Skip to main content

December 2017 Prayer Column: Envelope time

Image
By

Envelopes are in season once more, or soon will be, as we dig out and revise our last year’s Christmas lists and think rather dismally about the cost of stamps. We may sometimes feel envelopes are an awful waste of paper as we fling out the empties, but they do serve very useful functions, especially when sealed – here are three. They keep their contents safe, as cards or letters can’t fall out and get lost. Privacy is protected: nosey parkers can’t pry. And third, properly addressed they ensure safe delivery to the right house, avoiding much disappointment.

I know, I know, it’s all such obvious stuff! Have I nothing better to write? Well, yes, I was going on to comment on the possible parallels with being sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13). He keeps us spiritually safe – that we may lose nothing of what has been entrusted to us. And he ensures utter privacy, so our walk with the Lord and our prayers to the Father can be as intimate as we like. And delivery to the right address is the work of the Spirit too: it would not be nice to get to the pearly gates and have to be returned, rejected – “Not known at this address.” So it’s important to pray to be filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit at all times.

Roy LS

A prayer for each week

  • Heavenly Father, who sent Jesus to make us your children, please deliver us by your Holy Spirit – safe from all harm and hindrance – registered in your book of life. Amen.
  • Lord God of all things, Message, Messenger and Means of Delivery, please help us grasp the content and import of all you say to us, that we in our turn may run with it. Amen.
  • Lord of ultimate and everlasting security, holding all that is of true value for us in your heavenly safe box, please guard us during all our time of transit on earth. Amen.
  • Lord God who knows all things everywhere, you see the content of my inner heart and how I struggle in faith: please, by your Holy Spirit, hold me in your integrity. Amen.
  • Lord of all our destinies and destinations, as we come to you please keep us on course and intact, ridding us of all that distorts or denies the stamp of Jesus upon us. 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

Bradford Ukelele Group ‘Splinters’

By
I had heard from a friend who had seen them that this ukulele group might be suitable to entertain our Luncheon Club at St Andrew’s. Arrangements were made for them to come but, unfortunately, due to a heavy snowfall, we had to cancel their visit. We decided to invite them again, through the Ladies Fellowship and open it up to all who wanted to attend an evening concert. Tickets were sold, help pledged and cakes promised, as we were assured that cake helped the musicians to perform at their best! They were such a lovely, friendly group of people and we just sensed that we were going to enjoy a really good night. Some 50 people turned up to support, which helped to create a great atmosphere. We were given songbooks (and percussion instruments!) so that we could join in and also make requests for our favourite songs from their list. It was such an uplifting, joyful, fun evening with songs old and new, many bringing memories from the not-too-distant past. Everyone put aside...
Post a Comment
Read more

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