O Lord, I will always sing of your constant love; I will proclaim your faithfulness for ever.

Ps 89:1 GNT

I will sing of your love forever,
You are my rescuer,
You are my Lord,
My rest, my shield, my dwelling place,
Merciful, gracious God.

I will sing of your love forever,
Your love has set me free,
You are my Saviour,
You are my guide,
Forgiving, generous God.

I will sing of your love forever,
Your light illuminates me,
You enable,
You strengthen,
You care, you provide,
Compassionate, loving God.

Lord of love and life, we praise and thank You for the world You have created; for the sights and sounds and for the simple beauty of all that is around us.  Thank You that all creation points to your love and faithfulness.

Thank You that you invite us to come to You just as we are.  As we reflect and focus on Jesus, on how much He loves us and all He has done for us, refresh us with the knowledge of your truth; remind us of your love, your grace and strength in our hearts, that we may sing of your love and faithfulness to a world in need of hope, love and compassion.  Amen

Ruth Rushworth

Image: Cheryl O’Connor – used with permission

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 

Phil 4:8 NLT

Gracious God, we thank You for this beautiful verse in the Bible reminding us that You care about our thoughts. You understand that many things worry us, distract us and rob us of our peace and joy. Yet, You tell us not to worry, to follow and to trust in Jesus. *

Gracious God, we thank You for this new day.  May we keep our minds set on what is good, right and true.  May we see your hand of love and grace in the simple things, in the beauty and diversity in our world and in each other. May we follow Jesus with all our heart.  May the transforming love of your Spirit draw us close to Jesus, uplift and inspire us and guide our decisions.  Help us to care for others as ourselves and bring all things to You in prayer.  Amen.

Ruth Rushworth

* Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me. (John 14:1 NLT)

Love…always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Cor: 13 7-8 NIV

May love light up the autumn skies,
May joy rise up in our daily lives,
May our path be straight,
And our way be clear,
May our hearts be tender,
Merciful and sincere,
May our eyes always keep in sight,
The love of God in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Loving God, thank You that your very nature is love. Love is the heart centre of your purpose and plans for all creation, for our lives and for all eternity.  We thank You that your love for us does not change; it is constant, faithful, forgiving, sure and true.  As we reflect, draw us closer to your heart that we may know more fully the extent of your love for us in Jesus, our Saviour….

Loving God, as the season changes and the nights draw in, would you illuminate the path before us.  As the season changes and the temperature changes, may our hearts radiate the warmth of your love. Unite us in your love by your Holy Spirit. Help us to see the needs of those around us and to respond with your heart of love and care. Amen

Ruth Rushworth

Jesus .. rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

Mark 4:39 NLT

Loving God, thank you for the gift of the peace and the rest of Jesus. We reflect on the word S.T.R.E.S.S. in the light of your word in the Bible :-

S – Seek God’s guidance.
Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.( Matt 6:33 NIV) Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).
Lord, may we first of all to speak to you about whatever troubles us and to seek the way forward in a way that brings honour to You.

T – Trust what God tells us.
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, lean not on your own understanding…” (Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV)
Lord, You are trustworthy. Thank you that you speak to us through the Bible and in prayer. Increase our faith and trust as step out in the direction You show us.

R – Remember God’s help in the past.
“..nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ( Romans 8:39 NLT).

We thank you for your promises in Jesus and reflect on the times You have helped us through past difficulties.

E – Exalt God above the problem.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.(Ps 28:7 NIV)
Almighty God, help us to worship You rather than to worry.  May we not lose sight of your love and goodness.

S – Solicit the prayers and support of others.
Jesus said, “For where 2 or 3 come together in my name I am there with them.” (Matt 18:20 GNT)
Loving God, thank you for community. Thank you for people who will pray with us and for us. Help us to be aware of the needs of others and offer prayerful and practical support.

S – Stand firm.
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (Eph 6:10 NIV).  “The helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all I told you” (John 14:26 GNT). Thank you Lord that your grace is sufficient for us. (2 Cor 12:9).

Gracious God, may your Holy Spirit remind us of your words of love, truth and wisdom in the Bible. In times of stress, may we know the assurance of the peace and presence of Jesus in our hearts, as we seek to follow your will and your way.

Ruth Rushworth

S.T.R.E.S.S. Mnemonic taken and adapted from UCB 1-3 Oct 2023

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Bible Versions
NIV – New International Version
NLT – New Living Translation
GNT – Good News Translation

This drawing is by Anja Rozen, a 13 year old primary school student in Slovenia. She was chosen from 600,000 children around the world to create a piece of art to show what peace looks like. She is the winner of  the international Plakat Miru, Peace Poster competition 2021-2022.

” My photo is depicted of people holding each other up.  Everyone is equally important as the loops in a weave and dependent on each other – if you let go of one loop, the whole line falls.  All of them are connected to the earth which binds them together with knitting.”

