Virtual Prayer Parlour

Call Directions Website Contact the place of worship

Virtual Prayer Parlour Each week we will update prayer topics on this page. It is also a page where the community can ask for, or post prayer requests.

16/10/2026

New every morning is the love
Our wakening and uprising prove;
Through sleep and darkness safely brought,
Restored to life, and power, and thought.

New mercies, each returning day,
Hover around us while we pray;
New perils past, new sins forgiven,
New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven.

If on our daily course our mind
Be set to hallow all we find,
New treasures still, of countless price,
God will provide for sacrifice.

The trivial round, the common task,
Would furnish all we ought to ask,
Room to deny ourselves, a road
To bring us daily nearer God.

Only, O Lord, in thy dear love
Fit us for perfect rest above;
And help us this and every day
To live more nearly as we pray.

Heavenly Father whose love never ceases and whose mercies never comes to an end: grant us the grace to trust you and to receive the gifts of your love, new every morning, in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

14/10/2026

All that I am, all I can be,
All that I have, all that is me,
Accept and use, Lord, as you would choose, Lord
Right now, today.
Take every passion, every skill,
Take all my dreams and bend them to your will,
My all I give Lord, for you I’ll live Lord, come what may.

Often I come with my problems and cares,
Running to you when distressed.
But I must bring you the whole of my life,
Lord, I give you my best.

Life has no purpose unless it is yours,
Life without you has no goal,
All that fulfils me is doing your will,
Knowing that you’re in control.

Heavenly Father,
I place into Your hands all that I am—my strengths and my weaknesses, my joys and my quiet struggles.
Take every part of my heart, my mind, and my spirit.
My all I give you Lord. Amen

11/10/2026

Sunday 11th October 2026
Swadlincote Corps

Theme: I AM the Light of the World

Bible Readings John 8v12 & John 9vv1-7
The first reading from John 8v12, came just after Jesus had encountered the woman caught in adultery. This is a story we’ve looked at before, but it’s worth reminding ourselves:
• The hypocrisy of the accusers is evident as only the woman is brought before Jesus to be condemned
• The accusers are trying to trap Jesus into flouting the law
• Jesus is the only One without sin, who could have cast the first stone, but He responds with mercy
It is this context, of being merciful, that He further explains to those who witnessed this incident, that:
• He is the Light of the World
• Those who follow Him walk in the light
The power of light is very evident when we consider that the flame from a single candle can be seen up to a mile away in total darkness.
Actually, when we walk into a dark room and switch the light on, the darkness is completely dispelled. Even a subdued light which might concentrate on a smaller area of the room, leaving some shadowy corners, still causes the darkness itself to be immediately compromised.
An interesting feature of the dark, is how all colour is lost; in the dark and even in a gloomy environment, objects around us are devoid of colour.
It is only as the light is restored that the colour and life of that around us floods back.
An important thing to note about what Jesus says is, He isn’t A light but THE light of the world.
There are many people who might light up our lives due to the joy and happiness they bring to us; our spouses, children, grandchildren and good friends.
It was Debby Boone in 1977 who sang the song “You light up my life”, describing how her life had been lifted from darkness to light by her new love.
Jesus isn’t just another source of light to lift our mood and make our lives better, He is THE light. THE source of the ability to banish darkness and transform our world.
This is where we note that what He is saying, isn’t just an allegory; He isn’t saying I am LIKE a light that counters the dark, He is saying I AM THE LIGHT.
He brought light to the woman’s life; she was facing the darkness of experiencing the consequences of her sin – the law said she should be stoned to death.
Despite the attempt to trick Him into flouting or bending the law, Jesus confirms the punishment fits the ‘crime’ but added the condition that the punishment should only be meted out by those who have never done wrong themselves.
We know that He was the only one left and the only One who could have administered the punishment, but instead He banished the woman’s darkness by urging her to “go and sin no more”.
His subsequent explanation to the people after this, as He said “I AM the Light of the World” was to say I will bring light to anyone and everyone; you just saw me bring light to that woman’s life – this is who and what I AM.
The next reference to being the Light of the World comes in the Reading from John 9.
The context this time was Jesus bringing light to someone, by literally opening his eyes so he could see once more.
The man had been living in physical darkness, being blind from birth, but the cure given by Jesus, flooded his life with light.
The backdrop of this is the assumption at the time, that a disabled person was born as a result of sin in the parents’ lives, a belief that Jesus refutes absolutely.
If we see Jesus bringing light to the darkness of a sinful way of life for our woman and light to the darkness of the man born blind, then we see His light is both physical and spiritual.
That verse stating: 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Might suggest that Jesus only brought light to the world while He was physically present on earth, in bodily form.
However, our belief in the resurrection and of His being alive and ever-present even today, reassures us that He is STILL THE LIGHT of the world.
He is still the light banishing the darkness of sin
He is still the light of hope to those seeking physical healing; usually fulfilled by the skill of the modern-day medical profession, but sometimes the miracle from God Himself.
The famous depiction of Jesus as the Light of The World as in William Holman’s painting, shows Jesus stood outside a door, with his hand raised as if to knock.
If you were to look at the picture you will note the door has no external handle, so is only able to be opened from the inside.
The image powerfully portrays the truth that Jesus never imposes Himself on us; He offers His light, He seeks to enter and dispel the darkness, but He knocks and waits, leaving the response to the freewill of the one to whom He makes His offer.
It is of course a portrayal of the gospel message; Salvation is offered to the whole world by Jesus, but it is up to individuals to receive and accept the gift.
Having accepted that gift and when subsequently indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we become a source of the light.
We are not THE light, but a source OF the light, shining out in this dark world.
The old Sunday School song said:
Jesus bids us shine with a clear, pure light
Like a little candle burning in the night,
In this world is darkness, so we must shine
You in your small corner, and I in mine. (Susan Bogert Warner - SASB 870)
As children in Sunday school we were encouraged to bring light to those we spend the most time with. We’ve already noted we might be a source of light, as in bringing joy and happiness to someone who loves us, but as Christians we need to be much more than just someone cherished by those bound to love us.
We need to be the means of pointing others to the light, by reflecting His light in our own lives.
We recognise, therefore, that Jesus, the light of the world, now He is no longer physically present, still shines His light through us and peoples’ lives are transformed even today, as the darkness of sin, grief, doubt and despair are dispelled in the light and power of the living Christ.
Prayer
Father God, we thank you for sending Jesus to be the light in this dark world. This world needs His light as much as ever, may our lives of faith and witness be the source of shining His light to light the way for others. Amen.

