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UppeR RooM and Gathering for PRAYer

 

Are you able to visit this Tuesday – even for a few minutes?

The room above the Kirkgate Café becomes a quiet space each Tuesday from 7.30am to 7.3opm…..the Upper Room.

Come along when you you can… Take time out with God… Slow down…

There are Bibles, devotional materials, cushions, sofas, candles, a cross of thanksgiving, music and journals all available as aids…..but none are compulsory.

There are opportunities to share with others in devotional prayers and readings at 7.30am, 12 noon and 7pm.

This Tuesday we have an opportunity to pause and listen to Father God and consider all that happened at Saturday’s Focus Day…..what is God saying to us as a Church at this time?

** The Café below is open 9.30am – 2pm and 4.45-8pm for drinks, snacks, hot and cold food.

** In the evening there is the opportunity to gather together for prayer in the Kirk at 7.30pm for an hour or so.  This month we shall take time to listen together to God and bring our prayers for each other, His Church, our country and the world at the foot of the cross.

“Even the sparrow has found a home”

How easy is it to house hunt in Edinburgh today? The answer is “not very”. In the past few months a number of people we are close to have been looking for a new home.

First of all you have decide your parameters – where you want to live, how big a home you need, how much you can afford to pay. Then you have to get onto the internet to find out what is on the market. Then you have to find the time to visit. Then, if it’s somewhere you like, you have to take a closer look. Then you have to find out if there is a closing date. Then you have get your lawyer to put in a bid. Then you have to wait, and hope that your bid is accepted, and that, if it is, your lawyers won’t then find some hidden legal, financial, or structural issue that will cause the whole deal to collapse (no pun intended.)

What are we looking for in a home, and how do we know when we’ve found it? We’re looking for somewhere we can feel “at home”. Somewhere that is comfortable, convenient, and safe, and that is part of a friendly community – a place where good memories can be grown.

Of course there are those who struggle with homelessness, and those will never be able to afford the home of their choice, and those who, even if they can, are not able to face up to the thought of all the disruption involved. But, whoever you are, if you want to feel “at home” without all the hassle, I can recommend somewhere not far from here – a place where good memories grow all the time.

 Even the sparrow has found a home,
 and the swallow a nest for herself,
 where she may have her young— 
 a place near your altar,
 Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
 they are ever praising you. (Ps 84.3-4)

Much love

John

Daily Devotions for 18th April 2017

Morning

Look Upward and Pray to hear and receive from Jesus, Saviour and Lord

Reading : Isaiah 53 verses 1-3

Meditation : take time and consider what was said here about the Suffering Servant.
What do they say to you today?

Pray in response to this Saviour, Jesus

Lord Jesus,
I bow my head
and
I can but say
Thank you.
Amen.

Midday

Take time to listen for God to speak with you at this time of day
Ask….seek…..knock…….hear!

Thank you, Lord.

Evening

Reading : read these 3 verses again

Reflect….on the words again and then Pray in response to Father God
God of love and grace
Thank you
For sending Jesus
Knowing how He would suffer
And
For my living faith in Him
Amen and Amen.

Daily Devotions for Sunday 16th April 2017

**  EASTER SUNDAY!  **

The Way of the Cross   –   Suffering and Glory

Morning

Look Upward and Pray to hear and receive from the Living God

Reading : Isaiah 52 verse 13 – ch.53 verse 12

Meditation : consider these prophetic words from years before Jesus lived on earth.
What does God’s Word say to you on this day?

and then pray to this God who sent Jesus because He loves us this much

O LORD God,
God of amazing grace,
Thank you for what we read
And for ALL that Jesus suffered and won for us!
On this day
May we ponder
And remember.
May we celebrate
And share in His triumph!
In His victorious Name, Amen.

Midday

Pray God’s Easter blessing on another church near your home.
O LORD, God of Easter triumph, bless them real good we ask today!

Evening

Reading : read these verses again

Reflect on how they apply to your life and then Pray in response
O LORD, hear our prayers we ask.

Daily Devotions for 13th April 2017

Maundy Thursday

Morning

Look Upward and Pray to hear and receive from Father God

Reading : Isaiah 50 verses 10 and 11

Meditation :   take time and consider carefully all that is said here.
Note verse 10 again.
What do these words teach you about our times?
What is God saying to you today?

then pray in response
for yourself
for your family and friends
for your nation
for our world in these days

(Pray your own words to the LORD God……..)

O LORD, thank you that you hear our morning prayers.
Amen.

Midday

Pray God’s blessing on link group/housegroup leaders in our land
Lord, hear our prayers and bless them all real good we ask.

Evening

Reading : read the verses again – esp verse 10

Reflect on how they apply to our world….reflect on the Name of the LORD….

and Pray in response to Him
O LORD God, hear our evening prayers