Encounter: I Cry Out To God Most High

Music: An oboe concerto by Marcello and a sonata by Jean Baptiste Loeillet Musicians: Amy Roberts (oboe), Francis Cummings, Claire Lewis Lim, Chian Lewis Lim, Corinne Frost, Matthew Deakin (strings) It’s been said that there are no atheists on the night before a battle. Help us to seek You, Lord, in our times of crisis. ‘I cry out to God Most High, who fulfils His purposes for Me.’ In all our distress You too are distressed. In all our hurting You are present. Be with us in all the unexpected difficulties and dangers that we encounter on our way. ‘I cry out to God Most High, who fulfils His purposes for Me.’ Be with all who wrestle with inner doubts and struggles today, or who are experiencing a sense of shame. ‘I cry out to God Most High, who fulfils His purposes for Me.’ Lord, I am susceptible to discouragement. It is the most insidious of all the devil’s temptations because it severs the nerve of kingdom love and enterprise. Stir my spirit to keep on trusting You, and not to succumb to the pangs of despondency. ‘I cry out to God Most High, who fulfils His purposes for Me.’ Help me to go on seeking You even when You seem very far way. ‘I cry out to God Most High, who fulfils His purposes for Me.’ Thank You that You are determined to drive complacency and unbelief far from our hearts. Beyond the turmoil, may we glimpse Your glory. Come, Spirit of fire, burn up the dross in our hearts. Send such people and circumstances into our lives as will help Your light to shine in our hearts. In the name of Jesus, the Refiner of His people Our needs are known to You, Lord, yet You want us to bring them to You. Grant us everything that will help us to do Your work most effectively. Your coming is sure but unannounced: come now and be glorified in the meeting of our needs. In the name of Jesus, the One who meets our needs.