Today, the day of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, let's commit ourselves to praying for the funeral, the King, His family, the United Kingdom and the world. Paul writes:
‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.’ (1 Timothy 2:1-8)
A few questions for reflection:
i. What are we urged to do and what is the result?
ii. What is God pleased with?
iii. What does God want for everyone and why is prayer important for this?
iv. How is the gospel message - the message that saves - summarised?
v. At the end of this passage, what does God want us to avoid and what does He want us to do?
RESPONSE
Why not set an alarm for every hour today and pray on each hour out of the themes of 1 Timothy 2:1-8?
Perhaps you’d like to pray for:
Give thanks for the life and faith of Queen Elizabeth.
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth to run safely
Pray that Just Welby (Archbishop of Canterbury) as he speaks at this most important opportunity to communicate the gospel.
Seek God for King Charles and Camilla.
Pray for the U.K. at this time of loss and challenge on many fronts.
Pray for yourself and those in your life. Pray for your own love and devotion to Jesus to be revived and deepened at this time. Take a moment to read these words from The Queen as inspiration for how we live a Christ-centred life:
”I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to do what is right, to take the long view, to give my best in all the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.”
TOGETHER IN SEPTEMBER
During September 2022, at CCP, we are having 'Together' meetings instead of our usual Community Groups. You are very welcome to attend these gatherings.
Please come to the church building at 7:30 pm on Wednesday evenings - refreshments and a meal will be available.
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