The Bible is silent about the majority of Jesus’ life
on earth, but there is one small glimpse which,
I think, says a great deal. St Luke tells us that when
Jesus was left behind in Jerusalem at the age of 12,
he was found later by his worried parents in the
temple courts, talking with the rabbis. Luke ends
this brief passage by saying that “Jesus grew in
wisdom and age, and in favour with God and men.”
If we would truly be like Jesus, then we too need to
grow in a like way. In ‘age’ we don’t really have a choice! - the rest can only be done by God.
Firstly, wisdom. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” says Psalm 111. This means recognizing the true awesomeness of God. His amazing love, power and authority. As we begin to understand that, we begin to see the amazing privilege of being called by Him, by name, for a special purpose. And as we begin to understand that, we see how, learning to hear Him and watch Him at work, we are able to do what He is setting out for us to do. And nothing becomes impossible if God is doing it! So, go out in His power and do what you see Him doing. And keep trying - God loves those who try!
on earth, but there is one small glimpse which,
I think, says a great deal. St Luke tells us that when
Jesus was left behind in Jerusalem at the age of 12,
he was found later by his worried parents in the
temple courts, talking with the rabbis. Luke ends
this brief passage by saying that “Jesus grew in
wisdom and age, and in favour with God and men.”
If we would truly be like Jesus, then we too need to
grow in a like way. In ‘age’ we don’t really have a choice! - the rest can only be done by God.
Firstly, wisdom. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” says Psalm 111. This means recognizing the true awesomeness of God. His amazing love, power and authority. As we begin to understand that, we begin to see the amazing privilege of being called by Him, by name, for a special purpose. And as we begin to understand that, we see how, learning to hear Him and watch Him at work, we are able to do what He is setting out for us to do. And nothing becomes impossible if God is doing it! So, go out in His power and do what you see Him doing. And keep trying - God loves those who try!
Start here for daily prayers and follow the route for the day. Read the notes on the back cover.
We start by keeping a minute or two of silence, inviting God to be in our thoughts and prayers
Spend a minute or two simply finding ways to praise God because He is our God; Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
Read your Bible (if you haven’t already).
Going out to ... Those who hate me
Thank you, Lord, for your warning that those who truly love you will find hardship and hate in the world. Lord, when others hate me, may it not be because of foolishness or wrong on my part, but because I walk with you. Lord, your love for me is far more precious than the love of the world. Help me to be so immersed in your love that, even though I may not like them, I may love even those who hate me. Glory to you, Lord.
Thank you, Lord, for your warning that those who truly love you will find hardship and hate in the world. Lord, when others hate me, may it not be because of foolishness or wrong on my part, but because I walk with you. Lord, your love for me is far more precious than the love of the world. Help me to be so immersed in your love that, even though I may not like them, I may love even those who hate me. Glory to you, Lord.
Going out to ... The world
When I see the images of hunger, disaster and war in the media, my heart sinks. I’m sure your heart is heavy too, Lord, but yours is a heaviness of love and compassion. Lord, don’t let my mind become numbed and my heart dulled by the magnitude of the problem. Give me the will to do whatever I can to relieve suffering, want and war. Help me to remember that the time, money and, prayer I give, you multiply a thousand times.
When I see the images of hunger, disaster and war in the media, my heart sinks. I’m sure your heart is heavy too, Lord, but yours is a heaviness of love and compassion. Lord, don’t let my mind become numbed and my heart dulled by the magnitude of the problem. Give me the will to do whatever I can to relieve suffering, want and war. Help me to remember that the time, money and, prayer I give, you multiply a thousand times.
Going out to ... Strangers
It’s true, Lord. Out there in the street - so many sad faces. People weighed down with the burdens of life. Lord I long to put a smile on their faces, just as am certain you do. Give me the wisdom to know when to speak and when to just smile; when to ask after them and when to keep silent; what to say if they speak to me; when to stop and listen, and when to move on. And let my passing leave them with a silent prayer too. Thank you.
It’s true, Lord. Out there in the street - so many sad faces. People weighed down with the burdens of life. Lord I long to put a smile on their faces, just as am certain you do. Give me the wisdom to know when to speak and when to just smile; when to ask after them and when to keep silent; what to say if they speak to me; when to stop and listen, and when to move on. And let my passing leave them with a silent prayer too. Thank you.
Going out to ... Others I know
There are many people in my life, Lord: Colleagues at work; acquaintances; people I have known for years; neighbours; shopkeepers and many others. Lord, let me be aware that you want your Holy Spirit to flow to them each time I meet them. And so help me to remember to be a true disciple as I go about today’s tasks; and if there is someone that I can help, help me to remember to ask you before I speak or act.
There are many people in my life, Lord: Colleagues at work; acquaintances; people I have known for years; neighbours; shopkeepers and many others. Lord, let me be aware that you want your Holy Spirit to flow to them each time I meet them. And so help me to remember to be a true disciple as I go about today’s tasks; and if there is someone that I can help, help me to remember to ask you before I speak or act.
Going out to ... My friends
Lord, in Mary, Martha and Lazarus you had friends who were close to you, and although they loved you, it took them a long time to know you. I am glad that there are people who think of me. Help me to be a true friend, listening without judging, helping without complaining, ready to give whatever is needed without being asked and, most of all holding their lives up to you who loves them all more than I ever could - and me!
Lord, in Mary, Martha and Lazarus you had friends who were close to you, and although they loved you, it took them a long time to know you. I am glad that there are people who think of me. Help me to be a true friend, listening without judging, helping without complaining, ready to give whatever is needed without being asked and, most of all holding their lives up to you who loves them all more than I ever could - and me!
Going out to ... My family
Lord, there are those in my family that I pray will answer your call. You know how hard it is when your loved ones think you are crazy, you had the same problem. Lord help me to understand how to balance living for you first with my love for those close to me. Help me to be more the person that you want me to be so that you will shine through in every action. Lord, I place them all in the care of your Holy Spirit.
Lord, there are those in my family that I pray will answer your call. You know how hard it is when your loved ones think you are crazy, you had the same problem. Lord help me to understand how to balance living for you first with my love for those close to me. Help me to be more the person that you want me to be so that you will shine through in every action. Lord, I place them all in the care of your Holy Spirit.
Use these prayers in any way that helps you pray.
As you pray you can know that others are sharing these prayers and are praying for you.
As you pray you can know that others are sharing these prayers and are praying for you.
Remember those for whom special prayers are needed today:
- in my family
- among friends
- the homeless
- my Church
- the government
- others who use ‘The Link’
- in my family
- among friends
- the homeless
- my Church
- the government
- others who use ‘The Link’
Thank you, Lord that you hear our prayers.
Let God give you a hug before you finish.
Let God give you a hug before you finish.
Thank you, Lord that you hear our prayers.
Let God give you a hug before you finish.
Let God give you a hug before you finish.
Remember those areas where prayers are needed:
- my home
- my town
- my workplace
- shops & market
- pubs,
- B&B
- others who use ‘The Link’
- my home
- my town
- my workplace
- shops & market
- pubs,
- B&B
- others who use ‘The Link’
Lord, it is wonderful to read of the way you lived and spoke and healed throughout the years you spent with the disciples and how you trained them to do the same. Help me to understand as I read my Bible that You are still teaching and training your disciples and that includes me! Lord, I want to bring Your love to the world. Train my ears to hear your voice, Train my eyes to see where you are at work, and give me boldness to do all that I see You doing. Amen.
