Prayer Column - February 2013

Snow Prayers

I’ve just been clearing snow off our paths and drive. Doubtless it won’t be the last time this year. I’m glad I’ve got a couple of good tools: a bulldozer-shaped blade on a good strong handle for pushing it into heaps, and a light, long-handled shovel for heaving it away. But it’s funny stuff, snow. Last time it was light and fluffy: clearing it was no effort at all. Today is was deeper and heavier – beginning to be wet – though not as heavy as it would have become if I’d delayed getting on with the job. I’ve learned that from experience.
We could pray for those whose lives are seriously disrupted by snow, with work slowed or halted and earnings threatened, while remembering those facing the extra cost of keeping things moving (and getting flak when they can’t).

That doesn’t affect me too badly, being retired, but of course age means slips and falls are more likely, and more serious. So we could praise God for the wildly wonderful fun children have sledging and snowballing, while asking for protection for the vulnerable.

But perhaps snow clearing offers a lesson for prayer more generally. Sometimes it’s no effort; at other times it’s hard work; but it always makes things easier (and it’s better to start soon) Experience helps, and so do the right tools, like having a good handle on scripture. And it’s often better working together.

Roy Lorrain-Smith

A prayer for each week in February

The Lord freezes, and the Lord melts: blessed be the name of the Lord (Psalm 146:16-18). Help us to praise you, Lord, for your omniscient sovereignty. Amen.

The Lord sends snow, and the Lord recalls it: accomplishing his purpose (Isaiah 55:10-11). Help us to praise you, Lord, for the way you work in our lives. Amen.

The Lord purifies our record, from sin-crimson to fresh-snow-clean, (Isaiah 1:18). Help us to praise you, Lord, for fresh starts when we fail, through Jesus. Amen.

The Lord’s own radiance outshines pure snow in the bright winter dawn (Rev 1:14). Help us to praise you, Lord, for you are wholly worthy of all our praise. Amen.

Your own prayers

Comments

Virtual Worship - 13 February 2022

Welcome to worship with the Bradford North Methodist Circuit this morning. This service will be shared this morning by Rev Nick Blundell and the members and friends at Bolton Methodist Church. Service Sheet (pdf) Call to worship We are blessed to be here today. We are blessed to be together today. We are blessed to be a family. We are blessed that God is with us. Let us enjoy God’s blessing as we worship today. Lord, thank you that we are blessed. Help us to recognise all that you have given to us. We pray that not only will we reflect on your blessings we will also seek to be a blessing to others, with your help and in your name. Amen. Hymn You might like to sing, or reflect on David J Evans’ hymn at Singing the Faith 20, Be still. for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here. Prayers Father, we worship and adore you for the light you bring to this dreary time of year, when we long for spring. Thank you for the blessing of every shoot and bud, the reminders of your...

Soupermums! Wilsden Trinity Church

Do you have a young baby? Looking for something to do? If the answer is yes then Soupermums is for you. We're here from 11 until 1 every Monday, Mums (and dads) have a rest and the babies can play. Have a lovely sit down whilst you sip on a brew. Enjoy having someone else make lunch for you! Come along to Wilsden Church, meet the rest of the group. Lovely ladies cuddle the babies, whilst you eat your soup. Chat with the mums, new friends you will make. Swap tips and advice over a slice or two of cake. So what are you waiting for? come on along, For homemade treats, good company and if you're lucky a song. We're looking forward to meeting you, please come take a peek, 11-1 at Wilsden Trinity, we're here every week! Celine V (a Soupermum!) Where can new mums go, to have lunch where it’s warm and safe and you get to eat fresh soup and homemade cakes, while someone holds your baby? Too big an ask? Not at Wilsden Trinity! Every Mond...

Julian Meeting

We’re starting a new Julian Meeting Monday 6th January 7.30pm at Bolton Methodist Church, Bolton Road (near the junction with Idle Road) Hear some music; listen to a reading; spend 30 minutes in silent reflection; share together over tea and coffee Meetings will be on the first Monday of each month For more information please contact Rev Christine Crabtree

Bradford North Circuit

Search This Blog