At the service in Duror last Sunday, Ann Winning chose the Gospel reading which tells of poor doubting Thomas, so I have chosen doubt as our theme this week.
The great preacher Charles Spurgeon was once asked by a member of his congregation “Which is more important, reading the Bible or praying?” Charles replied by asking the question “Which is more important – breathing in or breathing out?” In other words, they go hand in hand. We breathe in as Christians by reading God’s Word and breathe out in adoration, praise and prayer.
Prayer Diary Notes - Week commencing 30 April 2025.
This week’s topic features the word “Doubt”.
Biblical Figures who turned from Doubt to Devotion.
· Thomas : From “Doubting Thomas to Believing Disciple.
· Sarah : From Doubting Motherhood to the Mother of Nations.
· Moses : From Doubting his abilities to leading the children of Israel.
· Gideon : From Doubting Farmer to Mighty Warrior.
· Elijah : From Fearful Prophet to Bold Witness.a
· Peter : From denying Jesus to leading the Church.
· Paul : From doubting fanatical Pharisee to Preacher and Church Planter.
Psalm 50:15 “Call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me the glory.” Doubt, fear and worry can overtake us. God has promised that if we call upon Him, He will deliver us.
1 Timothy 2:8 Paul emphasises the importance of prayer. “I desire that people pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”
Hymns based on the word “Doubt”.
CH3 423 “Through the night of doubt and sorrow, onward goes the pilgrim band, singing songs of expectation, marching to the promised land. One the object of our journey, one the faith which never tires, one the earnest looking forward, one the hope our God inspires.”
MP 185 “God is good, we sing and shout it. God is good, we celebrate. God is good, no more we doubt it. God is good, we know it’s true.”
MP 456 “Make me a channel of your peace, where there is hatred let me bring Your love; Where there is injury, Your pardon, Lord; and where there’s doubt, true faith in You.”
MP 689 ”No more we doubt Thee, glorious Prince of life; life is naught without thee: aid us in our strife; make us more than conquerors, through Thy deathless love; bring us safe through Jordan to Thy home above. Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son; endless is the victory, Thou o’er death hast won!”
MP 760 “Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, but His smile quickly drives it away; not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear, can abide while we trust and obey.”
MP 396 “Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come.”
MP 748 ”I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure, since Jesus came into my heart! And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure, since Jesus came into my heart!”
Prayer Diary
South Lochaber Church
Wednesday 30 April
Loving God, we pray for our senior school pupils as they face a period of exams which could have a far-reaching outcome on their careers and future pathway in life. We pray for the volunteers who serve as invigilators.
Thursday 1 May : Prayer meeting at Manse at 11.00 pm.
Our Father, we Thank You for the life of Pope Francis. We pray that his funeral service may have made an impact in world affairs and help to bring about peace in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran. Give wisdom and discernment to the Cardinals as they select a successor to Francis. “Make me a channel of your peace.”
Friday 2 May : Pre-65 trials at Kinlochleven. Catering in Kinlochleven Hall.
Lord Jesus, we continue to acknowledge You as our Risen Lord. ”No more we doubt Thee, glorious Prince of life; life is naught without thee: aid us in our strife; make us more than conquerors, through Thy deathless love; bring us safe through Jordan to Thy home above. Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son; endless is the victory, Thou o’er death hast won!”
Saturday 3 May : Pre-65 trials at Kinlochleven. Catering in Kinlochleven Hall.
Thank You Lord for Your creation, for warm sunshine, the thrill of seeing new growth around us, the sound of the birds, and the joy of seeing new born lambs coming to life in our fields.
Sunday 4 May : Kinlochleven at 10.00 am and Nether Lochaber at 11.30 am
Dear God, there are times in life when things seem hard. As we gather together in church today, may this be our song. “God is good, we sing and shout it. God is good, we celebrate. God is good, no more we doubt it. God is good, we know it’s true.”
Monday 5 May
Sovereign God, we thank You for the examples in the Bible where people turned from “Doubt to Devotion”. “Through the night of doubt and sorrow, onward goes the pilgrim band, singing songs of expectation, marching to the promised land.”
Tuesday 6 May : Bible Study at Jeremy’s home at 10.45 am.
Lord Jesus, we pray today for those who struggle with mental health problems and find it difficult to get the support they need to recover. May our churches reach out to them, show our compassion and point them to You as “The Way, the Truth and the Life.” “Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come.”