Courtesy:  Fatima Anfig & Lions Slovenija

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.  (Col 3:14 NLT)

Loving God, we pray for peace in our broken and troubled world. Amen

Ruth Rushworth

Sing a song to the Lord all the earth … For great is the Lord and most worthy to be praised. … splendour and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place … Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever

1 Chron 16: 23/25/27/34 NIV

Songs of grace are sweet,
Turn heads, attract attention;
Songs of grace penetrate,
people stop to listen;
Songs of grace echo,
Along corridors walls and halls;
Songs of grace linger,
In street corners, alleyways and doors;

Songs of grace shine,
through the darkness and the gloom;
Songs of grace lighten,
The atmosphere in a room;
Songs of grace perfume,
The very air we breath;
Songs of grace relieve,
Burdens, stress and ill-ease;

Songs of grace welcome,
Invite us to belong;
Songs of grace forgive,
Hurts, pains and wrongs;
Songs of grace comfort,
Those who mourn and are sad;
Songs of grace rejoice,
With those who are glad;

Songs of grace are merciful,
Generous, loving and kind;
Songs of grace transform,
our heart, our soul, our mind.

Loving God, sing your songs of grace over us, that we may sing your songs of grace; your songs of acceptance, your songs of encouragement, your songs of forgiveness,  your songs of peace, your songs of the love of Jesus to each other.  May we sing them at home, in the workplace, in schools, in hospitals, in the shops, on the bus, on the streets and in every situation.

Loving God, may the eternal song of the grace, of Jesus our Saviour be sung and heard throughout our troubled world. Amen.

Ruth Rushworth

Image: MP McKellar – used with permission

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Ps 23:3 NIV

Gracious God, we come with thankfulness for your never-ending love.  At difficult times, when we don’t know which way to turn, or when we look at the sadness and troubles in our world, we thank you that your Holy Spirit guides us, helps us and prays with us.  We remember and reflect on the words that Jesus spoke:- “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6 NIV)

Today, dear Lord, as we pray, we ask you to help us to keep our eyes, our mind and our heart fixed on your love in Jesus.  Refresh us with your Spirit of truth, courage and hope. In your great love and compassion be our rock and strength, and guide our thoughts and feet in ways of your love, justice and peace.

We pray for all those in need of your strength and peace today, that they may find comfort and solace in the love of God. Amen

Ruth Rushworth

The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all He does.

Ps 145:17 NIV

Your goodness follows me,
all of my days;
I worship You alone,
I give You all my praise;
For You alone are my Lord, my God,
Your love cannot be erased;
You are loving, just and faithful,
In each and every one of your ways.

Faithful God, your love is unchanging; You have loved since before the creation of this world and will continue to love for all eternity.  Thank You that You made us to share in this love with You and with each other. Nothing can take away or add to your love, for your very nature is love.

Loving God, if there are times when we doubt, help us to reflect on the greatest act of love – the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross, offering the gift of complete forgiveness and new and eternal life.

Gracious God, may we fix our gaze on Jesus and open our hearts, our minds and our lives to your wonderful love.  May we speak freely of your love and encourage and support each other in our faith.  May your Holy Spirit bring your peace to anyone seeking the assurance of your faithful love.  Amen.

Ruth Rushworth

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men.

Ecc 3:1&11 NIV

Creator God, we thank you for the beauty of the changing seasons and the vibrant colours of autumn.  Thank you for your love and goodness displayed in nature.  We take a moment to quieten our minds as we reflect and spend this time with You….

Loving God, we are not alone, You are here with us every day, in every season of our lives, by your Spirit.  Thank you that whatever we face today, we face it in the knowledge of your love in Jesus. Thank you that, however we feel, we have the assurance of your eternal love.

Gracious God, your grace is sufficient for us,*  may we use our time and the gifts you have given us in this season of our lives for your good and your glory.  Bless us with your grace to live this day conscious of your presence with us, and in a way that reflects your love for all.  We offer You our prayers in the name of Jesus our Saviour.  Amen

Ruth Rushworth

* 2 Cor 12:19 NIV

Jesus said “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry. Whoever comes to me will never be thirsty.”

John 6:35 NIV

Saving grace calls
To all who would hear;
Come to me,
Come, draw near.

Listen to my words,
Hear my eternal plea;
I gave my life, my love, my all,
A gift, to set you free.

Accept my loving offer,
Given for you, willingly,
Turn your eyes, open your heart,
And come, simply trusting in me.

Loving God, we come to You in praise, we come to You in thankfulness, we come to You in our joy, we come to You in our struggles, we come to You in our need. We come to You today in the name of Jesus….

Gracious God, your love welcomes and accepts everyone.  Thank you that You accept us, not because of our own merits, but through the love You have for us in Jesus, who gave his life lovingly and willingly on the cross.  Help us to turn to him in faith and trust…

God of provision, thank you that You nourish and sustain us physically and spiritually through Jesus, the source and centre of love. May we be strengthened and rooted in faith,  May we find rest and replenishment in your shade, and may we blossom and bear fruit in your light and love. We pray for anyone seeking the assurance of your provision and may your Spirit bring the peace of Jesus.  Amen.

Ruth Rushworth