Skip to main content

Prayer Column - June 2020

Image
By

Facing the storm

We’re a pattern-seeking animal. We join dots to form pictures. We investigate things and find reasons for them. And when we do, we are being true to ourselves for that’s how we were made by the Creator God. Moreover, with these abilities we were also commissioned to have dominion (=stewardship) over all the earth and its living things, and subdue it all or keep it in order. God loves order, in the world as well as in the church (Gen 1:26-28; 1 Cor 14:33). But two problems arise. First, we are poor at our job, tending to selfish concerns. And second, arising from that, the earth and its creatures get uppity at times.

 One Biblical example of such was the great storm on Lake Galilee that threatened to sink the boat carrying Jesus with his disciples. He rebuked the wind and waves and told them to calm down, which they did, but he clearly implied that craven fear had not been the proper response he expected of his disciples, though they were right to appeal to him for help. (Mt 8:24-27)

 So as we face our corona-storm, what response does he expect from us? It must not be fear, fatalism or despair, nor must we abandon our call to restore order – by whatever means is available to us in our situation. Never in our own strength, of course. We can, and are expected to, pray for the help we need, for ourselves, our scientists and our leaders at every level. And to do so with confident faith that he will answer us.

 Roy Lorrain-Smith

A prayer for each week

Creator God, who made us in your own image to be here on earth for you, please help us to fulfil your calling, using your gifts, for your glory. Amen.

Creator God, with an orderly plan for us and for all creation, please help us to find and to follow our part in it, through Jesus, and for your glory. Amen.

Creator God, with a rescue plan in place through Jesus, by which all creation will be restored to you, please help us seek more of your glory. Amen.

Creator God, whose nature is always to forgive and restore, please help us not to presume on your mercy, but gratefully follow your Son’s lead. Amen.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Virtual Worship - 13 February 2022

By
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...
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

Virtual Worship - 6 February 2022

By
Service Sheet (pdf) Welcome to worship wherever you are in the Circuit, come and join i n with the people of Allerton as we gather to worship God together. In a pretty setting opposite Ladywood Park, overlooking green space and its own graveyard, the congregation gathers from the surrounding area, a mix of faces, cultures and traditions, coming together to worship God. Call to worship: Come and worship the Lord: Cry, Holy, holy, holy! Come and praise the name of our God: The whole earth is full of his glory! Song We begin with HP 9/StF 55 Immortal, invisible, God only wise, praising God in his glory. Prayers We worship you, God of all: high above us, your glory more than we could bear to see. You have formed and shaped our world; and we look up and see the grandeur of the mountains, the power of the seas, the distant stars, the long-lived trees, and we marvel. Yet your love is also poured out upon the lowliest of creatures, insects that live but a day, sea creatures never seen by hum...
Post a Comment
Read more