Displaying items by tag: Worship

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the classic hymn 'How great thou art' has been revitalised by worship leader Matt Redman and an ensemble of renowned Christian musicians. This contemporary remix showcases the song's enduring appeal in Christian communities. Redman, in his interview with CBN News, reflected on the hymn's widespread impact, especially its growth after being featured in Billy Graham crusades. He believes its timeless nature stems from its narrative, spanning from creation to the cross, offering a blend of education and inspiration. Redman revealed the English lyrics were written by British missionary Stuart Hine in Ukraine, adding historical depth. This hymn is a traditional Swedish hymn, spread across Europe by Swedish missionaries. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, proceeds from this new version will support humanitarian efforts in eastern Europe. This 2024 rendition also introduces a new section designed to resonate with Christians in today's tumultuous world. Redman has praised the collective effort of the artists involved, bringing new life to this beloved hymn.

This is an invitation to join in an extraordinary 24-7 / 365 Prayer Room that is running online for the whole of 2021! It is a partnership project between IPC and a number of international ministries and organisations.

Prayer and Worship leaders from every continent are facilitating each hour in 10+ languages.

Whether you are able to drop in for 5 minutes here and there or for hours or days at a time, you would be most welcome to join us as we worship and glorify the Lamb of God – and offer our prayers for the Church and its mission and the needs of the world.

More info and sign up at: www.globalfamily24-7prayer.org/

Faith leaders and the Government have met virtually and organised a ‘places of worship taskforce’ to determine a timeline for churches coming out of lockdown, including possibly allowing buildings to open at different times depending on their community and practice. Members of the group include the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, Imam Asim Yusef, Rajnish Kashyap from the Hindu Council UK, Jasvir Singh from City Sikhs and Daniel Singleton from Faith Action. They will consider whether forms of worship such as individual prayer might be permitted before they fully reopen.

Coronavirus dominates our headlines, but we can make the conscious choice to lift our eyes from the headlines and fix them on Jesus. Even in all the uncertainty we know no sickness, quarantine or fear can diminish his beauty and worth, nor can they silence our worship. He reigns! All things are under His feet: sin, death, viruses, everything! For a video to remind us of these eternal truths and lead us in prayer, see In the midst of uncertainty, sickness and death, the best thing we can turn our eyes to is Jesus, who, for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. To help you worship, click the ‘More’ button.

Teach me your way, Lord,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your love towards me;
you have delivered me from the depths,
from the realm of the dead. Psalm 86:11-13

I recently enjoyed a rare trip to the Cinema with 2 of my children. We watched ‘The Meg’ (short for Megalodon – a giant, but extinct shark). We enjoyed the silly nature of the film (didn’t come close to Jaws for me!) and left with a belly full of popcorn to get on with our lives.

But this kind of story stirs something in me. Just as the swimmers innocently paddle in the ocean while there is a monster quietly hunting them beneath the water, what is happening in the unseen realm all around us as we go about our daily business?

We get a glimpse of this unseen realm in 2 Kings 6 as Elisha sees the hills ‘full of the Lord’s horses and chariots of fire’. And Peter writes of our ‘enemy the devil prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour’. (1Peter 5) There is a battle raging over us everyday, one that we are often too unaware of. And the prize is our heart, our devotion and allegiance.

David understood this. That is why he prays ‘Give me an undivided heart’. He knew that we are called to worship God wholeheartedly. And when we do this, we break into this battle in 3 key ways:

We humbly bow
As we offer worship, we are admitting that we need God. That we are dependant on Him, lost without Him. That He has the answers, not us. As we worship we let go and we let God lead us.

No other gods
David prays ‘give me an undivided heart’. Yet how often do we give in to the voices that fight for our attention? Can I honestly say that I am fully devoted to God? Or have I been lusting after that new guitar just a little too much. I wonder what it is that captures you - your appearance, or house, or job, or reputation? It is said that an idol is anything that takes the place of God. But God, by His nature, deserves nothing less than our all.

Everything, everyday
David’s desire is that he will ‘walk in truth and glorify God’s name forever’. Not just on a Sunday with the gathered congregation, but on a Monday heading into work. When we are with family and friends who don’t know Christ. Or alone late at night in front of a screen. That every minute of every day, with every inclination of our hearts we would live according to his ways, bringing glory to Him. How do we do this? We sing of God’s unfailing love, we declare His goodness and we offer our lives and hearts to Him again and again.

Wholehearted worship is a lifestyle to aspire to and commit to. It is a lifelong journey of learning, failing, coming back and learning again. But in the process, God is doing something glorious. He is revealing Himself to us and through us. And while I still shiver at the thought of what might be lurking at the bottom of the ocean, I try to keep in mind the real war over my heart, as I seek to daily offer wholehearted worship to the one true God who loves me and saves me.

Article written by Marcus Pagnum

Our conference is fast approaching and we anticipate a very special time as we meet in this year of promise. The ‘As One’ title reflects Jesus’ desire that His Church be one, but we have seen the church split and disagreeing over minor issues, we have seen people jockeying to control the Church rather than serve it. Things must change if the world is to see God’s Kingdom come.

As One links with the command a centurion would give his legionaries as they faced a hail of stones and as spears flew towards them. Raise the shields As One, move forward and possess the land As One.

We are pleased to announce that Malcolm Duncan will be joining us again for As One and he will be giving prophetic teaching and direction. We will also have practical workshops on extraordinary prayer for place, harvest, the prodigals and the nations.

The As One focus will be seen in our prayer and worship - God’s people standing together in deep praise, with servant hearts to see things change and be released in our nation. We expect all delegates to return home with a renewed sense of expectation and authority.

Tickets are going fast - people share our expectation that this will be a special time. To book visit worldprayer.org.uk or call 0121 633 73093.

This year will be special - think about other people you could bring along - your pastor, a younger leader, or other friends so they can share the As One experience.