Hello everyone
A prayer of Thanksgiving for the support of family and friends, and intercession for those on their own
Thank you, Lord, for family at this time; for loved ones, there to support us, to demonstrate love and care in action, to do what they can for us in time of need.
Thank you for friends; those to whom our welfare really matters, who seek to help us in whatever ways they can, showing their concern, compassion, and friendship, not just through words but through deeds.
Hear our prayer for those who do not have such support, who are truly alone – those for whom long days of isolation were already an all too frequent reality, and who now feel cut off from all: frightened, helpless, hopeless.
Reach out to them, assuring them that you are by their side, and help us too, in whatever ways we can, to reach out likewise, and show them they are not abandoned or forgotten.
Amen
Nick Fawcett: For Such a Time as This
After a weekend of celebration for the 75th Anniversary of the end of six years of war in Europe, we saw around us a demonstration of camaraderie and community spirit despite Coronavirus. We witnessed the same spirit that doesn’t give in despite the sacrifice and the cost.
In our time of prayer this week, our prayer is to God, giving our thanks to Him for the support we have experienced from those around us. We also give Him thanks for giving us the opportunity we have had to support others with a reminder to watch out and to see how we might be of help for the vulnerable people known or unknown to us, both in or outside our church communities.
Christine and I are working at reducing the amount of material stored in our study. Over the last weekend I decided to see if I needed a pile of old magazines – the first copy of New Wine came unexpectantly in the post for June 1970, Fifty years ago. – So, do I – don’t I bin it?
It sits in front of me now as I type this message. I attempt to pass on just a couple of word of wisdom from that period in time.
Fifty years ago people were stressed by the possibility of atomic warfare. In an article on “Last Days” the writer wrote “At this time we need the Holy Spirit and his gifts as never before to defeat the menace of darkness before us. The Apostle Paul asked the question of the first Christian church “Have you received the Holy Spirit .“ It is the same question asked of us!
The title of the next article in the magazine “Extraordinary Prayer” states that “Extraordinary Need Demands Extra Ordinary Prayer” Jesus sets the example to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane as he asked them to stay awake and pray with him. Jesus, speaking with his Father God, demonstrated the agony of Extraordinary Prayer as he expressed sweat as droplets of blood. The disciples failed him!
Facing death Jesus is praying no ordinary prayer this was the heart of God battling against unseen powers for the salvation of the world.
As Christians there is a calling to pray for the world Jesus died for. We need the Holy Spirit and all His gifts more than ever in times such this. In the times we are living in there is a spiritual battle to wage. When you pray call out for the Holy Spirit to pray his words through you.
Scripture reading:
“Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Keep safe, keep praying.
Peter
