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A reflection on the Christian faith
Reflections for the day
Psalm 91:1-2
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust.”
The goal of prayer is the ear of God, a goal that can only be reached by patient and continued and continuous waiting upon Him, pouring out our heart to Him and permitting Him to speak to us. Only by so doing can we expect to know Him, and as we come to know Him better we shall spend more time in His presence and find that presence a constant and ever-increasing delight.
To pray is to open the door unto Jesus and admit Him into your distress. Your helplessness is the very thing which opens wide the door unto Him and gives Him access to all your needs.
A reflection on the Christian faith (one of several)
Heavenly Father,
At the beginning of Holy Week there is a need to reflect upon a faith as many draw nearer to a thought of when your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffered upon the cross for all Mankind. We are able to see in a way that is clear that many have a faith of yourself, Our Heavenly Father, and many accept that your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ died upon the cross for all Mankind, in order to show all the way to you, Our Heavenly Father. We are able to see in a way that is clear that many desire to know you, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that many desire to turn to you.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that for some it is difficult to have a faith when an event of a nature that can be described as tragic has occurred in a life. We are able to see in a way that is clear that for some it is difficult to understand a suffering that is experienced. We are able to see in a way that is clear that for many a close relationship with you is one that helps a self to overcome a feeling of anguish, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that there are times when you are able to make your presence known to some.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that there are occasions when a spirit is low, and we acknowledge that there are occasions when some feel in a depressed state. On an occasion when there is a feeling that can be described as low, is an occasion when all must turn to you in order to be able to put aside a feeling, and in order to draw a comfort from your presence.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that some who do not have a faith will feel angry with yourself, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that some who do not have a faith believe that a loving Heavenly Father would not allow another to suffer. We are able to see in a way that is clear that a number of events happen in a life that are ones that can be described as tragic, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that an event that is tragic is one that will cause another to suffer.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time we ask you to alleviate a suffering that is seen in your world, and it is at this time we desire to uphold to you the people of Afghanistan and the people of Syria. We ask you to provide a number of opportunities before those in Government, and we ask you to provide a number of opportunities before those who are involved in a conflict in a country.
Heavenly Father, there are occasions when some doubt your existence, and there are occasions when some turn a back on you. Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that there is a need to have a belief of the unseen, and we acknowledge there is a need to place a trust in you.
Heavenly Father, there are times when some are faced with a difficulty. We ask you to guide all Mankind to have a deeper understanding of yourself, and we ask you to guide all when a time is difficult, and we ask you to permit some to feel your presence, and we ask you to make your presence known to all who have a doubt in your existence.
Heavenly Father, we uphold to yourself, Our Heavenly Father, all that has been said, in the name of yourself, Our Heavenly Father, and in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the name of your Holy Spirit, who lives within Man, and who dwells amongst Man, and who advocates for Man, now and always, for evermore.
Amen.
A reflection on why we pray
Reflections for the day
He was praying in a certain place, and after he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples.”
Luke 11:1
Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25
A Reflection on why we pray
Heavenly Father,
It is at this time we acknowledge the ministry of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are able to see in a way that is clear from the teachings of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, that prayer is a vital element of a life. We acknowledge that your Scriptures teach all of Mankind to pray as your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that the life of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, was one of prayer.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that the disciples of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, discerned the depth of an intimacy that existed between yourself, Our Heavenly Father, and your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are able to see in a way that is clear that this was an occasion that moved the disciples and caused all to ask your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, to teach prayer. We are able to see in a way that is clear that there was a desire to experience a closeness that was seen to exist between yourself and your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that you must occupy a supreme place in a life. We acknowledge that to experience a closeness with you there is a need to say sorry for the error of a way, and to make the changes that are necessary in a life to be able to feel a closeness to you.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that in a prayer there is a need to acknowledge you for all that you are, both in your person, and in your providence. Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that through prayer you are able to fulfill all that there is of a nature of a self, and that through prayer your Holy Spirit who lives within Man is able to draw all closer to you if a self has proffered a sorrow for a sin, and has sought forgiveness for all sins.
