General Chat

Good morning :-)

A lovely sunny morning here :-)

The Collect (special prayer) for today.

Almighty God, through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ you have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires, so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The reading for the day is the stoning of St. Stephen.

We have two little girls being baptised at our church this morning - we pray for these children as they being their journey of faith and for the parents and Godparents, that they will stay true to the vows they are to make.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

In church yesterday, we were invited to take a small booklet entitled ‘Try Praying’ which comes from an organisation called There is hope.

http://www.thereishope.co.uk/resources/

It is a 7day prayer guide for those who are not religious.

We are encouraged to use it for a week and then pass it on to someone else.

It is an interesting read and begins with stating that ‘Most people have prayed in moments of desperation. Was someone listening? Was the prayer answered? People find praying helps and have had answers’. The booklet states :

20 million adults in the UK pray.
13 million pray at least once a month.
9 million pray every day.
1 in 3 people believe God will answer their prayers.

I thought we could look more into this booklet during the week.



"God as I open my eyes to the world, please open my eyes to what you want me to do in it today!"


Cx :-)

Hello all

Thanks for sharing the link Cynthia. I will have a browse through later.

Today our Granddaughter begins the first of her GCSE exams. They end in
middle of June. Thinking of Katie and all students and their teachers now.

Heavenly Father
Be with all who are facing the stress of exams in schools. Give each one the
strength and support that they need throughout the coming weeks. Amen.

Good morning :-)


Exams. How I hated exams. Yes we certainly pray for all those who are facing this test of their knowledge, bless them. <3

An extract from the Try Praying booklet.

Ask God to help you believe. Use your own words or you could say this: “God, it feels a little strange talking to you, but I’m giving it a go. Perhaps you are closer than I think. If that’s true, then I’m not going to ask for a sign, but I am going to ask that you remove anything that stops me from seeing you.”

People often struggle to find God in their lives, but the truth is he’s all around us. We can reach out and find him because, in fact, he is not far from anyone.

Thank you Lord, for always being there for me. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Extract from Try Praying booklet :

'Pray in your own words or use the following prayer – "I want to understand this idea of persistence, I need you to do something in various areas of my life. So I’m asking you to give answers. And I’m choosing to believe that you are good and that you only give good things".

When we find ourselves in a tight spot we should keep on praying believing God gives good things. So ask.'


All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above,
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
For all His love.


Cx :-)

Hello all

An interesting little booklet Cynthia and sure to benefit someone else next week.

Routine hospital appointment here for hubby this morning. We are all ready/waiting
for the hospital transport service that we are both so thankful for.

Heavenly Father
Thank you for the help of the ambulance service. For their caring ways, kind
support and cheerfulness. We offer our grateful thanks for them all today. Amen.

Good morning :-)

Yes, an interesting booklet kandj. I'm not altogether keen on religious tracts but this one isn't too bad really. :-D

Today’s extract from Try Praying.

'We live in a rich country but we are not happy. We have accumulated unsustainable levels of debt. Sexual freedom has brought about the disintegration of family life.
We are eating and drinking ourselves to death. Depression and despair drive suicide. And politicians and community workers are searching for answers.

Are we missing something? Is there another way of living life?'



God, I recognise that the world has gone wrong in many ways and I want to be part of something better. I’m sorry for my own part in making things go wrong and I ask you to make me someone who is connected with heaven. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


I have seen another Try Praying banner fastened onto a church near me – here is an extract for today :

‘There are no requirements to coming to God. We do not need to be squeaky clean.
God accepts us as we are – all we need to do is believe.
And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.’

‘God, please walk through the day with me’. Amen.


Love to all Cx :-)

~~~~~~~ just waving to all as I pass through. This week is very hectic but I have just managed to have a quick read before I dash out again. Interesting posts as usual Cynthia, thank you.

Good morning :-)


You sound very busy Vera - hope you don't meet yourself coming back - from wherever it is you've been! :-D


Today’s extract from Try Praying.

‘This life is not all there is, and a bright future awaits those who believe. These words give us a glimpse of things to come.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’


“Lord, I would like to have an experience of your love. I want to live my life with you, trusting your love and knowing that you are holy.” Amen.



Love and prayers to all. Cx :-)

Good morning :)

Sunday again - the day when Christians gather together to remember the resurrection of Jesus. Today in church, we will be joined by all our youth organisations along with their leaders and many parents. May need ear plugs!


The Collect for today :

God our redeemer,
you have delivered us from the power of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of your Son:
grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life,
so by his continual presence in us he may raise us
to eternal joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The gospel reading tells of Jesus promising that he will not leave us as orphans but that he will send the Holy Spirit….


Love to all Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

This week we will be thinking about various aspects of life. Today we remember those who live alone.

Heavenly Father, my true Provider, in all my daily needs, protect and guide me. Spare me from fire and flood, from thieves, fear and evil in any form. If sickness or accident befall me, send a messenger of love to attend me. When I am feeling low, lift up my heart. I live alone dear Lord, yet because I know your presence is ever near, I will have no fear. Amen.


Cx :-)

Dear Lord, what horrendous news to wake up to and so near to some of us.

We watch and listen in disbelief as the events unfold before us.

We can but ask for your loving arms to enfold those who have been bereaved and those who have been injured. We pray that they may feel your comfort and strength in the days which lie ahead.

We thank you for the work of the emergency services and hospitals and for the offers of help, support and hospitality which have been received from the public.

Our prayers are with all those involved.

Lord, hear our prayers.


Cx

Hello all

Amen to your prayer Cynthia.

What tragic and heartbreaking news of yet another terrorist attack on innocent
people. Where will all this end??

My thoughts and prayers are with all who lost loved ones at the Manchester Arena and
for the many who will now be traumatized by scenes of such devastation.

My thoughts and prayers for those who lost loved
ones and for those who are injured. x

There are no words to describe this incident but I echo all your thoughts and prayers

Good morning .....


In the aftermath of yesterday’s horrific attack in Manchester, we heard how many people had opened their homes and their hearts to help those who were involved – it very much reminds us of our Christian responsibilities……

Matthew 25:35

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."


We continue to hold this situation in our prayers. Cx

Hello all

Very many good Samaritans helped others in Manchester. We should be focusing
on the compassion and kind acts shared by many and not the evil people around.

Ongoing thoughts and prayers for all affected by the bomb and devastation it caused. xxx

Believers non believers and different faiths come together
in times of need, God bless them all.

Good morning :-)

Today is Ascension Day – the celebration of Christ ascending into heaven after His death, burial and resurrection – it occurs on the Thursday 40 days after Easter.

The story of Jesus’ Ascension is told in 3 books of the New Testament. Putting these accounts together, we find that after His resurrection, Jesus appeared several times to His disciples and others.
During this time, He spoke to them further about the kingdom of God and the
coming of the Holy Spirit, for whom they were to wait. After 40 days of these appearances, He was taken up to heaven for the last time. As the disciples watched Him go, enveloped in a cloud, two angels appeared and declared to them that, just as He ascended, Jesus would return in glory.

Love, lift us up.
Lift us up to be with you,
for we are longing for the reassurance
of your presence in our lives.

Lift us up to be with you,
because we need the courage
to live boldly as your witnesses.

Love, lift us up to be with you,
because the world is dying for your wisdom
to bring about reconciliation in the world.



Cx :-)