Stalbridge Congregational Church – Prayer / Worship Leaflet – 22nd March 2020

As we are unable to meet together in person for worship – let us reflect and pray together
John and Sandra will use this ‘leaflet’ beginning at 10 am on Sunday – please join us if you can so that
in this way we are still united in our faith, love and worship of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and in
our love for each other. May the Lord Bless you and keep you well in body mind and Spirit Amen.

Let us sing together……..

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, 2 Pardon for sin, and a peace that endureth
there is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
as Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness; morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed Thy hand hath provided - great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

Read all of Psalm 23 then reflect

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing”….. Praise God for his provision, and his rest
“He restores my soul”….. Thank Him for healing your inner being
“He guides me in the paths of righteousness” ….. Seek his wisdom for living in these difficult days
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” ….
Let God be your hope in these times of trouble
“For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me” …. Hold on to this promise
King David wrote this psalm whilst in hiding from king Saul who was out to kill him. He used his experience
of God he had gained as a shepherd boy – out alone on the hills, protecting the sheep from wild animals,
thieves and other dangers. Let it bring us hope and courage as we face the dangers of Corona Virus,
isolation, fear and uncertainty – pray for hope and peace and love and joy.

Let us sing together………

1What a friend we have in Jesus
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear-
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
2Have we trials and temptations
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged:
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
can we find a friend so faithful,
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
3Are we weak and heavy-laden
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge!
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
do thy friends despise, forsake thee
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
in His arms He’ll take and shield
thee.
thou wilt find a solace there.

Please pray for – Pam’s brother Tony who had a minor stroke – John’s sister whose husband died on Tuesday. Angela’s
brother in Australia (corona virus) The ‘Bean’ family who are in isolation their baby born this week in isolation. For each
other, for Stalbridge, for the nation and the world. Pray for Peace, hope, love, joy, patience and tolerance. Remember the
older people, Parents and the families with children home from school, those whose work and income has been lost. Pray
for all front-line workers without whom essential services would not be available….

Sunday 22nd March is World Day of Prayer – if you can please put a light / candle in your window at 7pm in solidarity
with Christians across the world – as we pray for unity.

May the Lord Bless you and Keep you until we meet again. In Christ Jesus – Sandra and John