Breakfast on the Beach 

Thank you for coming to our Wednesday Group this evening.

Let's begin by taking a moment to thank God for something that you've really enjoyed today - however simple it might be. Then take a while to prayerfully mention everyone in the group.

I hope that you're enjoying the simple new freedom we've been allowed from today. Maybe you've been to the beach... 

Read out loud John 21:1-14

This is one of the last recorded occasions that Jesus met up with the disciples. It is often used with the verses later in the chapter to consider Peter's commitment. I'd like us to consider only the first section which chronicles one of Jesus' last miracles while here on earth.

I have a lot of sympathy for Peter. He was a doer. I feel sure that he and Martha would have got on well together! Of course we know that sometimes his actions preceded his thinking. In the vacuum of Jesus no longer being around after the resurrection, he got tired of sitting around and so why not go back to the old job? 

Thought: Once the lockdown is over will you return to your old ways, or have you decided to approach life differently? 

Spend a moment to consider Jesus on the beach side. I don't think Jesus necessarily used the miracle to earn them a few shekels at the nearest market. I think it was to add weight to the evidence that he was indeed risen, alive and well. John was quick to recognise that it was Jesus on the shore line, even though it was Peter who impatiently swam ashore.

I worked through many nights in my career. We don't know whether the disciples took food with them that night, but Jesus certainly knew how to provide a good breakfast. 

Thought: Give some thought as to how God provides all you need. Even in this time of crisis have you ever been without anything important?

Grab something to write with and jot down a few things that you have really appreciated in the last two months of lockdown.

Prayer:

• Spend some time in prayer thanking God for these things.
• Consider His providing nature and whether there is something you'd like him to provide - just ask.
• Pray too, thanking him for all those who are providing for us just now; farmers, health workers, government workers, emergency services, postal workers.
• Pray for the Foodbank, especially for those who need to use it and also Briony and Lorraine who manage it.

Song: 'Provider' - Urban Rescue
This song is new to me, but it emphasises so well that our God loves to look after us and provide for us. There are many other truths too...
  Finish by praying specifically for someone in our group.