Hello Everyone

Last week I shared one of the ways that helps me to stay focused and closer to God. I gave an example of two modern songs composed by Matt Redman which I might read or sing and I always find it helpful to have a copy of the words.

Before I was seven years of age, I was a chorister in the choir at St Luke’s Milnsbridge. On Thursday Evenings it was rehearsal night for morning and evening Services the following Sunday. We went through the Hymns, Psalms & Canticles….. I loved it!   

The role of Psalms and Canticles in our services today does not have quite such a prominent part to play but are we missing out?  The Psalms are a real resource to help us in our prayer life.

This week I suggest using the psalms as a base for our prayers.

You may wish to have a Bible to read the words of the psalms and we  start with two psalms which give an invitation to come into the presence of God.

Psalm 95 v 1-7 – ‘Come let us sing to the Lord’

Psalm 100  — Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.   

It is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 98 – leads us into a time of giving thanks and praise to God

Psalm 67 – Can lead us into a time of intercession for the world.

As we pray let us be mindful of psalm 100 “It is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” God listens to us as we intercede for all he created.

• There is profound disappointment as we go into lockdown in Kirklees. So we pray for all, living in the uncertainty, anxiety and frustration as we try to regain control of the virus.
• We pray for the vulnerable, sick, dying and bereaved.
• We pray for front line workers.
• We plea for God to reach out and help us in all our needs.
• We give thanks for all those in our community of Meltham caring and supporting people through the Food Bank and for neighbours who are watching out and helping each other.

As you go through the day be aware that God walks with you and remember the words of   verse 10 from Psalm 46  ‘Be Still and know that I am God’

Keep Safe, Keep Praying     

 Peter