Dear friends,
One of the highlights of lockdown has been the weekly congregational prayer time. Regularly up to 40 devices have logged in via Zoom and we have enjoyed sweet fellowship and mutual encouragement when things have been tough.
Now that restrictions are easing and the summer is coming, maybe we should take a break?
A holiday from intercession?
Well, if our communal prayer time was only for our benefit, then maybe. The immediate crisis has passed and we could ‘rest a while’. But communal prayer is not just for us but for the benefit of others, for the advancement of God’s Kingdom and for His glory.
Listen to this from Ephesians 6.
“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto yourself the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girded with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
While many other things may take a break, the battle against ‘the flesh, the world and the devil’ never rests and in this we need each other.
There are many events which will require our intercessions throughout the summer, not least a full and significant programme among our young people and issues throughout the world.
For many reasons therefore we continue to meet for communal prayer right through the whole year, including during July and August.
Some will take place via Zoom which will enable you to join in wherever you happen to be located. Other nights will be in person at church which will give precious opportunity for face to face fellowship. Sure, these prayer times may be a wee bit shorter than during the winter, but they will be just as significant.
With huge blessings to you as we continue to share in and battle with Christ’s work at home and overseas.
Sincerely from Frank
Dates and locations of our Mid-week Congregational prayer times at 7.30pm
Wed 23rd June (Zoom)
Wed 30th June (Zoom)
Wed 7th July (in BPC)
Wed 14th July (Zoom)
Wed 21st July (Zoom)
Wed 28th July (in BPC)
Wed 4th August (in BPC)
Wed 11th August (Zoom)
Wed 18th August (Zoom)
Wed 25th August (in BPC)
Wed 1st Sept (Zoom)
A Puritan Prayer
Blessèd Spirit of the King,
Of grace and love the author,
Work repentance deep within,
And bend me at Your altar.
Melt my heart with majesty,
Then show my ruined self to me;
Teach me to more clearly see
Your might and will to save me.
Here I place without reserve
My soul in faith and meekness,
Trusting in Christ’s power and love
To flourish in my weakness.
Cause my days on earth to be
Through time and through eternity
A trophy of His victory,
A monument to mercy.
Teach me to behold my God,
And trust His power to save me,
Arms outstretched in constant love,
Whose strength will never fail me.
Help me to commune with Him,
Depend and follow after Him,
That through my life His peace will reign,
And joy be my companion.