Week beginning August 7th

 

Song: All creatures of our God and king

All Creatures of Our God and King (Tune: Lasst uns Erfreuen - 4vv) [with lyrics for congregations] - YouTube

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, send your holy spirit on this gathering, that we may worship in spirit and truth. Amen

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,

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.

Reading: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 10.

Song: All people that on earth do dwell

All people that on earth do dwell - YouTube

Reading: 1^st book of Kings, chapter 8. verses 35 to 53

Prayer:

Lord God, our heavenly Father,

Help us to remember that you are not an exclusive God, that you desire that none should perish.

You have loved all, and want all to know you and serve you.

Thanks you for the opportunities to know, love and serve you. May we take advantage of all the opportunities you present us with.

We pray for the persecuted, may they show your love, joy and peace in their lands. May they be invisible to their enemies, and yet be salt and light in their communities.

We pray for Ukraine, and for all affected by warfare and terror.

We pray for the people of Taiwan, under threat of military action at the moment.

We pray for all affected by cruel and incompetent governments.

We pray for all who are hungry, fearful of suffering in body, mind or spirit; those who are worried about the future; those who are worried about paying rent, energy bills or food; the homeless, and all the agencies which try to help those affected by these worries.

May we recognise the rewards which we can have when led by you. May we take the opportunities to share your love with others.

In Jesu’s name. Amen

Reading: Luke’s gospel, chapter 7

Song: All my hope on God is founded

All My Hope On God Is Founded - YouTube

Since each song has started with the word “All”, you might have come to the conclusion that the theme is one of inclusivity, and you would be right!

Solomon was building the first temple. He recognised that God does not need a house, but the people need a place to meet. We read of something of a shift of emphasis from “the chosen” to foreigners. Written many years B.C., the people are urged to do whatever the foreigner says. A cynic might be tempted to think that Solomon’s words were not entirely altruistic. Perhaps he was thinking that it was acceptable to trade with foreigners if the price was right! He certainly recognised the power of religion to bind people together. This temple was the only place to offer sacrifice, and foreigners were expected to come. They would spend, and this would be good for the economy. He prophesied that this kingdom would last for ever, but it was not to be. It only lasted one generation, being ruined by his son.

Subsequently, Jesus was tempted by the Devil, “All the nations…….” The Devil succeeded with Solomon, but not with Jesus.

Lip service was no good, what was needed was heart service.

The centurion was newly posted to Judea. He would have hated it. The Romans never understood the Jews. Caesar dismissed the province on the film Ben Hur with the words Goats and Jehovah” It was a hotbed of hostility.

But this centurion had taken the time to meet with, and learn from his servants. He had come to the conclusion that the people, and their God, were worthy of respect. He had paid for the synagogue to be rebuilt after a fire. The locals considered him to be a righteous man, who loved them, who was in his turn, worthy of respect.

When his servant was ill, he thought of Jesus, but how to contact him? He asked some Jewish elders to contact him, And ask for help.

There is a problem, Jesus as a Jew could not enter the house of the Roman, but the centurion had an answer, Jesus only had to say the word, and the servant would be healed.

“I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” says Jesus. From a foreigner! And the servant was well.

God doesn’t force himself on people.

God wants all to know him.

God draws all to him.

God has no barriers.

Song: All over the world

All over the World the Spirit is moving - Roy Turner - YouTube