08/10/2026

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Prayer.
Heavenly Father we thank you for your love, We count our blessings every day. Open our eyes daily to see the blessings that surround us, Let us live with a heart full of Thanksgiving Teach us to be content in all circumstances, and to know that your Grace is sufficient for us. Amen.

06/10/2026

O worship the King all glorious above,
and gratefully sing his power and his love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendour and girded with praise.

2. O tell of his might and sing of his grace,
whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
his chariots of wrath the deep thunder-clouds form,
and dark is his path on the wings of the storm.

3. The earth, with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, your power has founded of old;
established it fast, by a changeless decree,
and round it has cast, like a mantle, the sea.

4. Your bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
and sweetly distils in the dew and the rain.

5. We children of dust are feeble and frail -
in you do we trust, for you never fail;
your mercies, how tender, how firm to the end!
our maker, defender, redeemer, and friend.

O measureless might inevitable love.
While angels delight to him the above
The Humler creation, though feeble their lays,
With true adoration shall sing to thy praise.

Heavenly Father Thank You for being my strength when I feel weak. In moments when I question if I can handle all that's before me, remind me of Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Help me to persevere, even when I'm tired or discouraged. Renew my energy today and remind me that You are working through every small act of faithfulness. Let me find joy in serving You, knowing it all matters.
In Jesus name, amen.

