Skip to main content

Prayer Column - June 2020

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.



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

For such times as these! - A good news story from Windhill!

For such times as these! (Esther 14:14) On June 1st James Stannet (from e:merge , a Christian Youth organisation) began his youth work for Christchurch LEP in Windhill. He says, "Well! June has been a really busy but very productive month. On Wednesday, in the park, numbers are climbing week by week, now averaging 25. Good partnerships have been made with local organisations. this has been a blessing: enabling us to deliver varied sport activities and build good relationships.' 'The Hope Revolution, youth event, based at Christchurch LEP was a massive hit. A BIG Thank you is expressed to the Church for the support, encouragement and prayers. 200 people attended the Fun Day. Despite the rainy weather, 100 young people took part in local projects: two house clear-ups, school garden project (Windhill Primary) and running the Fun Day. 10 Christian Organisations working together resulting in several families requesting Christian children's activities.' ...

Called to Preach? A Taster Session

Called to Preach? A Taster Session for the Local Preacher Training Course in West Yorkshire and Surrounding Areas starting this Autumn will be held on Saturday 4 th October at  Trinity Methodist Church Duckett Street, Skipton, BD23 2EJ from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm (Drinks available from 10 am) The course is a District alternative to Faith and Worship, it is user friendly, well supported and assessed by worship portfolios. Some people feel sure of their 'call to preach' but for others the first steps are very tentative. It is a process of discernment that is shared by the Church. This day will provide an opportunity to look at the course outline, ask questions and hear from participants on the current course. More details from Revd Richard Atkinson, Core Tutor telephone: 01756 793522 or Liz Whitfield, Course Administrator West Yorkshire District

Youth and Children - time to Get Set

With youth and children on your mind for the 2012 Games, here's three ways to be to be at your best. 1. Sign up for the Youth and Children workshops at Get Set - the day for churches to get ready for the Games. Youth and Children are both among the 11 workshops at our 'Get Set' days throughout the UK. At the ' reach and minister to young people' workshop you will discover: Custom-made resources for school ministry How to engage with those beyond the church through a youth café How sport can play a strategic role in youth At the 'reach and minister to children' workshop you will discover: Custom-made resources for the summer of 2012 and beyond Simple ways to add va-va-voom to reaching children Engaging children in ministry to their friends The vital do's and don'ts when developing a team But don't come alone . The workshop choice will give your church new ideas, strategies, skills and resources to help them well beyo...