources in dealing with temptation. The great God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the one who revealed himself to Moses, David and Mary is our present help in times of trouble. Jesus Christ our everlasting prophet is with us, teaching, empowering, and loving. The blessed Holy Spirit draws near to us in our hour of temptation, guiding, strengthening and encouraging. And when we do stumble and fall, we have an advocate with the Father in our Saviour Jesus’. Richard J Foster.

Sunday 13th Palm Sunday Bible Reading – Matthew 11: 1-11. Zechariah: 9: 9-10, Luke 19:41 – 42 As we prepare to journey with Jesus through this holy week, we pray that we will be attentive to his voice and that our response will be to worship him, with all our heart. Today on Palm Sunday we think of Jesus commencing his journey into Jerusalem, riding a donkey, a prophetic sign to those who understood the message of the prophets. Jesus heard the acclamation, the joyful voices, he saw the crowds, some waving palm leaves. Could he, just for a fleeting moment have been tempted into thinking this was a genuine

acknowledgement of who he was! No doubt there were some supporters for whom this would have been true. Jesus though was all too aware of the whispering plots against him, and the growing hostility. He knew he had to fulfil his fathers will and accept the awful trial of the week ahead. Even so, knowing this truth Luke records that Jesus in the face of his own suffering, wept over erroneous Jerusalem. Consider: Imagine where you would have stood as Jesus processed into Jerusalem: would you be walking with him, shouting out from the crowd or an inquisitive onlooker? Pray: For those who bravely face hostility for their belief in Christ, both in this country and around the world. God may your face shine upon us and upon the whole world with deliverance and rescuing power.

Week Seven: Holy Week

Monday 14th: Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name Bible Reading – Isaiah 56 : 4-8, Mark 11: 12 – 19 Jesus is angered by the extortion blatantly on display in the Temple court. The unscrupulous dealers were not only making fat profits for themselves but, by their high pricing were excluding poorer people to worship in the temple. This was a desecration of the Temple, a violation of what God’s house was meant to be. The Temple was meant to be a place of prayer, a holy place, and a place where the most lowly and derided could come to worship. Consider: Is your corps/church known for the warmth of its welcome and inclusion into the fellowship? Prayer: O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Bow down and worship, his glory proclaim; With gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness, Kneel and adore him, the Lord is his name. (SASB 183).

Tuesday 15th: Thy Kingdom come Bible Reading – Matthew 26:6 – 13 ‘They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west and sit down in Kingdom of God, Both the rich and the poor, the despised the distressed’. This line from the pen of John Gowans came to my mind as I pictured the scene that Matthew describes. The host is named as ‘Simon the Leper’! What a name to be given, was he one of the lepers Jesus healed? The woman who poured oil, is not named by Matthew; (John’s gospel names the woman as Mary the sister of Martha.) It has been suggested that the unnamed woman was Mary Magdalene, out of whom Jesus cast seven demons. Whoever she is, she was certainly a very brave woman, who recognised Jesus as her Lord and King, demonstrating this by pouring oil on his head. Each, by their actions and devotion would be included in the Kingdom of God. Pray: I will offer up my life in spirit and truth, Pouring out the oil of love as my worship to you. In surrender I must give my every part; Lord, receive the sacrifice of a broken heart. Jesus what can I give, what can I bring to so faithful a friend, To so loving a King? Saviour, what can be said, what can be sung, As a praise of your name for the things you have done? Oh, my words could not tell, not even in part, Of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart. (Matt Redman).

Wednesday 16th: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven Bible Reading – John 12: 27 – 36, Mark 14: 32 ‘It was quiet the last time he went to the garden to pray, but tonight the peace had gone. It was a time of tension; Jesus struggling with himself, striving with God. Somehow, it’s easy to get smug, gloss over the struggle, and concentrate on Jesus decision “Yet not my will, but thine be done”. Nice and easy, “Ah, we say ‘He always did his fathers will’. True, but there was nothing easy about it, look at the struggle! It echoes our own struggles. The constant battle of our will versus God’s; we fight to go our own way and not God’s. Obedience, a free decision we make towards God, leads to a freedom from self.’ Eddie Askew Pray: Be still, in quiet prayer.