Heavenly Father, you are Our Loving Father, and you are Our Compassionate Father, and you are Our Wise Counsellor. We are able to see in a way that is clear that all can experience a state that can be described as uplifted if in prayer a worry, and if in prayer a concern is taken. Heavenly Father, we are thankful that many can draw a comfort, and we are thankful that many can draw a strength from your presence, and we are thankful that many can talk to you about a day, and that many can talk to you about a plan for a future.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that many desire to experience a closeness that was felt by the disciples which was witnessed when your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ was in prayer with you. We acknowledge that many desire to experience a sense of true fatherhood in all that is offered by yourself, and we acknowledge that many desire to be nourished in a way that is spiritual so that an obligation is fulfilled which is one of a service to you, and is one of a worship of you.
Heavenly Father, we uphold to yourself, Our Heavenly Father, all that has been said in the name of yourself, Our Heavenly Father, and in the name of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who together with your Holy Spirit, reigns on most high, and sitteth at the right side of yourself, Our Heavenly Father, now and always, for evermore.
Amen.
A reflection on how to pray
Reflections for the day
James 1:6
But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
They who have steeped their soul in prayer can every anguish calmly bear.
Faith, and hope, and patience and all the strong, beautiful, vital forces of piety are withered and dead in a prayerless life. The life of the individual believer, his personal salvation, and personal Christian graces have their being, bloom, and fruitage in prayer.
A reflection on how to pray
Heavenly Father,
It is at this time we contemplate a desire to pray in a way that is acceptable to you. We are able to see in a way that is clear that on an occasion there may be a difficulty in knowing how to pray. We acknowledge that some find a difficulty in expressing what needs to be said.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that through prayer some can enter into your presence. Heavenly Father, we ask you to guide Mankind in a daily life, and we ask you to guide many to see what is needed, and we ask you to guide many to worship you in a way that can be described as fitting.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge you as almighty and as most powerful, and we acknowledge you as the creator of your world, and all that is in your world. We are able to see in a way that is clear that there are times when many fail to acknowledge you in a way that is humble, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that there are times when many fail to acknowledge you in a way that is reverent. We acknowledge that a prayer can be upheld to you in any place and at any time. We acknowledge that a prayer can be upheld to you in the privacy of a home.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that an adoration of you helps all to see a weakness in a self, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that yourself is able to help all to see an area of a life that does not measure an expectation that is of yourself. We are able to see in a way that is clear that when many enter into a prayer with you there is a need to be obedient, and there is a need to be in a state of obedience in order to proffer a sorrow for an error of a way, and in order to commit a self to incur a change in a life for the better that reflects a repentance.
Heavenly Father, we are thankful for you in a life always, and we are thankful for all that you do for many in a life, and we are thankful that you can hear all our prayers.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that all things are possible through you, and that all things happen in a good time that is of your own. We are able to see in a way that is clear that there is a need to remain steadfast in a faith of you.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear a power in prayer, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that all that is said by Mankind is considered by yourself. We are able to see in a way that is clear that many can offer to yourself a request and can offer to yourself a petition. Heavenly Father, we are able to see that man has a freedom of will and that our prayers need to contemplate on the opportunities that can be placed before Man, and that we can only hope and pray that Man will make the right choices to resolve those concerns we wish to be resolved. Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that all can bring a concern to you, and a concern is one that will only be resolved if it is of your will.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that many believe that all things are possible through you. We are thankful you will guide all in a prayer which must be upheld to yourself on a basis that is daily, and on a basis that is regular throughout a day.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that you desire for all to pray to you with a heart that is humble, and we acknowledge that you desire for all to pray to you with a reverence.
