Thy Kingdom Come

Thy Kingdom Come – Day 10 : Pentecost – Saturday 30 May

“This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”

John 21:24,25

Everlasting God, we thank you for all who have been called to teach and preach, both amongst us and far afield. We are grateful for their diligent studying of the Scriptures and the prayerful teaching of it to your followers. We pray that we would all be attentive listeners. May we, through their words, hear your voice, and day by day grow more into your likeness. Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come – Day 9 – Friday 29 May

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’ (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’”

John 21:15-19

Compassionate and caring Father, we thank you that you have given us Jesus, the Good Shepherd to guide and keep us through life’s journey. We pray for our bishops and priests who have been given the earthly task of guiding your flock. Bless them and give them discernment, compassion and strength in the work they have been commissioned to do. Keep us faithful in supporting and praying for them. Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come – Day 8 – Thursday 28 May

“Jesus said, ‘As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.’”

John 17:21-23

Merciful Father, you have called us to follow in the footsteps of your Son Jesus Christ and because he has lifted our humanity to the heights of heaven we have access to all your good gifts. May we live our lives in such a way that you may be visible in us and the whole earth live to praise your name. Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come – Day 7 – Wednesday 27 May

“Paul said, ‘In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Acts 20:35

Generous and loving Father, we give you thanks because you have promised in your word to provide for all our needs. Help us in our turn to be generous to others. Where there is an opportunity to help, let us not be slow to act. Open our eyes to see the many needs within our communities and far afield. Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come – Day 6 – Tuesday 26 May

“Paul said to them, ‘And now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me. But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.’”

Acts 20:22-24

Gracious Father, we give thanks that your Son gave his life for us, not counting it as loss but doing your will. We pray that we each will put your will before our own and not count the cost. We give thanks for all who have sacrificed their lives over the centuries for your Gospel of love, and we pray for all mission partners, evangelists, and street pastors as they proclaim your good news in word and deed. Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come – Day 5 – Monday 25 May

 “Jesus said, ‘I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’”

John 16:33

Loving Father, although we are separated physically, we are still one in the Spirit. As we remember that Jesus is the overcomer, we pray that we will not waver when trouble or oppression comes to us, and will hold fast to Him that is for us and within us. We ask for protection on all churches and Christians who live in places where the gospel is not accepted. Give them strength in their hour of need. Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come – Day 4 – Sunday 24 May

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” 

1 Peter 5:7

Loving Father, though we may have little faith or be full of anxiety, we know that you care for us completely and without measure. Give us faith to trust you in all things, remembering that you are always on our side and working for our good. May we be to each other the support and guidance needed when one of us is weak or in trouble. We pray especially for those whose journey of faith is difficult, and for those who have lost faith. Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come – Day 3 – Saturday 23 May

“Apollos had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately.”

Acts 18 v 25

Everlasting Father, whose Son dwelt among us as Word made flesh, we give thanks for your Holy Scriptures and all who teach them to us. We pray for all ministers, priests, Readers and children’s workers who have the duty and privilege of imparting the knowledge of you to others, and for all who sit under the ministry of teachers of the Gospel. May God’s Word dwell and be anchored in the hearts of the hearer. Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come – Day 2 – Friday 22 May

“Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.”

John 16:23-24

Loving Father, we give you thanks that, as Jesus taught us, we may ask for anything in his name and according to his will and we will be given it. Give us faith to believe in your promises. May we know your will for our lives and ask rightly. And may we pray aright for those who are sick, injured, lonely or bereaved, and for all those who care for them. Amen.

Thy Kingdom Come – Day 1 : Ascension Day – Thursday 21 May

‘Jesus said, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.’

Acts 1:7-9

Father Almighty, Alpha and Omega, we trust in your plans for us and for your world even in the midst of the current pandemic. We pray that the Holy Spirit may fill us anew and enable us to be your faithful witnesses to neighbours, friends, and family. Amen.