Thursday 17th: Give us this day our daily bread Bible Reading - Luke 22: 7 – 20 The meal was planned, the table laid, with all the best dishes for the Passover meal. Included would be unleavened bread, wine, candlesticks, and the cedar plate containing the bitter herbs, as well as fruit and nuts, and roast lamb. Each element of the meal had a meaning, which the disciples would have understood. Jesus took the bread and said the blessing, ‘Blessed are you Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth’, thanking God for his continued provision. However this time was very different for, as Jesus broke the bread he said ‘this is my body broken for you’. On this night the full implications of his words could not be denied, Jesus’, own body was to be broken for the sins of the world. Consider: Sharing with friends in a Passover meal Pray: ‘My life must be Christ’s broken bread, My love his outpoured wine. A cup o’er filled, a table spread beneath his name and sign. That other souls refreshed and fed may share his life through mine.’ (SASB 512)

Friday 18th

Good Friday: Forgive us our trespassers as we forgive them who trespass against us Bible Reading – Luke 23: 26 – 49 Who did Jesus pray this forgiveness prayer for, was it the Roman soldiers, the religious leaders, the crowd, you and I perhaps? Edmund Newell a writer of ‘Seven words for Three hours’, imagines the thoughts of a monk as he sits and translates this part of the gospel story, he writes. ‘As the story before him unfolds, it takes him to the crucifixion of the one about whom he writes. A phrase has come to mind; a familiar phrase ascribed to that man on the cross, and handed down by reliable witnesses. ‘Father forgive them; for they know not what they do’. His sheer revulsion at the crucifixion pushes away thoughts of forgiveness – instead the image evokes feelings of powerlessness, frustration, hatred and revenge. And yet this phrase will not go away, it challenges his instinctive feelings just like so much he knows about this man.

That compassionate, understanding, forgiving phrase seems apt for the man about whom he writes –the man who gives his life meaning. Pray: Amazing love how can it be that thou my God should die for me! Saturday 19th: Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil Bible Reading – Matthew 27: 57 – 6, John 16: 1 - 4 We pause today, and with Mary and Mary Magdalene watch and wait. Of course in our waiting we know Easter morning will soon be here but for those first disciples’ what did they think? Frightened for their safety some left the city; others maybe just found a quiet space to weep, for it seemed all hope was gone. Is this what Jesus had meant in John 16 when he told them they would be put to the test? Consider: Taking part in a prayer vigil until Easter morning. Sunday 20th: Easter Sunday For thine is the Kingdom, Power and Glory, forever and ever. Bible Reading – John 20: 1 -18 The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! How Mary must have ran to tell the disciples the amazing news that first Easter morning, “I have seen the Lord” she shouted! He’s alive, he’s alive he’s alive forevermore Jesus has risen from the dead. Sin no longer has dominion; Satan’s power is broken down, He is Risen hallelujah and he wears the victor’s crown He’s alive, he’s alive he’s alive forevermore. Jesus has risen from the dead. (E Williams) May we live as Easter morning disciples! Pray: As we share in celebration on this Easter Day, may our gracious Lord transform our lives with his risen power, and teach us to praise him all our days. To our glorious King be praise. Amen

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Throughout the next ten days we will take the opportunity to meditate on Scripture. As you pray, repeat each verse slowly, allowing God to reveal to you what He is saying. Share what you learn with someone.

Monday 21st: Isaiah 25:1

Lord, you are my God: I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things.

Tuesday 22nd: Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Wednesday 23rd: Psalm 95:6-7

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

Thursday 24th: 1 Corinthians 1:8-9

He will keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Friday 25th: Colossians 3:12 - 14

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Saturday 26th: 1 Chronicles 16:9

Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.

Sunday 27th: Psalm 150: 1-2

Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power;

Monday 28th: Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Tuesday 29th: Isaiah 12:4

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

Wednesday 30th: Hebrews 13: 20a, 21

Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.