Heavenly Father, we uphold to yourself, Our Heavenly Father, all that has been said in the name of yourself, Our Heavenly Father, and all that has been said in the name of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and all that has been said in the name of your Holy Spirit, who lives within Man, and who dwells amongst Man, and who advocates for Man, now and always for evermore.
Amen.
A reflection on the Christian Faith
Reflections for the day
Hebrews 11:1-3
Faith in Action
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Faith, and hope, and patience and all the strong, beautiful, vital forces of piety are withered and dead in a prayerless life. The life of the individual believer, his personal salvation, and personal Christian graces have their being, bloom, and fruitage in prayer.
A reflection on The Christian Faith (one of several)
Heavenly Father,
We are able to see in a way that is clear that many are able to express a love for you, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that the love that is expressed by yourself, Our Heavenly Father, for all Mankind is one that is all encompassing. We are able to see in a way that is clear that the love that you have for all Mankind is one that endures, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that the love that you have for all Mankind is one that is eternal. We acknowledge that many are able to see in a way that is clear that the love you have for Mankind is one that is there for all, and that the love you have for Mankind is one that you desire all to know, and all to perceive, and all to discern.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that some are unable to see how some can love you, and we acknowledge that some prefer to see rather than believe, and we acknowledge that some would prefer to have a proof or to have an evidence of the existence of you. We acknowledge that many know that to have a faith of you is to believe and is to trust in the unseen, and we acknowledge that many know that to have a faith of you is to believe without question.
Heavenly Father, we hope and we pray that Mankind will reflect carefully on the meaning of a faith of you, and we hope and we pray that many can accept that to have a faith of you is to believe in your existence without a proof, and without an evidence.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that many have a faith of you that is strong, and we acknowledge that many are many are able to accept your existence without a proof and without an evidence, and we acknowledge that many are able to accept your existence without a need to hear a response to a prayer that is upheld in the name of yourself.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time we desire for Mankind to turn to you in faith, and it is at this time we desire Mankind to recognise your existence, and it is at this time we desire Mankind to say sorry for the error of a way.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that some desire that a faith of you is stronger, and we acknowledge that some desire that you will make your presence known to a self. We are able to see in a way that is clear that you make your presence known in a number of ways, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that these ways are ones that are commonly known as a coincidence. Heavenly Father, we hope and we pray that many will understand that a coincidence that happens in a life happens for a reason. Heavenly Father, we hope and we pray that many will understand that a coincidence that happens in a life happens in your own time. Heavenly Father, we ask you to guide many to be aware of a response to a prayer, and we ask you to guide many to understand that a prayer cannot always be answered in the way that we hope a prayer will be answered.
Heavenly Father, we uphold to yourself all that has been said in the name of yourself, Our Heavenly Father, and in the name of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the name of your Holy Spirit, who lives within Man, and who dwells amongst Man, and who advocates for Man, now and always for evermore.
Amen.
A reflection on the sin of materialism
Reflections for the day
Luke 16:13-15
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.
You cry over spilled champagne! Your complaints are not over the lack of necessities, but the abundance of benefits. You bellyache over the frills, not the basics. Over benefits not essentials. The source of your problem is your blessing. –Unknown
Any so-called material thing that you want is merely a symbol: you want it not for itself, but because it will content your spirit for the moment. –Mark Twain
A reflection on the sin of materialism
Heavenly Father,
We are able to see in a way that is clear that Mankind lives in your world which is a world that has been, and is, tainted by materialism. We are able to see in a way that is clear that materialism takes on a number of forms and the forms that it takes on can, and does, affect all. We are able to see in a way that is clear that much of what happens in a daily life is affected by a materialistic thought. We are able to see in a way that is clear that many thoughts are ones that can be, and are ones that are, affected by what is seen, and affected by what is heard in the media.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time during Lent we reflect upon the nature of materialism, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that this was a concern for your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, when a time was spent in the Wilderness. We are able to see in a way that is clear that during a time in the Wilderness that Satan tempted your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, with a thought which was one related to a materialistic thought of your world, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, rejected a temptation that was placed before your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that your people of your world of this day have an expectation, and we acknowledge that an expectation is one to do with a possession that is worldly. We acknowledge there is a difficulty for your children to take what can be described as a step back from all that is worldly and deny a need for a possessions that is worldly. We are able to see in a way that is clear that your children need a guidance and we are able to see in a way that is clear that a guidance is one that is often difficult to administer. We are able to see in a way that is clear that many of your children are led astray, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that many of your children are misguided.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that there are times when a value of a possession is demeaned, and we are able to see in a way that is clear there are occasions when there is a purchase of goods which is unnecessary. We are able to see in a way that is clear that on an occasion this occurs when a brand that is new, and when a brand is marketed as new, and as exciting, is perceived, and is discerned by your children.
