Prepared by Rev. Derek Grimshaw
Lord, to whom shall we go?
Call to Worship
O Giver of all good gifts, how delicious your words are, so good in our mouths, sweeter than honey!
Your word is a lamp to our feet, a light to our path gladdening our eyes and showing the way.
Incline our hearts to keep all your commands to treasure your words forever, to the end. Amen
Hymn: 161 Speak O Lord Watch on Youtube
Speak, O Lord, as we come to you
to receive the food of your holy word.
Take your truth, plant it deep in us;
shape and fashion us in your likeness,
that the light of Christ might be seen today
in our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfil in us
all your purposes, for your glory.
Teach us, Lord, full obedience,
holy reverence, true humility.
Test our thoughts and our attitudes
in the radiance of your purity.
Cause our faith to rise, cause our eyes to see
your majestic love and authority.
Words of power that can never fail;
let their truth prevail over unbelief.
Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds;
help us grasp the heights of your plans for us.
Truths unchanged from the dawn of time
that will echo down through eternity.
And by grace we’ll stand on your promises,
and by faith we’ll walk as you walk with us.
Speak, O Lord, till your Church is built
and the earth is filled with your glory.
Keith Getty (b. 1974) and Stuart Townend (b. 1963)
Let us pray together
Ever-speaking God your strong words called worlds into being, you spoke light out of darkness, life out of emptiness, beauty out of chaos, you still speak. We praise and worship you.
Ever-speaking God you are the eternal Word, Jesus, God’s ‘Yes’ to us. You have the words of eternal life.
You spoke and lives changed, bodies healed, hearts quickened, you still speak. We praise and worship you.
Ever-speaking God you are the Spirit who brings words to life. You continue to pray for us when the words run out. You speak in the world and in our hearts, you call words to mind and teach us, leading us into truth.
You still speak. We praise and worship you.
In this time may we drink in your Word, feast on your Word, hold on to your Word. Amen
Faithful God your words give life, forgive us when our words damage and discourage.
Your words bring peace, forgive us when our words stir up anger and discord.
Your words reveal truth, forgive us when our words flatter and falsify.
Your words bring healing, forgive us when our words harm and hurt.
Jesus who spoke out against oppression and hypocrisy, forgive our complicit silence.
Jesus who stood in holy silence before power and violence, forgive the wild words we should not have spoken.
In the quiet of our hearts, may we hear the word of grace. Jesus Christ speaks: ‘Your sins are forgiven’. Thanks be to God. Amen
Scripture John 6: 56-69
Reflection
For a short while the signposts at the entrance to the Yorkshire market town of Norton read “Malton B1248” with a left arrow, encouraging motorists to turn onto Church Street, while an identical sign pointed to the right, directing people along Welham Road, towards the market town of Malton. The more discerning motorist might well be totally confused, particularly because they had just driven through Malton, seconds earlier. The signs caused complete chaos for a short while until local counsellors realized that the contractors had put the signs in the wrong place, and they have been subsequently changed.
There are times in my life when I find myself standing, totally confused, and wondering where to turn next, a bit like the baffled motorists in Norton. When the other disciples decide to leave Jesus and go their own way, Jesus asks the twelve whether they want to go as well. Peter replies “where else can we go?” At this critical time in our lives as we continue to journey through these unprecedented times, where do we turn for our guidance?
Consider
- Think of times in the past, when you had stood confused, not knowing where to turn, maybe as you have experienced something for the first time. Who do you turn to?
- Can you think of times when others have turned to you and you feel ill equipped to help, what are the key skills you need on occasions like that? Where have you found your strength?
- As we face the future with all the challenges ahead of us, please spend a few moments praying for guidance from God.
Take a time to sit quietly. A time of prayer
Holy God, you want us to know and believe that you alone are God. Give to your Church such confidence in you that we may do and dare much in your name. We remember those congregations we are connected with and those fellowships we are part of and commend them to your grace.
Jesus Christ, we know and believe that you are truly the Saviour of the World. Grant to the peoples of the world justice and peace. Give wisdom to those with power and freedom to those who are oppressed. We remember those nations and situations which are on our hearts at this time and we ask for your restoration and grace.
Tender-hearted God, we know and believe the love that you have for us and all people. Grant us to draw close and find grace to help us in our time of need. Touch those who we know are struggling with your compassion and comfort, your healing and strength. We remember those who are sick, sorrowful, bereaved or troubled and place them in your loving hands.
Merciful God, who knows our needs and our fears, steady us for all that lies ahead, strengthen our hearts, lead us into your truth, until we see you face to face. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer: Our Father ……
Hymn: 395 Spirit of the living God, Watch on Youtube
Spirit of the living God,
fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me,
mould me, fill me.
Spirit of the living God,
fall afresh on me.
Blessing
May the words we have heard and prayed and shared echo in our minds, stay in our hearts and re-shape our lives. May we know the Living Word of God with us now and always. Amen