Skip to main content

Prayer Column - February 2021

Image
By

Do I pray as much as I think I should?

Sometimes prayer requests come in so frequently and in such profusion that I begin to feel I can’t cope. There are prayer letters from worthy Christian charities. And our own district prayer handbook, with another for the Connexion, and that card listing presidential appointments. Add to all those the trickle of news of ailments and sometimes heart-rending problems faced by church members – or their friends, etc, etc... And of course I add to the burden myself, with my weekly Circuit prayer letters (and this column). Not to mention the general state of the world now, and looming threats to come. Where do I stop? Because I were to take them all on board, I don’t think I’d be doing anything else.

I could of course give it all up, or just think of myself, but we are called to pray, and for each other (Lk 11:2). Or I could allocate a brief moment to each request, a nod rather than a kneel, but that isn’t perseverance (Lk 18:1). I could allow emotion to be my guide, and pray most about what really gets to me, but emotions can be misleading. Perhaps I could cultivate a pray-as-you-go attitude, lifting up every thought and call, meeting and action, but Jesus had special times of prayer (Mk 1:35).

But come to think about it, perhaps I should pray about how much to pray. I mean I could ask for guidance. After all, we’re given the Holy Spirit to be with us always as our helper and counsellor – might this not be something to seek help and counsel about. As each request came in, I could run it past him and sense his response. Would that work?

Roy Lorrain-Smith

A prayer for each week

The Lord is my Pace-setter, I shall not rush. Thank you, Lord, for knowing my rhythm and pace. Please make me more fully aware of your voice. Amen.

He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals. Rightly are you called Lord, for you know the way and the timing. Please help me find your pauses. Amen.

He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity. Lord, please come and rewind my tired springs, and bring peace to my soul. Amen.

Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for his presence is here. Thank you, Lord, for the Holy Spirit’s help. Amen.

Your own prayers

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

New Local Preacher

By
On Sunday 26th February, Teresa Jones was leading worship at Thornton, her own church. We are very proud of what she has achieved and all the hard work that needs to be completed to become a Local Preacher. Her Church Family presented Teresa with The Methodist Worship Book. At a packed Recognition Service at Haworth Road on Sunday 5 March, members of Bradford North and South circuits joined to support Teresa and Suzanne Allsop, as they became fully accredited local preachers. Elaine B, Thornton Congratulations, Teresa and Suzanne on your appointment! We look forward to sharing worship under Teresa’s leadership. God bless you both. The editors
Post a Comment
Read more