Heavenly Father, we hope and we pray that Mankind can reflect carefully upon a purchase, and we hope and we pray that Mankind can see that a possession that is worldly is meaningless in the Kingdom of Heaven. We hope and we pray that Mankind will see the error of a way, and we hope and we pray that Mankind will make the changes necessary in a life so that Mankind is able to have a life that is eternal with you.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time we are concerned with a number of changes that have been made by a budget, and it is at this time we are concerned that a number of changes will mean a downturn in the economy. We hope and we pray that the Government of this country is able to see a way forward in a way that is clear, and we hope and we pray that the Government will enable all to live a life that is one that can be described as one that is economically viable.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that it is a desire of yourself for Mankind to turn to you always, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that it is a desire of yourself for Mankind to put aside a worry, and for Mankind to put aside a concern, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that it is a desire of yourself for Mankind to be prudent in a spending, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that it is a desire of yourself for Mankind to put you first in all that is thought, and in all that is said, and in all that is done.
Heavenly Father, we uphold to yourself, Our Heavenly Father, all that has been said in the name of yourself, Our Heavenly Father, and in the name of your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who together with your Holy Spirit, reigns on most high as the most supreme, and as the most absolute power, and being, now and always, for evermore.
Amen.
A reflection on the sin of anger
Reflections for the day
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Ephesians 4:29-32
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
God is waiting eagerly to respond with new strength to each little act of self-control, small disciplines of prayer, feeble searching after him. And his children shall be filled if they will only hunger and thirst after what he offers.
Richard Holloway
A reflection on the sin of anger
Heavenly Father,
Thou art a loving Father, and thou art a compassionate Father. We acknowledge that thou loves each and every one of us, and we acknowledge that thou love for Mankind is one that is all encompassing, and we acknowledge that thou love for Mankind is one that enables all to love thou with all of a heart, and to love thou with all of a soul, and to love thou with all of a mind, and to love thou with all of a strength. We acknowledge that thou love for Mankind is one that is not bound by words, and is one that is not bound by time, and is one that is not bound by energy. We acknowledge that thou love for Mankind is one that over-spills into a relationship, and is one that enables all to love thou neighbour.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time of Lent that we reflect upon the time that thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, was for forty days in the Wilderness. We are able to see in a way that is clear that during a period of Lent many are led into a repentance, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that through the discipline of prayer that many may grow in grace, and some will perceive, and some will discern, that it is a desire of thouself, Our Heavenly Father, for all to live a life of righteousness. We acknowledge that during a time in the Wilderness that thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, was faced with a number of temptations, and one of these temptations has been described as a temptation of the flesh.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time we reflect upon the sin of anger. We are able to see in a way that is clear that thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, lived by an example that can be described as godly, and thou example that thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, gave was one of patience and was one of understanding.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that thou Scriptures guide all to not give into an anger at a time of upset by a word, or by an action of another.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that many are able to see in a way that is clear that Man can turn to anger in what can be described as a way that is irascible. We are able to see in a way that is clear that some justify an anger by describing it is a fault of another. We are able to see in a way that is clear that some react in a way that can be described as emotional, and that a reaction in a way that is emotional is one that is reflected in what is said and in what is done in a way that will, and in a way that can cause a regret.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time we ask thou to guide all Mankind in a daily life, and we ask thou to help many to have a concern for another, and we ask thou to help some to see in a way that is clear that a response should be one of wisdom, and should be one that is gentle in spirit. Heavenly Father, we ask thou to guide all Mankind to reflect upon the error of a way, and we ask thou to guide many to say sorry for an error of a way, and we ask thou to guide many to make a change in a life that is necessary.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that some perceive, and some discern, a need to talk through a problem, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that some perceive, and some discern, there is a need to deal with a situation that is contentious; we ask thou to guide some to choose a word carefully, and we ask thou to guide some to remain silent at the times when it is necessary to remain silent.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time we acknowledge that many have a feeling of anger, and a feeling of anger is one that has been expressed about the cost of living. We hope and we pray that many can turn to thou, and we hope and we pray that many will bring to thou a worry, and many will bring to thou a concern.
