40 Days of Prayer - Day 39

“…knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin.” – Romans 6:6

The Crucifixion is the most scandalous event in history. This is how the world meant to put a stop to Jesus and all that He was about. He came to proclaim good news to the poor, set the captives free, to bring sight to the blind, give liberty to the oppressed. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice and for showing us an excellent way. As we remember the weight of what Jesus did for us on the cross, pray for God to transform our hearts; compelling us to lay down our lives as living sacrifices. Let us begin our prayer in two minutes of silence as we remember the one who gave everything for our freedom. 

40 Days of Prayer - Day 38

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.  – 1 Peter 2:24  

‘Abba Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’ Jesus prayed these words in absolute agony to his Father because He knew the weight that these words of obedience would mean as He sacrificed his own life for the sins of the world. Today, reflect on the depth of these words. Though nothing can compare with the sacrifice Jesus paid for each of us on the cross, pray these words over your own life. Ask God to help you be obedient to whatever he calls you to.  

40 Days of Prayer - Day 37

And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. - Ephesians 5:2

When Mary anointed Jesus’ feet, Mary honoured Jesus by giving the object which was likely the most valuable thing she would ever have. Those who watched could not believe what they were seeing. This perfume of great value, a year’s wages, being poured out onto Jesus’ feet! When we visit others, let us give our whole selves in the way that Jesus did for us. Pray for the same heart Mary had, to be in each one of us as sons and daughter of our Father. 

40 Days of Prayer - Day 36

Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. – Psalm 100:3  

God created each of us in his image. We were wonderfully and beautifully made by the Almighty Creator. Pray that you will believe this truth and treat others as people who are beautifully and wonderfully created by God. Ask Him to give you the eyes to see and the ears to hear what God is doing through others around you.  

40 Days of Prayer - Day 35

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? - Matthew 16:26

The Hands at Work core values help to guide us and to examine whether what we do is an honest reflection of who we are:  

• Loving God and our neighbour

• Reaching the poorest of the poor

• Living servanthood

• Supporting local community ownership

• Valuing relationships

• Prioritising God, family, ministry

• Being accountable

• Giving freely

We invite you to ask yourself and contemplate how these core values can be a part of your life. 

40 Days of Prayer - Sixth Sunday

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. – John 13:12-17

On Sundays, we pause to anticipate the coming of Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.