Week beginning September 26th

 

Based on a service held at Mayfield Chapel this morning.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.

Psalm 111, verse 10.

Song:

Lead us heavenly Father (hymn with lyrics) - YouTube

Prayers:

Lord we thank you for the ability to meet together to worship you freely.

We pray for your church in places where the members are persecuted.

Lord, make them invisible to their enemies, and yet may they be salt and light in their communities.

We pray that you will turn the hearts of their persecutors.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Readings:

Book of Daniel, chapter 5.

Book of Proverbs, chapter 31, verses 10 to 31.

Song:

May the mind of Christ my Saviour StF 504 (with lyrics for congregations) - YouTube

Prayers:

Fount of all wisdom we pray for all who believe.

We pray that all who trust may have your wisdom; that they may put into practice what they believe.

We pray for the church worldwide, that it may be known for its deeds as well as its words.

May it be always open to the poor, and generous in giving.

May we recognise that everything comes from you, that all that we give is yours already.

We pray for the state of the world:

everywhere that there is conflict and hardship.

We pray for the planet;

that there may be fair treatment of the world,

that there may be recognition that it is your creation,

that it is to be cherished and not to be plundered and exploited that there may be something to pass on to our descendants.

We pray for Afghanistan and its rulers, that they may recognise that they rule in the name of a compassionate and merciful God.

We pray for our own government and the current crises which they face.

We pray those involved in the development of vaccines and treatments for the covid virus, and all those who are working in the health services.

In Jesus’ name

Amen.

A capable wife!

The reading from Proverbs give the description of a capable wife; and what a description it is! It makes you wonder, “If that is capable, what would outstanding be?”

She seems to be quite a modern woman.

She has money of her own, and invests it wisely. That would have been quite unusual at the time.

Undoubtedly, King Lemuel recognises her worth.

A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

She clearly puts her wisdom to practical use.

James urges Christians to show by their good life that they have God’s wisdom. That there should be no deceitful charm or vain beauty.

“Earthly wisdom” is seen as devilish.

The wisdom which comes from above is the means by which the reputation of the gospel is spread. What the church does is the means by which the gospel is spread, rather than what it says. In fact, what the church says is frequently incomprehensible to most of the listeners.

St Francis of Assissi urged people to preach to all creatures, “Use words if necessary.”

Making peace can be difficult, but Christians have an advantage, they are representing the “Prince of Peace.”

The wisdom from above is manifested in love. This is what made an impact on the Roman Empire. It took 300 years or so, but it effected tremendous change.

We like to think that we are capable, but the standard shown in this reading from Proverbs really puts us to shame.

James urges us to resist the Devil and he will flee, but often our resistance is slow. It is through resistance that we will escape the Devil’s snare. Those of you who have read or watched “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” will remember that when the young wizards were trapped by devil’s snare plant, it was light that freed them. The light of the Lord’s wisdom will free us from the Devil’s snare in our lives.

James says to submit ourselves to God.

The prayer book contains a prayer;

“Almighty God, to whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we are incapable.

Song:

Sweet Hour Of Prayer (Hymns with lyrics) - YouTube

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.

Psalm 111, verse 10.

Song:

The Celebration Choir - To God Be The Glory [with lyrics] - YouTube

May the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon us and remain with us always. Amen.