Heavenly Father, thou desire is for Mankind to live a life that is righteous, and we acknowledge that to live a life that is righteousness is one where there is a need to exercise a control of a feeling of anger of a self. We ask thou, Heavenly Father, to guide many to remain on thou path which is a path that is straight, and which is a path that is narrow, toward thou light which is eternal.
Heavenly Father, we uphold to thouself, Our Heavenly Father, all that hath been spake, in thou name of thouself, Our Heavenly Father, who together with thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and thou Holy Spirit, reigns on most high, and is, and was, and will always be, the most supreme, and the most absolute power, and being, who governs all who are of this earth that we live on, now and always, for evermore.
Amen.
A reflection on thou Church (one of several)
Reflections of the day
1 Corinthians 12:13
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Ephesians 4:11-13
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
The base trunk is our relationship with the Lord. Everything above it, all the branches, leaves and fruit rest in this relationship. It is out of our relationship with God that every kind of prayer comes forth. It is interesting that Jesus spoke of his relationship with his followers in similar terms. He said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
A reflection on thou Church (one of several)
Heavenly Father,
Thou art the creator of thou world and all that is in it. Thou hath created all things known to Mankind and all things unseen by Mankind. We acknowledge that thou loves each and every one of us, and we acknowledge that thou love for Mankind is one that is all encompassing, and we acknowledge that thou love for Mankind is one that enables Mankind to love thou with all of a heart, and to love thou with all of a soul, and to love thou with all of a mind, and to love thou with all of a strength. We acknowledge that thou love that thou hath for Mankind is one that is not bound by words, and we acknowledge that thou love that thou hath for Mankind is one that is not bound by time, and we acknowledge that thou love that thou hath for Mankind is one that is not bound by energy. We acknowledge that thou love for all is one that over-spills into a relationship, and enables all to love thou neighbour.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time of Lent we reflect upon the ministry of thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are able to see in a way that is clear that much is revealed in thou Scriptures about thou Church. We are able to see in a way that is clear that thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, promised to build thou Church, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that there are references in thou Scriptures to thou Church as being thou Church of one people and one body.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, died for all Mankind to show all thou way to thou, and we acknowledge that thou desire is for many to be brought together as one body. We acknowledge that there is not a distinction of thou one body, and that all are acceptable regardless of a race, and regardless of a gender, and regardless of a nationality, and regardless of a social standing. We acknowledge that we are saved and become one body at baptism. We acknowledge that at a time of Holy Communion that all are able to share in one bread as one body.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time we acknowledge that there are a number of views which can be described as ones that differ. It is at this time that some have expressed a view, and a view that has been expressed is a concern for the practice of Christianity.