04/10/2026

Jesus had found it increasingly difficult to teach in the synagogues because of the opposition of the Jewish leaders, so he used where he was most comfortable, the countryside as his church and the sky as canopy and the hillside or fishing boat was his pulpit.
It was as Jesus was walking along the shores of Lake Galilee which was a well-used road that many people gathered around him to listen with interest to his teachings.
Whilst walking along this busy road, The crowd came across a tax collector sitting at his desk collecting taxes. Appropriately in those days the tax collector could stop people at any time and any place and demand money from them for tax, it made them even more hated than usual.
Jesus went over to him and called Matthew to follow him. Jesus was a good scholar and took every opportunity to challenge people and this is what he did with this tax collector because Jesus is never off duty, it’s quite possible that Matthew had heard about Jesus and his teaching, that Jesus was a friend to all outcasts. He knew he was hated by most people. Matthew may have wondered many times how nice it would have been to give up his job and to live a normal life again and to have friends. He knew that this could not be because once you had been classified as unclean you were not allowed back into society again.
A modern illustration of this can be found in Hugh Redwood’s book.
He tells of a woman in the Dock district in London who went to a women’s meeting at her local church, she’d been living with a man of Chinese origin and together they had a half caste baby which she took with her to the meetings, which she enjoyed and attended several times.
One day the vicar said to her You will have to stop coming here the other women have said that they will stop coming if you continue to come.
Christianity!!?
Matthew realized that this was the opportunity he was looking for He took it with both hands He Staked everything on Christ.
Of all the disciples, Matthew had given up the most Peter, Andrew, James and John could go back to fishing. There were always Fish to catch and the old trade to which they could return.
Matthew had burned his bridges completely with one action. In one moment of time, by one swift decision he had put himself out of a job forever. Having left as tax collector job He would never get it back. From this decision Matthew had clean hands From now on he could look the world in the eye He might be a lot poorer, life may be rough with all his luxuries and comforts gone but his hands were clean and his mind was at rest He lost one job but gained a much bigger and better one. It has being said that Matthew left everything but his pen. Here is an example of how God can use any gift a person may have. It’s hardly likely that the others of the 12 were handy with a pen, Good At being fishermen would not have much skill in using a pen or putting words together, but Matthew did And this man whose trade had taught him to use a pen use that skill to compose the first Handbook of the Teachings of Jesus. He knew that there was a need for Christ and if converts were to be forthcoming, he must write down everything he knew about Christ for future generations to read and act upon.
Matthew was so overjoyed about his new discovery Clearly there was a need for Christ.
When Matthew was confronted by the Pharisees because he was dining with outcasts, jesus gave them a simple answer. He told them he went where the need was greatest, to those who were sick in soul and needed Christ most. Beyond doubt we will find a peace and joy and a thrill in life, that we never knew before. In Jesus Christ a man’s wealth surpassing anything. One fine evening In June 1865 a tall strong featured man in ministerial clothes walked along the northern side of Whitechapel Road in east London Although a stranger to the district and not really going anywhere in particular, he nevertheless walked with a purpose.
The shops, and shouts from the stall holders only held his attention momentarily. He only had eyes for the people, he saw them crowding into the pubs and gin palaces as they were called, multitudes of them, he saw them drunk poverty stricken and perishing. Pity and a deep concern filled his heart to overflowing could he not do something for these people? He decided there and then that they needed Christ and He spent the rest of his life teaching Christ to them, when he had got as far as the Blind Beggar pub, he stopped opposite on some waste ground some gospel missionaries we’re concluding a meeting, as was their custom, before pronouncing the benediction they asked if anyone would like to have a word.
Next the passing stranger was no other than William Booth, our founder. His response was Immediate. His commanding figure and forceful words immediately challenged attention. Passersby stopped to listen, Soon the crowd had grown bigger the people had not heard sin denounced in such a way before. They have never heard the love of God praised highly before, They had never heard salvation so plainly The language used was speech of their everyday life. Every point of importance was clearly illustrated. They not only heard but understood.
William Booth could have stayed in the pawnbroking business or a circuit preacher, if he had done either of those the world would be in an even worse state than it is.
He gave his all, and followed Christ. Through his Christian movement the lives of millions of people have been changed for the better.
William Booth preached wherever he could he started soup kitchens for the hungry, lodging houses for the homeless, through these and many caring services Many people have been brought to know Christ. They have been saved and those people have gone out and helped to save thousands more. Wherever there was a need for Christ William Booth did his best to bring Christ to the people.
Today there is still a need for Christ There are still people homeless hungry and outcast most are not there At their choosing something we are to be proud of. It is our duty as Christian people to take the love of God to such people,:- dropouts, cardboard box cities, these aren’t confined to big cities through choice. These are sad Times for many. There are people who are hurting, and they’ll go on hurting people who have nowhere to go drugs, drink prostitution unless we care. Christian people who just passed by. UNLESS WE CARE
We all need Christ.
To keep Christ in our hearts we must give him away to others.
They need Christ

30/09/2026

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I'd rather be His than have riches untold
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin's dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today

I'd rather have Jesus than worldly applause
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame
Yes, I'd rather be true to His holy name
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin's dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

George Beverly Shea.

I was recently watching a video about probably the worlds greatest gospel singer George Beverly Shea. He was always the lead vocalist for the Billy Graham crusades. Who sang till his death at the age of 104 years of age. A deeply spiritual man, these words in the song were very true for me too. I pray that it’s the same for you too.
Heavenly Father we love you and we praise your Holy name. Help us Lord guide others into the knowledge of you. So that they may know the joy in their hearts that we share together, that they may know the peace of the reassurance of life with you in paradise where all hate and pain, troubles and worries will disappear. Be with us this day Lord lead us with what we do and say to others. Bless all who are known to us who need you in a special way. We ask these things in and through the name of Jesus. Amen.

