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

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

Allerton Friday Fellowship

By
In March last year, we started a conversation with the young people at Allerton about whether they wanted a chance to meet up together during the week, and what sort of group they might like. They had a think and came up with some suggestions, and so in June we launched the ‘First Friday Fellowship’, a group which meets monthly on the first Friday evening of the month. We had a month off in August, but otherwise have met every month since. The young people come together for a mixture of food, fellowship, fun and games and faith conversations. The young people involved are regular attenders and there is a good atmosphere amongst the group. As we go into the new year, we are looking at different activities to get involved with, including encouraging links with other groups in the local area and across the circuit. If you have any young people in your churches, who might like to get involved, in either this group or the Thursday evening gro
Post a Comment
Read more

Holiday at Home - Holiday Fun

By
Holiday at home - holiday fun Holiday at Home is organised by Linda, the Circuit's Pastoral Visitor.  It offers a week of activities for the elderly who are unable to holiday away. Our annual Holiday at Home event is over once again, but I am sure that everyone involved will agree that it was a great success and we all enyoyed ourselves tremendously. This year an invitation was extended to the whole of the circuit and we welcomed a number of new guests and helpers who very quickly felt at ease and made new friends.  Over the week we had lots of fun, lots of companionship and lots of scrumptious food! The week didn't, however, pass without a few hiccups, especially on our trips out.  We managed to lose one of our ladies in Embsay as she decided that she liked the ride on the steam train so much that she thought she would have another trip!  This resulted in a quick detour back to Bolton Abbey to rescue her. Then over lunch we discovered that the coach we had b
Post a Comment
Read more