Heavenly Father, we ask thou to guide Mankind in a daily life, and we ask thou to guide many to reflect carefully upon a faith of thou, and we ask thou to help many to turn to thou, and we ask thou to help many to put aside a difference.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that thou desire is for thou Church to be united in a faith of thou which is in alignment with the thoughts of thouself, Our Heavenly Father. We acknowledge that thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, came to thou world that we live in as thou peacemaker, and we acknowledge that thou Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, reconciled a Jew and a Gentile through redemption on a cross.
Heavenly Father, we uphold to thouself, Our Heavenly Father, all that hath been spake in thou name of thouself, Our Heavenly Father, and in thou name of thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who together with thou Holy Spirit, reigns on most high, and governs all who are on this earth, now and always, for evermore.
Amen.
A reflection on the sin of vanity
Reflections of the day
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
1 Timothy 4:8
for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
In our search for the holy, there are times when our restless preparations smother the very truth for which are searching. We decorate our rooms and make elaborate preparations for our prayer, when a single flower and a moment of waiting are all we need to meet the One Who Comes.
MACRINA WIEDERKEHR,
What I am in God’s sight is what I am. No more; no less.
St Francis of Assisi
A reflection on the sin of vanity
Heavenly Father,
Thou art the creator of thou world and all that is in it, and thou hath created all things known to Mankind, and all things unseen by Mankind. Thou hath created all to be born with a particular appearance, and thou hath created all to be born with a particular shape, and thou hath created all to be born with a particular colour, and thou hath created all to be born with a particular size. We acknowledge that thou loves each and every one of us, and we acknowledge that thou love for Mankind is one that is all encompassing, and we acknowledge that thou love for Mankind is one that allows Mankind to love thou with all of a heart, and to love thou with all of a soul, and to love thou with all of a mind, and to love thou with all of a strength. We acknowledge that thou love for Mankind is one that is not bound by words, and is one that is not bound by time, and is one that is not bound by energy. We acknowledge that thou love for all is one that over-spills into a relationship, and is one that allows all to love thou neighbour.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that thou Scriptures teach Mankind much about an appearance. We are able to see in a way that is clear that thou desire is for Mankind to be content with an appearance that thou hath bestowed upon a self. We are able to see in a way that is clear that thou desire is for Mankind not to be concerned with an outward appearance, and that thou desire is for Mankind to be concerned with a matter that is close to a heart of a self. We are able to see in a way that is clear that thou desire is for Mankind to put aside a concern for an outer appearance, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that thou desire is for all to turn to thou always.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time of Lent that we acknowledge that many will reflect upon the sin of vanity. We are able to see in a way that is clear that much is said in the media about an appearance, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that much is revealed in the media about an appearance. We are able to see in a way that is clear that some are influenced by what is seen in the media, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that what is revealed in the media is done to persuade many to look a certain way. We are able to see in a way that is clear that some have a concern that a look is less than acceptable, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that a concern is one that can be as a result of what is said by another.
Heavenly Father, we ask thou to guide all in a daily life, and we ask thou to guide many to bring a worry, and to bring a concern to thou.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time we uphold to you the good works of Sports Relief and we ask thou to provide a number of opportunities before many to reflect carefully upon a need to have a state of health that is good always. We are able to see in a way that is clear that a state of health that is good for all Mankind is desirable for thou, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that a state of health that is good is desirable for Mankind.
Heavenly Father, we ask thou to grant all the grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, and we ask thou to grant all the courage to change the things that must be changed, and we ask thou to grant all the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
Heavenly Father, we are thankful thou hath created all Mankind in a way that thou desires which reflects a beauty in all outward appearances, and we ask thou to guide all to accept a self the way thou sees and the way thou accepts us all.
Heavenly Father, we uphold to thouself, Our Heavenly Father, all that hath been spake in thou name of thouself, Our Heavenly Father, and in thou name of thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who together with thou Holy Spirit, lives within Man, and dwells amongst Man, and advocates for Man, and is, and was, and always will be the most supreme, and the most absolute power and being, that governs over all who are of thou earth that we live on, now and always, for evermore.
