Skip to main content

November 2015 Prayer Column

Image
By

Greater works (John 14:12)

I read a really good book on holiday.  It argued that we should seek more healing in our churches with the aid of the Holy Spirit.  Healing and deliverance was what Jesus did all the time, and what the early church continued to do (as Jesus had promised they should), as in the book of Acts, and for the next few hundred years.  But then from the time of Constantine such good works were discouraged and declined.  Some said that only the holiest saints were fit to do it; others that is was presump-tuous to try and copy Jesus.  Later, some claimed that miracles such as healing has ceased with the apostles; and nearer our own time many have declared that today we should know better than to believe that such supernatural things ever happened at all. 
Thus, by one means or another, acts of healing and wholeness, once the lifeblood of the Christian faith, have been all but throttled – despite the occasional outbreaks of Pentecostal-style spiritual blessings at various times and in different parts of the church.  This includes the ‘enthusiasm’ of the early Methodists and, in the last hundred years, diverse Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.  The writer of this book urges that we open ourselves more widely to the movement of God’s Holy Spirit; and urgently seek the fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control); and also all the blessings of healing and wholeness he longs to give to the church for the glory of God in the world.  Worth a prayer?  With His power?
The Healing Reawakening: Reclaiming our lost inheritance. 
By Francis MacNutt, Chosen Books, 2005.

Roy LS

A prayer for each week

Thank you, O my Father, for giving us your Son, and leaving your Spirit till the work on earth is done.  Please Lord, help us to sing this with our lives.  Amen.

Holy Spirit, Teacher, please come and make your home in our hearts and minds, leading us into all your truth, through Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.  Amen.

Holy Spirit, Helper, please show us the vastness of your resources for living, and the depths of our daily need, and fill us with your presence.  Amen.

Holy Spirit, Counsellor, indwelling and ever present, please open our inner ears to your advice, and give us the sense to heed what you say.  Amen.

Holy Spirit, Guide, knowing us better than we do ourselves – our past, our problems, and our potential in Jesus, please keep us on your chosen path.  Amen.

Your own prayers


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Share the joy of Christmas with older people

By
The most important Christmas Card you’ll send this year Methodist Homes (MHA) are asking YOUR CHURCH to share the joy of Christmas with older people this year.  Could you take the time to write just one extra Christmas card which will be passed to an older person cared for by MHA?  To take part, please refer to the further  details and an order form . Instructions of how to take part, as well as special Christmas cards designed by an MHA resident for your church members to write their own messages of goodwill and friendship, are included in the Christmas Friendship Appeal pack. “May I express my gratitude for your lovely idea of asking folk (including children) to send Christmas cards. We appreciate the warmth and concern of the whole idea.”  MHA Resident
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

Swishing Party

By
Swishing Party 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tuesday 7 August 2012 Thackley Methodist Church BD10 0RH Never heard of it??? This is how it works ... you bring good quality items of clothing/accessories/shoes etc from your wardrobe and for each item of clothing you will bet 1 ticket - this/these ticket(s) can be used then to purchase any item of clothing you decide on at the Swish. These items can be brought to Thackley Church on Monday 6 August between 6.00 and 7.00 pm. There will be a 'look and trying on' session from 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm and you will be able to have refreshments. Absolutely NO-ONE is allowed to claim items before the swish opens at 8pm. You can leave with as many items as you want - but each additional item will cost £2 Entry to the event is £5 and this will include refreshments.
Post a Comment
Read more