Prayer column - January 2013

When the light goes

Lord, where are you in this cold, dark, dank graveyard of a time? When I look up there is only darkness, like a thicket shutting out the sun. I’m shivering! There’s none of the warmth you’ve blessed me with before.

Why do I have to suffer like this? Why is everything so dark and hopeless? Why do I have to cope on my own? What’s the point of it all? Why haven’t you answered my prayers and taken away the pain like you promised?

And yet – promise: when I think, perhaps your promise is after all the key to the way out of this dungeon of despair. Perhaps I have to hold on to your promise that you are never absent, even in the scary shadow times, merely invisible, for reasons of your own: it’s a trial, not a life sentence. I have to endure and win through, torture though it feels like. Didn’t James say trials were a training programme building us up; didn’t Peter see them as a refining process, producing faith of pure gold? A crucible isn’t meant to be comfortable! (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:3-9)

Lord, open my eyes to see my way out of the wood, to the light beyond in the open space; and the glorious prospect of eternal life in the new world with you, once you’ve put us through your full workout here. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Roy Lorrain-Smith

A prayer for each week

Lord of light, never overcome by darkness however dense, please help me to cling to that great truth when all seems gloom to me, and to press on in faith till the light breaks through once more, through Jesus. Amen.

Lord of the light of life, providing the spark which illumines all our lives, please help me to look to you when, in the murk of confusion, I am tempted to look elsewhere for hope and purpose – through Jesus. Amen.

Lord of the light of creation, upon whom the whole world depends, please may I continue to trust you with every living breath and faltering step I take, until you lead me out of the wood, and I can see. Amen.

Lord of the light of recognition, providing the joy of friendship in well-known faces, please help me to recognise and respond to true friends and acts of friendship, especially when I feel cold, hard and isolated. Amen.

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Prayer for Bradford

Do you feel isolated at your work? Are you unsupported in your Christian faith in the world? After worship, we share a coffee and a chat. But that is Sunday. We never seem to talk about Monday to Friday. Work may be stressing me out and there is no one to share this with. Work may be brilliant and there is no one to share that with. How do we find being a Christian within a secular work environment? Do we feel isolated, or pressured, or encouraged? Prayer for Bradford wants to help and support you, where you are. They want to help Christians who work in any area to feel supported. Especially, those who work within: - Business, Education, Finance, Health and Care, Media and Arts, Politics, and Public Services. The aim is to gather the names of Christians who work in Bradford and, later in the year, invite you to meet in work-related groups. e.g. Education etc... This is to allow you to share with others how you are and what encouragements ...

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Prayer Column: June 2013

Yes, but how much, and how many? Does it make any difference how many pray, or is just one enough? And is one prayer enough, or should we pester God till we get what we want? Prayer can start with one, and if you’re on your own that’s all you can do (e.g., Acts 9:11), but groups can often pray better together. The Lord’s prayer begins ‘ Our Father; He spoke of gatherings of at least two or three; and the early church prayed together (Mt 6:9; 18:20; Acts 1:14; 4:24; 12:12). Groups encourage, strengthen, help cover all the bases, find agreement. And there’s something helpful about meeting regularly too. Prayer isn’t just about getting what we want: Not my will, but yours..., Jesus prayed – having asked three of his disciple to watch with him (Mt 26:39). And we’re promised answers to prayers ‘in Jesus’ name’, with faith that what we ask is actually God’s will (Mt 21:22; Jn 14:13). As for how long we should pray, Jesus encourages pe...

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