Category: servant

Draw us close

Ruth Kirk

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me (John 6:44; NLT).

Draw us close to you, Lord,
And keep us by your side –

Then we will be your willing slaves,
And you, our faithful guide.

Draw us close to you, Lord;
Forgive our foolish sin –

Then we will be your house of prayer,
And you will live within.

Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

References

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me (Psalm 23:4; NLT).

The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands (Psalm 25:10; NLT).

Whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else (Mark 10:44; NLT). 

He guides me along right paths (Psalm 23:3; NLT). 

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us (Luke 11:4; NLT).

I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7; NLT).

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them” (John 14:23; NLT).

We are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT). 

26.1.24: Christ is the Way

Ruth Kirk
falco: Pixabay; modified by R.K.

“I am the Way,” replied Jesus, “and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
(John 14:6; WNT). 

1. Christ is the Way –
He’s the image of God:
Walk in his steps
Every day.

2. Christ is the Truth –
He’s the wisdom of God:
Follow his teaching,
And pray.

3. Christ is the Life –
He’s the power of God:
Cling to his hand,
Never stray.

4. Christ is the Son –
He’s the servant of God:
Share in his pain,
Come what may.

Together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
(Romans 8:17; NLT).

References 

Verse 1:
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15; NLT).
God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21; NLT). 

Verse 2:
Christ is…the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24; NLT).
Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son (2 John 1:9; NLT).
Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).

Verse 3:
Christ is the power…of God (1 Corinthians 1:24; NLT).
Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him (Deuteronomy 13:4; NLT).
I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely (Psalm 63:8; NLT).

Verse 4:
This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God (Mark 1:1; NLT). 
He [the Servant of God] grew up before Him like a tender shoot (plant), and like a root out of dry ground (Isaiah 53:2; AMP).
Because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins (Isaiah 53:11; NLT).
Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies (2 Corinthians 4:10; NLT).

5.5.23: Forgiving myself

Ruth Kirk
Praying woman, Nationalmuseum, artist unknown.

This prayer arrived yesterday morning, and I was able to spend time putting it into words during the evening:

I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done (Psalm 38:18; NLT). 

Lord God,

I’ve said I’m sorry
For my sins.
I’ve asked you to forgive me,
And forget.

Please don’t condemn
Your servant out of hand –
Lord God, don’t scorn my sorrow,
Or reject. 

Please heal the fear
That I have lost your love,
So I have nothing worse, Lord,
To regret.

Then help me, please,
To leave the past behind,
Forgive myself, and trust
You’ve paid my debt.

I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free (Isaiah 44:22; NLT).

References 

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise (Psalm 51:17; NIV). 

Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! (Psalm 27:9; NLT). 

The kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death (2 Corinthians 7:10; NLT). 

The LORD will not reject his people (Psalm 94:14; NLT). 

He loves us with unfailing love; the LORD’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD! (Psalm 117:2; NLT). 

24.1.23: Speak, Lord

Ruth Kirk

A few days ago, as I was waking up, I heard a voice calling my name twice (see https://wp.me/p45bCr-deF). Sleepy and confused, I thought it must be my husband, so I went downstairs to check, but it wasn’t him.

Then, to my dismay, I realised that I should have answered, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9; NIV). I prayed about this immediately, and said I was sorry, but still felt very sad that I had failed to respond at the right time.

However, yesterday the voice called my name again, just once, as I was waking, and this time I was ready to answer with the words Eli gave to Samuel in similar circumstances, so long ago. 

As soon as I replied, today’s prayer came to me. It was difficult to write, because I had no idea what God might be going to say. So now I must, “Wait patiently for him to act” (Psalm 37:7; NLT). 

I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness – secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name (Isaiah 45:3; NLT).

Was it you who called my name, Lord?
Was it you who hailed me?

Last time, Lord, I didn’t answer –
Dazed, confused, I failed Thee.

This time, Lord, I said the words
That Eli gave to Samuel:

“Speak, Lord, for your servant listens” –
Yahweh, may I listen well. 

Listen to God’s voice (Deuteronomy 26:17; TIB).

Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; NIV.

The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place.

The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was.

Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.”

And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.

Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.

A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy.

So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

The Rosary Hospital 

Yesterday I received an exciting parcel by post – a collection of broken rosaries. I very much enjoyed taking them apart, and adding all the usable components to my trays of rosary-making materials. My huge thanks to P.M., their donor. Here are a few beautiful pieces, some of which I suspect are quite old:

Hot news: When I was praying this morning, I realised that when it’s time to pause, I don’t need to count all the beads I’ve prayed with so far that day. All I need to do is to note which “decade” I’m on (actually there are nine beads between each cross, but I don’t know the word for a “decade” of nine. Does anyone know this?) Then I just count which bead I’ve reached in that “decade.” For example, if I had just reached the third bead of the second decade, I would remember 2/3. I hope this makes sense! It’s such a simple and obvious way forward, but it’s still a significant breakthrough for me!

