Skip to main content

Prayer Column - October 2021

Image
By

Works in progress

I’m a member of a national art society for all artists, amateur and professional, and they hold an ‘Artist of the Year’ challenge. During lockdown I entered some of my drawings, and to my surprise one got through to the second round of judging. Encouraged, I had another go this year, and again one did well – but another made it to the finals! They tell you this weeks before the winners are selected, and I couldn’t help imagining what it might be like to stand on the podium.

But then reality began to whisper. I would have to get the thing framed in a hurry, and take it to the exhibition for a week a hundred miles away, just when we’d booked a holiday. And frankly the prize and kudos wouldn’t really matter to me, whereas it might be a real benefit to someone else. So, fun though the experience would doubtless have been, it was not without relief when I heard I was an also-ran.

What a contrast all this is with being a Christian, where the works of art are us – being created by the master Artist according to his design. There is no competition: the inclusion of one never excludes another. We are always only a work in progress in this world, but from the very start we are on display for all to see, as the Lord progressively develops us with all his creative skills – and, it must be said, on rather unpromising and often uncooperative material. But there is one great similarity: the artist gets a huge kick when others admire his working and want to join in. Isn’t that an encouragement to pray along with the Lord as he reshapes us into the image of God?

Roy Lorrain-Smith

A prayer for each week

Great God, Author of all, conceiving and planning Project Creation in all its atoms, please help us find and follow your plans for us, through Jesus. Amen.

Great God, inventor of all things, with space to position them and time to fix their order, may we find our place and keep to your times, in Jesus. Amen.

Great God, Artist of all colour, giving rich character to the detail of your creation, may we find our true natures in Jesus, and live them out for you. Amen.

Great God, Sculptor of forms, shaping all according to your design, may we be willing clay in your hands, to make us into whatever you choose. Amen.

Great God, Creator of ideas and visions, may we catch the vision for all the works of your hands, and put your ideas into practice, through Jesus. Amen.

Your own prayers


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Share the joy of Christmas with older people

By
The most important Christmas Card you’ll send this year Methodist Homes (MHA) are asking YOUR CHURCH to share the joy of Christmas with older people this year.  Could you take the time to write just one extra Christmas card which will be passed to an older person cared for by MHA?  To take part, please refer to the further  details and an order form . Instructions of how to take part, as well as special Christmas cards designed by an MHA resident for your church members to write their own messages of goodwill and friendship, are included in the Christmas Friendship Appeal pack. “May I express my gratitude for your lovely idea of asking folk (including children) to send Christmas cards. We appreciate the warmth and concern of the whole idea.”  MHA Resident
Post a Comment
Read more

Holiday at Home 2016

By
July the 4 th is Independence Day in the USA. It was also Independence day for the people of Bradford North Circuit. Holiday at Home descended once again on St. Andrew’s Church. This year, we had more guests than ever before. We had new guests from Baildon, Saltaire and St. Andrew’s. Monday 4 th July The day began with everyone getting to know one another. The Agape area was soon buzzing with conversation. Vast amounts of cakes, buns etc. along with gallons of tea were consumed. Shortly after we moved into the church for lunch. Once again our food providers at St Christopher's did us proud. The word DIET was banned for these three days. The fresh cream trifle was to die for. We also care for our helpers! After Lunch we enjoyed games. Believe it or not, Snakes & Ladders was popula...
Post a Comment
Read more

Swishing Party

By
Swishing Party 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tuesday 7 August 2012 Thackley Methodist Church BD10 0RH Never heard of it??? This is how it works ... you bring good quality items of clothing/accessories/shoes etc from your wardrobe and for each item of clothing you will bet 1 ticket - this/these ticket(s) can be used then to purchase any item of clothing you decide on at the Swish. These items can be brought to Thackley Church on Monday 6 August between 6.00 and 7.00 pm. There will be a 'look and trying on' session from 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm and you will be able to have refreshments. Absolutely NO-ONE is allowed to claim items before the swish opens at 8pm. You can leave with as many items as you want - but each additional item will cost £2 Entry to the event is £5 and this will include refreshments.
Post a Comment
Read more