Skip to main content

March Prayer Column

Image
By

Prayer: cloudy or fair?


Some time ago I was taking a photo of a scene I wanted to draw.  To my surprise, I was verbally abused by a passer-by, (a) for indulging is such a time-wasting pursuit as photography, and (b) because he didn’t want to be in the frame as he walked on ahead of me (so he isn’t).  It took quite a lot longer to say than that may imply, but, well, you let these things pass.  We all have our off days.  Soft answers turn away wrath, and all that.

But then a few days later on the way into Bradford he got on the bus (I’m almost sure it was the same guy), and proceeded to have a serial row with the driver: jumping the queue for a ticket when the person ahead was taking a bit of time; calling the driver names when asked to keep in line, making rude assertions, loudly; and at the end of it all (would you believe) promising to pray for him as he was so obviously in the grip of Satan!  Understandably, I felt, the driver declined his offer: “I have no need of your prayers.  I have plenty of people praying for me.”  Like a dark cloud, you were glad when it passed.

I confess I didn’t join in.  I didn’t try to act as a peacemaker, or even pray.  I sat tight, like everyone else on the bus.  What would you have done?  What would Jesus have done?  I rather think he would have radiated light in some recognisable way.  Belatedly, then, I pray: Lord, please fill me with your life and light.  Give me gentle grace towards others, even when tempers are short.  And Lord, please speed my reactions to reach out through the Spirit on behalf of your kingdom in every situation.

Roy Lorrain-Smith

A prayer for each week

Lord of all peace, and of peacemaking, please give me your peacefulness within, but also peaceableness towards others, especially those whom I find irritating – but who are made in your image, just as we all are.
Amen.

Lord God, Heavenly Father, Champion of the put-upon, please give me that combination of compassion and courage to stand up for those who’re being bullied or abused – and not just think about it afterwards.
Amen.

Creator Lord, maker of the entire universe, even down to the detail of human ability to talk, please guard my lips and help me watch my words, that what I say may more closely match your Living Word, Jesus.
Amen.

Lord of space and time, and of people and events, thank you for sending Jesus to rescue us when we screw up.  From the wrath of impatience and injured pride, and our hot hurtful words, please save us, as only you can.
Amen.

Lord Commander, King of kings, please take more charge of me.  Please heal me from anger, and angry thoughts, and words, and worse.  Please take away all my anger that harms your kingdom, or help me control it.
Amen. 

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Soupermums! Wilsden Trinity Church

By
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...
Post a Comment
Read more

May message from the Ministry Team

By
Dear friends One of the ‘deep wells’ that replenishes my spirituality is the practice of ‘Lectio Divina’ which is an ancient method for praying with the Bible. It literally means ‘divine reading’, or ‘reading in a godly kind of way’. We rush about so much these days and practising the discipline of a slower reading of the Bible to allow it to speak to us is an integral aspect of Lectio Divina. If you want to try it yourself, read slowly a short passage of text that you have decided upon in advance, letting your awareness rest in turn upon each word. As you read, be alert for any particular word or phrase that draws your attention in a special way. Then meditate on this word or phrase, allowing it to engage you fully. Does the word connect with some aspect of your own experience? As you hold this in your heart, let yourself become aware of any answering words, images, or memories that arise in you. Then finally respond through prayer to the word you have heard, simply and directl...
Post a Comment
Read more