Skip to main content

August 2020 Prayer Column - Fear, faith, and peace

Over and over again the disciples of Jesus are urged, “Don’t be afraid.” Angels say so when they appear suddenly, even lighting up the night sky. And Jesus himself: when he seems like a ghost in the dark, walking on water; or in a storm when the boat is about to sink; and after he’d disappeared from the grave and then reappears mysteriously and unnaturally beside them. In the face of fear he reassures them, challenges their faith, and promises peace. (Lk 1:13,30; 8:25; Jn 6.20; 14:27) In our fears we can find help in these words still.

Do not be afraid: God is still in charge. He has not changed. He loves you and his promises hold true, even while we sail in dangerous seas.

Where is your faith? We all need to check this when we waver. What do we think of God, and of Jesus as our Lord? Do we really trust him in practice, in these times of uncertainty and discomfort? It is a challenge, but remember: nothing can separate us from his love – not sickness, nor death, nor bereavement; past, present or future. (Rom 8:35-39)

Peace: Peace was his farewell blessing to his disciples, and always still that promise of peace remains for his faithful followers, whenever he seems absent or we face disconcerting or terrifying upheavals.

When we lack that peace we can pray for it: we have access for help 24/7. Ask in faith, earnestly and urgently, but trust God to answer in his own way and in his good time. Do not be afraid. And in all things, be thankful.

Roy Lorrain-Smith

A prayer for each week

Oh Lord, I’m so frightened! Please give me the faith to believe you’re still there and in charge. And give me the courage to face down my fears. Amen.

Oh Lord, I’m so confused! What are you doing with us, and saying to us? Please help my trust: enough to sleep and wake refreshed, able to help. Amen.

Oh Lord, I’m so near the end of my tether! How can I carry this burden any longer, let alone take on more? May I share your yoke, and find rest. Amen.

Oh Lord, I feel so alone! I miss the family, and my friends. I don’t think any one understands the way I feel. Do you, Lord? Please be with me. Amen.

Oh Lord, I’m so thankful! You are God, Creator, Lord of all, and yet my heavenly Father. Thank you for your blessing, reassurance and promises. Amen.

Your own prayers

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

News from Thornton Methodist Church

Like everyone else, we are all trying to get on with life but at times it is not easy and not meeting with all our Church family can be difficult and lonely. Just before Christmas we were having services twice a month but not all people were able to attend which was very sad but we all kept in touch by text/phone it is not quite the same but it is good to talk. During Advent we put a display in the porch window of the Christmas story, adding different characters each week until all figures were assembled around the baby for the community of Thornton to see. All our children in Sunday School received an Advent calendar to let them know we were all thinking of them. We also had a Christingle service but this was very different from previous years. Masks were worn, tables set out at the required social distance and hand sanitizers available in lots of areas. People made their own Christingles from packs but instead of using fruits, wrapped fruit lollipops did the job just fine. Rev. Chris...

Virtual Worship - Easter Sunday 12 April 2020

Today’s the day - everything is changed. Death’s cave is empty, save linen cloth as calling card for Love. That life has won, and hope’s made whole, thank God! Alleluia! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia! Holy and risen Lord, we come to worship you on this special Easter Day. We thank you for all you have done for us. We lift our eyes to honour you, living Lord Jesus. You have overcome death; fill us with your joy and new life. Amen You might like to read, sing or listen to an Easter hymn. Perhaps  Christ the Lord is risen today, or Low in the grave he lay (H&P 193/202, StF 298/305). This is perhaps the strangest Easter Sunday we have experienced in most of our lifetimes. Not able to gather as God’s people on this holiest of days. Not able to spend time with family and friends. Not able to visit dale or coast. Yet even as restrictions bite, we affirm God’s love in Christ Jesus, and seek to help each other hear the Easter message. We gather in ...

Rock Solid

Rock Solid is the new youth club for 9-13 year olds at Wilsden Trinity Church . It aims to provide a group for older children to follow on from Wilsden Trinity’s other youth club, Friends and Heroes. Every Tuesday we meet for games, Bible stories, sweets, crafts and chats. Highlights so far include wrapping people up as mummies, making ice cream sundaes, playing Zip Zap Boing (which is as confusing as it sounds), building Easter gardens and making lava lamps. We set aside a good amount of time just for chatting, and each week we have a “Millstone, Milestone” section – each person can say if they’ve had a difficult week (millstone) or a brilliant week (milestone) and why. This has been a platform for many entertaining anecdotes and tales that the group has shared together. Rock Solid started in March 2017, and so far numbers are low. Our small group has fun, but we would love to welcome some new members! All children and young people between the ages of 9-13 can join. It is £2 on the ...