9.10.22: Let it be

Ruth Kirk

Context: As my energy dwindles, I’m becoming less able to receive and write new material every day. This means I sometimes have to use a piece I wrote a while ago.

I always try to choose the most appropriate, and to bring it up to date as best I can. However, it’s hard not to feel a sense of letting you all down when I do so.

Early yesterday morning, while I was praying, I realised that it’s not a personal failure when I don’t receive and write something new. In fact such days can be extremely helpful, because they give me time to process and absorb what God has already shown me. It can also be a relief to rest more that day, without the pressure of having to express something new in words.

Later on, whilst saying grace over my breakfast, I found myself ending my prayer with these words: “Let it be unto me according to thy will.”

When I looked this phrase up, I discovered that it is not a direct quote from any of the Bibles I use, though this had been my working assumption. Instead, it draws on four separate verses:

  • Mary’s response to the angel at the Annunciation: “Be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38; KJV).
  • The sentence given to us by Christ when he taught us how to pray: “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10; RSV).
  • Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, as he fully faced the inevitability of the cross: “I want your will to be done, not mine” (Matthew 26:39; NLT).
  • Simeon’s prayer when he took Jesus in his arms at the presentation in the temple: “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word” (Luke 2:29; KJV).

I plan to incorporate the first three of these verses into my prayers every day, and to use Simeon’s dedication as I’m dying. But may my last words be Christ’s final cry on the cross: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46; KJV).

Reading: Luke 2:21-32; NLT

Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.

Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord – “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

7.10.22: Here I am

Ruth Kirk

Context: Yesterday I woke up very late. Whilst I lay still, praying without words and longing to see into my soul again, this prayer arrived:

Here I am. Did you call me? (1 Samuel 3:5; NLT). 

Here I am, Lord. Did you call me?
Speak: I long to hear your voice.

You are all in all to me, Lord,
Speak, for I have made my choice –

You’re my faith, my hope, my Saviour,
You’re my God, my great High Priest;

You’re my bread, my living water,
You’re my wine, my inner peace;

You’re my fire, my strength, my spirit,
You’re the light within my soul;

You’re my way, my truth, my life,
And you’re the One who makes me whole.

Jesus, though I’m weak and sinful,
You will come to set me free –

Speak; your servant, Lord, is listening,
And you’re everything to me.

Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening (1 Samuel 3:9; NIV).

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:8-9; NLT).

 Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; NIV.

The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was.

Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.

Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.

A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy.

So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Jesus (#2 of 3)

Ruth Kirk


Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 2:5; NIV).

Jesus, my Shepherd,
I want to be kind,
Helping others, like you:
Lord, please give me your mind.

Jesus, my Saviour,
I’m trying to start,
Yet again, to love all:
Lord, please give me your heart.

Jesus, my Teacher,
I long to be whole,
Serving others, like you:
Lord, please give me your soul.

Jesus, my Master,
Your might is immense,
And I am so small:
Lord, please give me your strength.

🖤

Give your strength to your servant.
(Psalm 86:16; NLT).

I’d like to be your helper

Ruth Kirk

Stop and help
(Exodus 23: NLT).

I’d like to be your helper, Lord,
Befriending one and all.

I’d like to be your servant, Lord,
Assisting those who fall.

I’d like to be your slave, Lord,
Loving stranger, friend, and foe,

But I’m happy to be nothing, Lord –
The lowest of the low.

I am nothing
(Job 40:4; NLT).

You will be brought low; from the earth you will speak, and from the dust where you are prostrate your words will come. Your voice will also be like that of a spirit from the ground, and your speech will whisper from the dust
(Isaiah 294; NASB 1995).

I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people
(Ephesians 3:8; NIV).

_____________________________

I’m not fit

Ruth Kirk

I am not fit to stoop down
and untie the thong of his sandals
(Mark 1:7; NASB 1995).

I’m not fit to walk beside you,
Yet I follow, close behind.

I’m not fit to worship you, Lord,
Yet I dare, for you are kind.

I’m not fit to gaze upon you,
Yet I long to see your face.

I’m not fit, Lord, to address  you,
Yet I trust your love and grace.

I’m not fit to touch your sandal,
Yet I dare to kiss your feet.

I’m not fit to be your servant,
Yet I sit with you, and eat.

I’m not fit to ask your help, Lord,
Yet you share my pain and fear.

I’m not fit to have you living in my heart,
Yet you are here.

Christ is all that matters,
and he lives in all of us
(Colossians 3:11; NLT).

Who am I?

Ruth Kirk

Who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us
(1 Chronicles 29:14; NLT).

Who am I, to search for you, Lord?
Who am I, to ask for grace?

Who am I, to beg your mercy?
Who am I, to seek your face?

Who am I, to hear your whisper?
Who am I, to praise your name?

Who am I, to live within you?
Who am I, to share your pain?

Who am I, that you forgive me?
Who am I, that you should hear?

Who am I, that you protect me?
Who am I, that you are near?

Who am I, that you should love me?
Who am I, that you should save?

Lord, I’m your unworthy servant;
Nothing, but your lowest slave.

I am your lowest slave
(Psalm 116:16; NET).