Skip to main content

February 2014 Prayer Column - A street light

Image
By
Bradford North Prayer Column:  February 2014

A Streetlight

A streetlight has failed outside our house.  I’ve told the council, and no doubt they’ll get round to fixing it.  Meanwhile nights retreat a few minutes each day, promising the welcome return of spring and summer.  How important light is in our lives, both physically and in other ways: when things come together suddenly, it’s like a flash of light as we grasp what we couldn’t see; when difficulties look like being resolved, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.  When Jesus came to earth, his life was the light that shines for all (Jn 1:4,9), heralding an end to dismal nights of moral blindness and bringing hope.  And hope remains, besides love (which also came down at Christmas – H&P 105), and faith in Jesus as the light of the world.

·      Hope in what he did: defeating death and disarming dark powers
·      Hope because of Easter, when he rose to new life that never ends
·      Hope based on his words, the safe rock we can build on securely
·      Hope in the teeth of contrary winds and undimmed by dark clouds
·      Hope shining like a beacon, or a candle, or a streetlight

And prayer is part of all that.  Thanks to Christmas and Easter we have access into the very presence of God, where we can present our requests for the fulfilment of all the Lord’s promises, and the extension of his kingdom of light, illuminating our own lives and reaching further afield – to others as yet without the clear light of Jesus.

Roy Lorrain-Smith 

A prayer for each week

Lamplighter Lord, kindling a spark of hope in all who trust themselves to you, through Jesus, please make your word a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, that we may step safely as we follow wherever you lead.  Amen.

Lord of the true light, providing each of us with a hands-free head-torch in the Holy Spirit, please prompt us to switch it on in the dusk, and heed the Spirit’s shining into every dark corner we come to on our journey.  Amen.

Lord of the path, the track, the road and the motorway (not to mention shipping lanes and airways), please guide us safely at every turn and junction, responding wisely to your flashing indicators and warning lights.  Amen.

Everlasting Lord of the unputoutable light, which casts no shadow and leaves no crevice unsearched, please light up our lives with your hope, fan into flame our embers of love, and refine our faith into glowing gold.  Amen.

Your own prayers


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

Holiday at Home 2016

By
July the 4 th is Independence Day in the USA. It was also Independence day for the people of Bradford North Circuit. Holiday at Home descended once again on St. Andrew’s Church. This year, we had more guests than ever before. We had new guests from Baildon, Saltaire and St. Andrew’s. Monday 4 th July The day began with everyone getting to know one another. The Agape area was soon buzzing with conversation. Vast amounts of cakes, buns etc. along with gallons of tea were consumed. Shortly after we moved into the church for lunch. Once again our food providers at St Christopher's did us proud. The word DIET was banned for these three days. The fresh cream trifle was to die for. We also care for our helpers! After Lunch we enjoyed games. Believe it or not, Snakes & Ladders was popula...
Post a Comment
Read more