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

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

May message from the Ministry Team

By
Dear friends One of the ‘deep wells’ that replenishes my spirituality is the practice of ‘Lectio Divina’ which is an ancient method for praying with the Bible. It literally means ‘divine reading’, or ‘reading in a godly kind of way’. We rush about so much these days and practising the discipline of a slower reading of the Bible to allow it to speak to us is an integral aspect of Lectio Divina. If you want to try it yourself, read slowly a short passage of text that you have decided upon in advance, letting your awareness rest in turn upon each word. As you read, be alert for any particular word or phrase that draws your attention in a special way. Then meditate on this word or phrase, allowing it to engage you fully. Does the word connect with some aspect of your own experience? As you hold this in your heart, let yourself become aware of any answering words, images, or memories that arise in you. Then finally respond through prayer to the word you have heard, simply and directl...
Post a Comment
Read more