27/09/2026

Sunday 27th September 2026
Swadlincote Corps

Theme: I AM who I AM

Exodus 3v14
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.[a] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
This is part of a conversation God had with Moses, so it is worth refreshing our memories on who he was to help us understand the context that God is telling who HE is.
Back in July we looked at Moses being ‘the right man for the job’ to approach Pharoah to seek the release of the captive Israelites.
We noted why he was the right man for the job because:
• He was born a Hebrew and was therefore one of God’s Chosen people.
• His mother hid him to save his life and he was adopted by Pharoah’s daughter, with his sister cleverly arranging for his own mother to nurse him.
• His dual nationality meant he was perfectly placed to both represent the Hebrew people and as the adopted grandson of the Pharoah himself, he had unparalleled access to Pharoah.
This is the point we join him again; God is asking him to go to pharaoh and request the release of the Israelite slaves.
Moses, not yet understanding why he has been selected, nor really knowing God either, queries as to who he should say is sending him.
God says, tell him “I AM” sent you!
We don’t always appreciate how our language is influenced by the original King James’ Bible; I’m sure you’ve heard the retort “who do you think you are, the great I am?!” a direct reference to our passage!
The saying “who do you think you are?” is usually levelled at someone who appears to be overstepping the mark in some way.
When Moses asks God who He is, God simply says “I AM who I AM”
Moses is not only asking the question for his own information; he is obviously mindful that if he suddenly asks his grandfather to release his entire forced workforce, the response could be “who do you think you are?!”
The Israelite people, in particular, are going to be rather taken aback if the adopted grandson of their captor, suddenly tells them, I’m going to get you released!
Hence, we note the emphasis to tell the Israelite people “I AM” has sent you.
When Moses tells them this, they will immediately recognise the reference to God Himself and sit up and listen.
We recall that Moses is unconvinced that this is enough and tries to make excuses to evade the task being allocated to him, but God persists in assuring him he is the man for the job.
Moses himself begins to know who God is and what He is capable of over the next 40 years:
• The plagues sent each time Pharoah refuses to relent
• The parting of the Red Sea to escape the pursuing army, when Pharoah tries to change his mind
• The provision of Manna in the wilderness
And so the list could go on; Moses has to ask God, on first meeting Him, “who are you?” but he soon comes to know Him very well. I always think Moses was one of the luckiest men alive when it comes to knowing what he should do next, as God always seemed to speak to him so clearly and directly!
The reality for most of us, is we have to exercise our faith and trust in spade loads, as we wait for a clear path to be unveiled.
Even today, those who don’t yet know God, when encountering Him for the first time, have to make sense of who He is.
Often, the search for God is an integral part of making sense of life itself.
The question of our identity, of who we think we are, is indelibly linked with who God is.
The very reason we exist is because God created us to be His companions and we have the incredible opportunity, if we choose to believe, to have a personal relationship with Him.
Prayer
Father God, you ARE the great I AM, the One who is above all and over all. Your essence is such that we will never fully know all about You, but we are thankful that in Your Grace and Mercy, You enable us to get to know You, to have a personal relationship with You and to be able to say we know who You are as Father, Saviour, Comforter and Friend. Help us to continue to grow our faith so we will continue to get to know You more and more. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.
Sarah-Jane Pennell

25/09/2026

"He’s the same today as yesterday, my great unchanging friend.
He's the same today as yesterday, just the same unto the end,
By his mighty power he holds me, in his arms of love enfolds me,
He's the same today as yesterday, my great unchanging friend."

There is one thing that we can rely on, the song says it all.
God never changes he is with us every day and he will always be.

We thank thee Heavenly Father for your love and support. No matter what happens we know that you will always guide us through it. Be with all who have worries and cares this day, for the sad, the sick, the lonely and bereaved. Give us all the strength and help for all that need you in a special way. Amen.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28 v 20

22/09/2026

From Janet
We thank Thee, Lord, for answered prayer,
For every token of Thy care;
Since our requests to Thee we brought,
We have received more than we sought.
More than we ask, Thy Word declares,
Shall be Thy answer to our prayers.

2.
We thank Thee that our cry was heard,
And that, according to Thy Word,
Before Thy promise we could plead,
Thou hadst begun to meet our need.
More than we ask, and greater far
Than we can think, Thy mercies are.

3.
As in this place our hearts are made
To bless Thee for Thy mighty aid,
Help us, as more for Thee we dare,
To prove still more the strength of prayer.
Thy Word is sure, Thou canst not fail
To bless those who in prayer prevail.
“Lord, we thank You for hearing our prayers and answering us in Your perfect timing. You turn our worry into peace and our uncertainty into confidence. Thank You for showing us that You are faithful, loving, and wise. We are deeply grateful for Your goodness and mercy”
Amen
Psalm 107:1 declares, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever”

Address

CHURCH GRESLEY
Swadlincote
DE119PR

Telephone

+441283216264

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Virtual Prayer Parlour posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to Virtual Prayer Parlour:

Shortcuts

Share

Category