Encounter: Break Through O Lord In Our Land

Ruach Breath of Life

Music: A beautiful piece that Richard Williamson originally improvised, followed by further improvisations Musicians: Julian Chang (viola soloist) Julia Herzog, Shirley Richards, Suzanne Herzog, (strings), James Horsfall (keyboard) Forgive us, Lord, that we are the generation that believes in our disbelief. There is no limit to the depravity that we have fallen into, Lord, or to the cynicism we have embraced. Are You not right when You decree your judgement against a land that has enthroned ways contrary to Your laws? Yet just as we have experienced Your mercy in our own lives, so we dare to pray that You will look with favour, even now, on our land. Be not a passing stranger or an unwelcome guest, but come as the Bright Morning Star, as the ruler and leader of Your people, and the Saviour of the Land. High King of Heaven Remember not what we have done, Nor all we deserve, But for Your own name’s sake Renew and restore Your people. Send a fresh wave of Your Spirit, And raise up Your co-workers to rebuild Your church and win this nation for Christ. We ask in the name of Jesus and for Your glory, Lord. High King of Heaven, as nations rage in turmoil, we proclaim the coming King Who has promised to return and who is standing at the door. Break open the doors that are closed to You, that those far away may be drawn to You, And those at odds with each other find each other again in You. Even though we live surrounded by people who love us, Lord, there come times when we feel utterly isolated, when only You can know the sorrow in our heart. Perhaps You have designed it like this, Lord, so that when the trials feel too heavy for us to bear on our own, we have to hand them to You. Help us not to doubt You in the darkness, nor to hold back from following You. And though it sometimes seems as though the hour of opportunity has passed us by, and darkness has tolled its bell, yet we praise You that You never change, You are always the same. Grant us courage to attempt what You have put within our hearts to do, for it is as we set out to do things that You send Your blessing. ‘Do not be afraid, I have come to save you. You are special to me, and I know your name. When the deep dark waters of trouble swirl around you, I am with you. Water now the roots of our hearts, that our spirits may not wither. At the scent of water, let them spring back to life again.