Welcome
To God be the Glory
Isaiah 53: But He was pierced for our trangressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was laid on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.
We like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him, the iniquity of us all. Amen
Let’s pray: Father in many ways the lifting of some restrictions has been welcomed by many businesses that were on the verge of collapse during the lock down, threatening the lively-hoods of many people. Father; whatever our own personal thoughts are to this easing of restrictions, will you grant to each one of us your wisdom, that we may discern what your good, and pleasing will, is, for your people today. Amen.
Father; again this week we’ve witnessed the very real presence of evil that was manifest in the murder of three friends in Reading. Father; again, families and friends are left to mourn the loss of loved ones. Please comfort and protect, all who are in a state of mourning today, be it through Covid 19, or, through such actions as we’ve seen this week. Amen.
Father; we know from the scriptures that we have a real and present enemy, who wants nothing more than to destroy your Church, in other words, the lives of your people.
Father; we thank you that on the cross, Jesus dealt Satan a fatal blow. But; as we read in 1 Peter 5. We’re to “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Resist Him, standing firm in the faith.â€
Father; please protect all your people today, especially those who witness Satan’s hatred of you, and your people. Please protect your servants who live in countries where being a Christian, and confessing, “Jesus is Lord.†Is punishable by death. Protect also Lord, all in refugee camps across the Middle East today, that they, through their witness of you, may see the hearts of many being turned to you.
Father; we would also pray for governments across our world who are prepared to allow modern day slavery to aid their economies. Often turning a blind eye to the ruined lives of young women trafficked for sex. For the illegal drugs that find there way onto the streets of many of our towns and cities, with the devastating results seen in more criminal activity. Amen
Lord; our plea, as your people, is that you will help us, by your Spirit’s power, to live such lives in this world, that many may turn to you, the living God. Amen.
Father; we pray tonight for your word. Sometimes, the background of a passage of scripture can be difficult for our 21 century minds to fully understand. Help us tonight as we open up your word to hear you speaking through it to us. And father, where we’re guilty before you of sinning against you, may we come ourselves to the cross, and repent of all our wrong doings. Amen.
Let’s continue to worship God through Dave Fellingham’s song. Let us draw near to God. Followed by Stuart Townend’s Lord how majestic you are.
Let us draw near to God: Please scroll down for the words
Let us draw near to God in full assurance of faith, knowing that as we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.
In the Holy place we stand in confidence, knowing our lives are cleansed in the blood of the lamb, we will worship and adore. (Sing through Twice)
Lord How majestic You are.
Lord; we continue to praise you tonight with some words from Ps 9.
I will give thanks to you Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name,
O Most High.
Lord, we do indeed give you thanks that through your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, you have cleansed us from all our wrong doing and unrighteousness. Amen.
Talk Joshua 7 Merv Weeks
Restore O Lord
Father, restore in us tonight, the honour of your name, and where our hearts are apt to be hard and cold towards you, and towards our brothers and sisters. Then bend us Lord, and make us pliable in your hands, that we might serve you all the days of our lives. And in all you call us to do, your sovereignty will be seen in us, and through us. To the glory of your great name. Amen
Church Notices
Over the past few weeks, some of you have been celebrating various special occasions, and my apologies that we weren’t able in the service sheets to wish Sheila, Colin, and Gill Elphick, a Happy Birthday.
So; Happy Birthday to you all.
But there’s also been other celebrations taking place this week. With both John and Eileen Morgan, and Alan and Thelma Jones celebrating 57 years of marriage. Wonderful, and congratulations to both couples, from us all here at LEFC.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen