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David Mouncer -Rector Prayer Thought is put together weekly by Emma Atkinson and e-mailed to those people on a circulation list who wish to receive it. It also contains prayer requests for individulals which are not on this web site for confidentuality. Please contact Emma if you wish to be on the circulation list, (contact details are in the church address book) or the Church Office. More information about prayer at St Thomas' is available here. 28.12.06 John 1 v.14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” We have a God who is not distant. He is not a God who doesn’t know the pain and the trials of life. When we pray, he knows, he acts. Give Thanks We give thanks for the many special services held over the Christmas period and pray that in the aftermath of presents, food and festivities, we – and all who have visited St Thomas’ – would remember the true meaning of Christmas. 21.12.06 Genesis 3 v.14-15 “He will crush your head.” This is the reason for the season. Jesus came to defeat the evil one, to bring us freedom, a hope and a future. Who has the victory? Pray in confidence. Church Life We thank God for the opportunity we have at St Thomas ’ to witness to so many through our various Christmas services. In particular we pray for Christmas Eve - that we will get everyone in and that they will truly hear the wonderful message of Christmas; for Midnight - for a peaceful, yet powerful service; and for Christmas Day - for great celebration and rejoicing. People We pray for all those who have been bereaved during the last year and are facing their first Christmas without a loved one. We ask for God’s grace to be upon them. We also pray for any we know who are not looking forward to Christmas whether for physical, spiritual or emotional reasons and pray that something of Christ’s love would shine through and light their darkness. We give thanks to the Almighty that He hears and answers our prayers. 14.12.06 Isaiah 9 v. 6-7 “Wonderful Counsellor”. This is why we pray for people. We know that God can draw along side them. Sometimes only he can make a difference. Pray that the wonderful Counsellor will come along side those who we pray for this week. Pray that the Prince of Peace will come into lives afresh. Church Life We pray for all those who receive Spotlight and all those who will attend one of our special Christmas services this year. May what they read/hear of Our Saviour strike a chord in their hearts and may they see something in us which makes them yearn to know more. 7.12.06 Luke 3 v.16 “I [John] baptize you with water. But one [Jesus] more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” John pointed the way to Jesus coming. May we use Christmas as an opportunity to point the way to Jesus. Church Life We pray for the Pram Service and Christmas Party on Monday and People@Prayer on Wednesday. 30.11.06 Luke 1 v.24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favour”. With God all things are possible and over two thousand years on, He still delights to show us His favour and enable us to do things that seem impossible, just as He did for Elizabeth. Come with boldness before Him now with your heart’s desires. Church Life We pray for Novimost Sunday this coming weekend. We ask that all preparations for the services and the lunch would go smoothly and that as a church we would feel really connected to this charity that we support. 23.11.06 Psalm 23 v.1 “The Lord is my shepherd.” I had this as my verse for a retreat I did in Iceland last year. I said it out loud as I walked the mountains in the NW fjords. People must have thought I was mad. I came to see the great privilege I had in being part of the flock. The shepherd had made me a part of his flock. I had his care, his comfort, his rod and his staff. Church Life We pray for the Christmas Crafts event at church on Saturday morning. Our open church events have proved very popular with the local community and we pray that this event would also draw new people in. We pray that there would be a real sense of God’s presence throughout. We also pray for the Open House Group Leaders Meeting next Wednesday. The group will be looking at different ways of worshipping in small group settings. We pray that the Holy Spirit would move and inspire people to try new things. 16.11.06 Psalm 22 v.1 “My God, my God why have you forsaken me.” He said it so that you never have to say it! Take the time to read the whole psalm. Whisper to yourself – “all this for me”. Give Thanks For last Saturday's barn dance -a time of real fun and fellowship. Church Life We pray for the events coming up soon including 'Get Involved', Shoebox Sunday, Crafts for Christmas and Novimost Sunday. 9.11.06 Psalm 21 v.7 “… through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.” The steady love of the Lord is trustworthy. You can base your life upon it. You can base your prayers upon it. Give Thanks We give thanks for our prayer email; that we have the opportunity to share in each others and our church’s life through prayer. We thank God for the many answers to prayer we have seen and always remember that God promises to hear us when we call on Him. Church Life We pray for the Barn Dance on Saturday evening and especially for the preparations, that enough people would step forward to help with baking potatoes beforehand. We pray that although this is a social event, God’s presence would be felt by all who attend. 02.11.06 Psalm 20 v.7 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” In prayer we admit something. We admit we can not do it on our own. We need the Lord to change people and situations. To trust in the ‘name’ means to trust in the character, the nature of God. Give Thanks We give thanks for The Treat (alternative to Halloween) party on Tuesday 31st Oct – and for the 99 children that came along, at least half are from non-church families. We thank God that everyone was safe and had a great time. 26.10.06 Psalm 19 v.1 “The heavens declare the glory of the Lord.” Take a look outside – time of praise? Church Life We pray for the 'Treat', the alternative Halloween Party on Tuesday. 19.10.06 Psalm 18 v.2 “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer…” Three different characteristics of God’s care for us! He is our rock – doesn’t move. He is our fortress – a place of safety and protection. He is our deliverer – he saves us. Which of these characteristics are needed in your life today? Give Thanks We give thanks for the wonderful news of the arrival of Ellie Grace Michell on Monday 16th October at 9.48pm weighing 7lb 13.5oz, a daughter for Phil & Rachel and sister for Rosie. We pray for God’s blessing upon the whole family – that His face would shine upon them. Church Life Julie Brown has taken over the role of Children's Work Co-ordinator on an interim basis until the next summer. We thank Julie for coming forward to do this valuable job and pray for her, especially as she organises her first event, the alternative Halloween Party. Sorry! We didn't have a 'Prayer Thought' last week 5.10.06 Psalm 17 v.6 “I call on you, O God, for you will answer me, give ear to me and hear my prayer.” Note the mixture of confidence and faith. As we pray do we have this combination? Confidence in the God who is so quick to listen and respond to the prayers of those he has set his love upon. Church Life We pray for the World Mission Sunday (SAMS/Rob Lunt) and Faith Lunch this Sunday (8 October); that you would give Rob words that would really speak into our hearts; that we would be moved to care passionately about our mission partner and the work they do; and that it would be a time of fellowship for all. 28.9.06 Psalm 16 v.2 “You are my Lord, apart from you I have no good thing.” What has real value in our lives? As I read this verse I am moved to thanksgiving – are you? Give Thanks We thank God for our Open House groups; for the many people who have joined groups for the first time and for the reports that they are settling in well. We pray that God would bless us as individuals, as groups and as a church as we meet together – many on a weekly basis now. We also pray that Open House groups would offer yet another way of welcoming newcomers into the fellowship of St Thomas’. 21.9.06 John 1 v.12 “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” Who am I? The world has lots of ideas who we are – we are what we eat, drive, live in – we are what we do, achieve, know – the list goes on. But as Christians our answer should be (and so often isn’t) different…we are children of God, created in the Maker’s image. Our identity is centred in Christ. People We pray for Janet Hayward and Kevin Turville as they prepare for their wedding on Saturday. We ask that God would be in all their final preparations and that they would be able to rest in His peace through all the busyness. We pray for God’s great blessing upon their marriage and future together. Church Life We pray for the PCC Away Day on Saturday 30th September in Eyam. We pray that as many members of the PCC as possible would be available to attend. We ask for God’s anointing upon them and a discernment of God’s will for St Thomas’. 14.9.06 Psalm 15 v.1 “Who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill.” As you come to prayer, recall briefly the grace of God. It is only because of that grace that our prayers are answered. We don’t deserve to have our prayers answered. We cannot earn the right to have our prayers answered. We, sinners, cannot dwell on that holy hill. It’s only through grace that we may enter his presence. Give Thanks I know we prayed about this last week but it is such a special occasion I thought we should pray again! We give thanks for Becky Hill’s full immersion baptism on Sunday morning. It was a time of great rejoicing and really moved all those who were there. We also thank God for the eight candidates who were confirmed (Greg, Claire, Ben, Nick, Sal, Becky, Abi and Laura) at St John’s Walton last night. We pray that as a church we would uphold and encourage them on this next step in their Christian journey. 7.9.06 Psalm 14 v.3 “All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt, there is no-one who does good, not even one.” Just for a change, why not read how Paul uses this verse in Romans 3. It’s not comfortable reading but it does put into context the love that God has for us. Give Thanks We thank God for the 8 candidates who will be confirmed at St John’s Walton on Wednesday evening. We give thanks that they have each reached a point in their Christian journey where they are choosing to publicly declare their faith. We pray that God will bless them richly as they stand up to be counted for Him. We pray for Greg, Claire, Ben, Nick, Sal, Becky, Abi and Laura. We pray for Becky who will be baptised this Sunday during the 11am service, prior to her confirmation on Wednesday. Praise God! Church Life As we begin a new term, there are so many things to pray for: the children’s worker vacancy, the development project, the marriage enrichment weekend, urgent need for leaders for Kidzone 627 and Totzone. Just pick one area and spend some time praying for God’s will to be done. We also pray for the PCC who meet on Monday evening, especially that God would grant them wisdom and discernment that they might prayerfully consider the situation with St Peter’s. For August Psalm 12 v.6 “And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay.” Everything changes. (if you don’t believe me – look in the mirror!) The only thing that doesn’t change is that which is perfect. Base your life, your actions, your attitudes on the perfect word of God. Give Thanks We give thanks for Karen Herrick as she prepares to finish her role as Children’s Work Co-ordinator at St Thomas’. We thank God for her enthusiasm, dedication, inspiration and hard work. We also pray for her replacement – that the person God is calling to this job would hear and respond. We also pray for those charged with short listing, interviewing and selecting – that God would grant them wisdom and discernment. Church Life We pray for each other as we enter the holiday season – that it would be a time of relaxation, rest and time to recharge and that it would be an opportunity for families to spend quality time together. We especially pray for David Mouncer and the family as they approach a well-earned break – that God would bless and strengthen them during their holiday. We also pray for the joint services in August. We pray that God would use this time to draw us closer together as a church. We also pray for those who visit St Thomas’ during the summer – that they would find a place of welcome in Jesus’ name. 27.7.06 Psalm 11 v.1 “In the Lord I take refuge.” Think through this week how you can do what the Psalmist states. How can you take refuge in God this week? Give Thanks We rejoice in the news that many of the children at Holiday Club have really engaged on a spiritual level with the Jonah story, understanding and believing for themselves God’s truths of love and forgiveness. We also give thanks for the spirit of service that has been so evident among the volunteers. Church Life We pray for Friday’s Family Party, which already has good numbers, and also the Sunday All Age Service. We ask for God’s strength and vision for all those organising these two events and pray that the families that come along would be moved by the children’s enthusiasm and led to ask questions of what’s it all about. 20.7.06 Psalm 10 v.14 “But you O god do see trouble and grief, you consider it to take it in hand.” Sometimes it appears if God is far off (verse 1). It seems as if he doesn’t care what happens to his people. Simply not true. It’s all in hand. Nail scarred hands. Church Life We pray for next week’s Holiday Club. The theme at holiday club this year looks for clues in the story of Jonah and we are asked to pray for the following things:
13.7.06 Psalm 9 v.7 “The Lord reigns for ever, he has established his throne for judgement. He will rule the world in righteousness.” His kingdom is coming. Nothing is going to stop God’s kingdom coming to the world. As you pray remember this, and pray with confidence. Church Life We pray for the Church Picnic on Sunday (16 July) after the 11am service. We pray that any visitors to the service will be struck by a feeling of warmth and of welcome – of the love of Jesus. We also pray that God would bless us as a church as we enjoy a time of fellowship together; that new relationships would be formed and old ones deepened, all in the bond of God’s love. 6.7.06 Psalm 8 v.1 “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.” Before you begin to pray, go outside and take a few moments to look around. Majestic isn’t it! Now look at yourself. You also have been crowned with glory, an even greater glory. Time for praise. Give Thanks We give thanks for the Flower Festival and Open Church Event. We give thanks for those who arranged the floral displays – a beautiful act of worship – and who enabled us to appreciate some of the flowers of God’s creation. Church Life We pray for Monday’s Pram Service; that it would be a time when the under 5s really get a sense of God’s love and that their parents and carers are drawn too. We also pray for next Friday’s Marriage Celebration evening and ask that the 27 couples who are going would be richly blessed and each come away with something new to think about. 29.6.06 Psalm 7 v.1 “…save and deliver me from all who pursue me…” If you are like me, (which I am sure you are not!), I always have a temptation to take matters into my own hands. I find it hard to trust God to bring justice in his own time and in his own way. Are you feeling hurt or offended by someone, feeling tempted to seek revenge, to get even? As you read the whole of the psalm, trust in the Lord to bring justice and righteousness. Give Thanks We give thanks for news of Kevin Turville and Janet Hayward’s engagement and pray for God’s blessing upon them. Church Life We pray for this weekend’s Flower Festival and Open Church event. We ask that God will draw those who don’t normally come to St Thomas’ to visit and that the welcome they receive will encourage them to come along to a Sunday service. 22.6.06 Psalm 6 v.2 "Be merciful to me Lord, for I am faint; O Lord, heal me." Need wholeness? Need forgiveness? Need to change, to be different? Go to the Chief Physician, he will always hear a cry for mercy (verse 9). Give Thanks We give thanks for the Open House Groups who have so readily accepted the challenge to do something as part of the year of mission. In particularly, we thank God for the Brian Houston concert which was a really special experience for all who attended. It was great to see so many different faces there and we pray that God would continue to work beyond the evening itself. Church Life We pray for our mission partner Andy Goodacre and his wife Liz. Andy will be joining us on Sunday to preach at the 9am and 11am services. We pray that they would feel warmly welcomed and that we would have open hearts to hear Andy’s message. Andy and Liz are just about to join with three others to live in a flat as a small community. We thank God for their commitment to this exciting but challenging change of life and pray for God’s blessing and protection upon them. We ask that God would do amazing things through this! 8.6.06 Psalm 5 v.7 "I, by your great mercy will come into your house." What a privilege we have! In prayer, we can walk into the house of God. Why, because we have earned it, because we are special in some way, because we go to church, because we use this prayer email? No. We can walk into that place because God is a merciful God. He accepts us. He accepts our feeble prayers. He loves us, he is merciful towards us. Give Thanks We give thanks for the extremely encouraging and positive meeting re the Development Project last Sunday afternoon. We thank God for all those who have worked so tirelessly to get the project to this point. We also praise God for the enthusiasm and desire people have to get the building work underway as soon as possible and make this project a reality. We ask that God would continue to bless the plans and finances. Church Life We pray for the Brian Houston concert on Saturday evening (12 June). We thank God for all the hard work Sue Ward and Bernard Blanksby’s housegroup have put in to organise this concert. We pray that the Holy Spirit would touch people as they listen to the music, especially those non-Christians who have been invited. 2.6.06 Psalm 4 v.7 "You have filled my heart with greater joy then when their grain and new wine abound." Our joy is not seasonal! Our joy is not based upon success or abundance. The Lord is our joy. Take some time reveling in his love. Give Thanks We give thanks for the Whit Walk / Annual Procession of Witness which is to take place on Bank Holiday Monday. We thank God for all those Christians across the churches in Chesterfield who are so enthusiastic about sharing the love of Jesus’. We pray that many would be moved to join this year’s procession. We also pray that the lives of those watching would be touched in some way. Church Life We pray for the Development Project Meeting on Sunday afternoon which will provide an update on progress and the opportunity to discuss various funding options. We pray that people would be compelled to come and join in; for sensitivity to the Spirit, that as a church we might choose the direction God wants us to take; and that the meeting might bring a sense of fellowship and unity. 25.5.06 Psalm 3v.1 "O Lord, how many are my foes!" Feeling overwhelmed? Feeling under pressure? Don’t be overwhelmed. Lift up your head (verse 3). The Lord is with you (verse 8), his shield around you (verse 3). You do not need to fear the ten thousands (verse 6). People We continue to pray for all our young people who are in the middle of GCSE and A-level exams. We pray for stamina over this month and the momentum to continue with revision. Most of all, we pray that God would grant them a sense of peace and the assurance that they are in the care of our Almighty God. Give Thanks We give thanks for the Whit Walk / Annual Procession of Witness which is to take place on Bank Holiday Monday. We thank God for all those Christians across the churches in Chesterfield who are so enthusiastic about sharing the love of Jesus’. We pray that many would be moved to join this year’s procession. We also pray that the lives of those watching would be touched in some way. Church Life We pray for the forthcoming First Thursday Rendezvous. We give thanks that this group has become such a vital and established part of St Thomas’ ministry and we pray that it will continue to go from strength to strength, particularly offering a welcome to our non-church locals. 18.5.06 Due to a storm the phone lines have been down and the Rector's Prayer Thought for this week hasn't got through. Think of Matthew 8:24 and the power of God as he calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Our God is more powerful than the greatest storm! -Mark, Website Manager 11.5.06 Psalm 2v.12 "Blessed are all who take refuge in him." In Iceland I had to take refuge in a shelter during a storm that was actually ripping tents apart. The refuge was literally bolted to solid rock. It didn’t move an inch. I slept like a baby that night. I was blessed. Picture yourself in the refuge of the One! (verse 4) 4.5.06 Psalm 1v.2 "But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night." What do you delight in? Your children, your job, your house, yourself? Love God? Love his word to you. 28.4.06 Matthew 28 “He is risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.” He went ahead of them! He was there before them. They didn’t go into the unknown without knowing that Jesus had been there before. As we step into another week, know that the risen Lord has gone before you into every situation, every relationship, every conversation, every moment. 