Sunday 14th January

​Jesus, you are the light of the world, the light of my life, I offer this time to you in worship
and prayer and praise.

Opening Prayers
Lord of Light,
Prince of Peace,
Almighty Counsellor,
Today I come to worship you, and look to you to shine your light into my life.
Come Lord Jesus, by your Spirit.
If you have a candle, find it and something to light it. Put it somewhere you can see it. If you
do not have a candle, use a lamp.
As you light the candle, or light the lamp, say these words: “the light shines in the darkness
and the darkness can never put it out”.
Sit in silence and notice the light and the shadows in the room. When you are ready, offer
this time of worship to God:
Jesus, you are the light of the world, the light of my life, I offer this time to you in worship
and prayer and praise. Amen.

545 STF – Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart

The lords Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
 Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen

662 STF – Have you heard God’s voice; has you heart been stirred? -

​
John 1:43-51
New International VersionJesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”
44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We
have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, 
the son of Joseph.”
46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.
“Come and see,” said Philip.
47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”
49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things
than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God
ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

Reflections on the reading
In today’s gospel reading from John 1, we encounter the story of Philip inviting Nathanael to
meet Jesus. Nathanael initially doubts that anything good can come from Nazareth, but
Philip responds with a simple, profound invitation: "Come and see."
This passage challenges us to consider two important aspects of our faith:
1. Doubt and Prejudice: Just as Nathanael had doubts about Nazareth, we often
harbour doubts and prejudices about people, situations, or ideas. These doubts can
blind us to the potential for goodness and blessings in unexpected places. The
challenge is to recognise and confront our doubts, allowing ourselves to be open to
God's work in unexpected ways.
2. Invitation and Encounter: Philip's invitation, "Come and see," is an invitation to
encounter Jesus personally. It's an invitation to experience God’s presence, love,
and transformative power made incarnate in Jesus. We, too, are called to extend this
invitation to ourselves and to others, inviting them to encounter Christ in our words
and actions.

Consider these questions for your personal devotion:
- What doubts or prejudices do I hold that may be hindering my faith or openness to
God's work in my life?
​Am I willing to set aside my doubts and preconceived notions, and, like Nathanael,
be open to the possibility of encountering Christ in unexpected ways?
- How can I extend the invitation to others to "come and see" Jesus through my life
and testimony?
- Do I actively seek moments of personal encounter with Christ through prayer,
Scripture, and worship?

The challenge in John 1:43-51 is to embrace the transformative power of encountering
Jesus and to be open to God's work in the midst of doubt and uncertainty. As you reflect on
this passage, may you be inspired to invite others to "come and see" the incredible journey
of faith and the life-changing encounter with the Son of God.

552 STF – Here am I, Lord -

Responding through action
When was the last time you told someone your ‘testimony’? Testimony is a way of talking
about our lives and stories that shows we are able to recognise God is at work in and
through us. It might involve a ‘conversion’ moment, or it might involve dozens of ‘conversion
moments’, it might grapple with your own doubts and prejudice and show how God is
working through you despite your failings.
Could you make some time today to write out, or draw, or say aloud some of your
testimony? Is there a story you can tell that demonstrates God at work in your life?
These stories can be a source of encouragement for others – people who have faith and
those who have none – not necessarily because we are trying to convert them to our way of
thinking, but because we can open up the possibility for people to reflect on their own lives
and see God at work. Could you swap stories/testimonies with someone this week?

673 STF – Will you come and follow me? -

Blessing
So, people of God,
I go from this place, hearing words of encouragement from the Creator,
I go from this place, inspired to follow in the ways of the Christ,
I go from this place, transformed by the power of the Spirit,
Travel with me, triune God, that I may come to know you more each day.
Amen.