21.4.06 Matthew 28 “He is not here, he is risen”. Brilliant – because of the resurrection of Jesus we don’t have to say it like the angels did to these disciples. We can say, he is risen, he is here. In the midst of life – he is there. At the shops – he is there. At work, at school, in the home – he is there. Rejoice…he is here. Give Thanks We give thanks for the money raised from the pledge day for the Church Development Project. We thank you for those who have committed – in donations and in 5 year pledges – in excess of £280,000 towards work for the glory of God. We pray for the PCC and those responsible for deciding the next step. Church Life We pray for the APCM on Sunday evening – for a real sense of the Holy Spirit guiding and directing the evening’s proceedings and decisions. We pray for the World Mission Evening of Prayer on Wednesday – that people would feel compelled to come and join in interceding for those we, as a church, have committed to support. 14.4.06 Matthew 27 “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” Those outside - brought in. Those alienated - made friends. Those lost - now saved. The cost…A ripped curtain? No, a ripped body. We pray for our church, our community and ourselves as we approach Easter Weekend. We pray that Good Friday’s events (All Age worship / Reflections at the Cross / screening of the Passion of the Christ) would provide opportunities for people to meet with the Living God and experience the awesomeness of what Jesus’ death and resurrection really mean. We also pray that our celebrations on Easter Sunday would bring glory to God and act as a real witness to those still searching. 6.4.06 Matthew 21 “See your king comes to you, gentle, riding on a donkey.” Forget the donkey and the underlying humility within the line. Get the words comes to you. Not us reaching out to God. Not us sorting it out, no. God comes to us. His initiative. His love reaching out to a sinful world. 30.3.06 From Mark 10 “They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way.” He knew what was ahead. It was his choice to carry on. He set his face like flint and walked towards Jerusalem, towards the nails, towards the crown of thorns and his throne - the cross. This he did for you. This he did for you. This he did for you. 23.3.06 From Isaiah 53 “He was numbered with the transgressors.” In death he was numbered with sinners, counted and judged as one with sin. Now in his risen majesty and glory he continues to be numbered with us. Along side us, helping us, interceding for us, changing our prayers. As you begin to pray, picture him along side you now. 16.3.06 Psalm 22:v1 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me”. He said it so that you never have to say it. Walk through this week confident that the Lord walks with you. 10.3.06 Exodus 12:v13 “When I see the blood, I will pass over”. The sign of the blood meant salvation and liberation for the people of Israel instead of judgment and death. Look at your whole self - your body, your mind, and your life - its now covered, but with the precious blood of God. 27.2.06 Genesis 22v14: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided” For Abraham, the Lord provided a ram for a sacrifice instead of his son. For us, the Lord provided a better, more costly sacrifice - himself. Rejoice, in Jesus, your past, your present and your future needs have been provided for. 20.2.06 Ephesians 1v13: “You also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of salvation.” How can people come to Christ if they do not hear the words of truth? How can they hear if we do not speak those words? Pray this week for one person you are likely to meet. Pray for boldness. Pray for opportunity. Pray for light! 13.2.06 Ephesians 1v5: “In love God predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ”. Isn’t it great to be part of a family? In New Testament language, to be a son was a position of great blessing. You received the love and blessing of a father. You received his guidance and his loving discipline. You alone would receive his rich inheritance. Rejoice, you are sons (and daughters) of the most high God. But did he adopt you because of your good looks, your intelligence or what you’ve done? No, he adopted you to receive all these great blessings because of what Jesus has done. 6.2.06 Ephesians 1v4: “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” In the playground I was always, due to my size (fat!) chosen last when it came to picking sides for football. I was handed away free at the end as no one really wanted me on their team. It is a terrible experience not to be chosen. God chose you! Listen to those simple words again. God chose you. He extended out his hand of love and picked you to be part of his team. Yes, you. The fallen and sinful person. He chose you so he could transform you. 30.1.06 Ephesians 1v3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing”. Praise, praise, and even more praise. You are a blessed people. Blessed with everything you need along your pilgrimage to the eternal halls. Praise, praise, praise Him!
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