Amen.
A reflection on safe haven
Reflections of the day
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
At night when you can’t sleep,
don’t count sheep – talk to the Shepherd.
“The essence of prayer does not consist in asking God for something but in opening our hearts to God, in speaking with Him, and living with Him in perpetual communion. Prayer is a continual abandonment to God. Prayer does not mean asking God for all kinds of things we want; it is rather the desire for God Himself, the only Giver of Life, Prayer is not asking, but union with God. Prayer is not a painful effort to gain from God help in the varying needs of our lives. Prayer is the desire to possess God Himself, the Source of all life. The true spirit of prayer does not consist in asking for blessings, but in receiving Him who is the giver of all blessings, and in living a life of fellowship with Him.” Sadhu Sundar Singh
A reflection upon safe haven
Heavenly Father,
Thou art the creator of thou world that we live in, and thou art creator of all things known to Mankind, and thou art creator of all things unseen by Mankind. Thou art almighty, and thou art most powerful, and we praise thou for thou power, and we praise thou for thou mightiness.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that all things are possible through thou if there is a faith and if there is an understanding of thou. Thou art a loving Father, and thou art a compassionate Father, who loves each and every one of us. We acknowledge that thou love for Mankind is one that is all encompassing, and thou love for Mankind is one that is not bound by words, and thou love for Mankind is one that is not bound by energy, and thou love for Mankind is one that is not bound by time. We acknowledge thou love for Mankind allows Mankind to love thou with all of a heart, and to love thou with all of a soul, and to love thou with all of a mind, and to love thou with all of a strength. We acknowledge thou love for all is one that over-spills into a relationship, and is one that allows all to love thou neighbour.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time of Lent we acknowledge that thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, cares for all Mankind, and has a love for all Mankind, and a care for all Mankind, and a love for all Mankind, is revealed in thou Scriptures as a care and as a love a Shepherd has for a sheep.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, revealed to all Mankind in thou Scriptures that thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, is able to provide a safe haven for all, and a safe haven for all is one that guides all to remain on thou path which is a path that is straight, and which is a path that is narrow, toward thou light which is eternal. We are able to see in a way that is clear that a safe haven is one that guides all to turn a back on evil, and there is a provision for all, if all choose thou way to thou through the proffering of a sin in sorrow, and with a will to incur a change in a life that is necessary, in order to reflect a repentance for a sin that has been committed.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see in a way that is clear that the care and the love given by thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, is one that is nurturing, and that this is a nurturing that is one that is of a nourishment that is spiritual, and a nourishment that is spiritual is one that is available for all Mankind through the proffering of a prayer that is proffered on a basis that is daily, and is on a basis that is regular, and through the reading of thou Scriptures, which is read on a basis that is daily, in order to perceive, and in order to discern, thou thoughts of thouself, Our Heavenly Father.
Heavenly Father, we ask thou to guide all in a daily life, and we ask thou to guide all to bring to thouself in prayer, a worry, and a concern. We are thankful that thou cares for all Mankind, and we are thankful that thou love is for all Mankind, and thou love for all Mankind is one that is likened to that of a Shepherd who cares for all of a flock, and we are thankful that through prayer, and through a study of thou Scriptures, that many are able to be uplifted in a way that is described as spiritual.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time we bring to you thou people who are held against a will. We ask at this time that thou people are able to draw a comfort by thou presence. It is at this time we uphold to thou the family known as Nubbitt who are a family who have endured much in the past six months, and we ask thou to comfort and strengthen the family known as Nubbit as there is a need to come to terms with an event that has happened.
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that all Mankind has a freedom of will, and we are able to see in a way that is clear that all of what happens in thou world is due to a freedom of will. We hope and we pray that Mankind will reflect carefully upon the error of a way, and we hope and we pray that many will say sorry for an error of a way, and we hope and we pray that all will repent.
Heavenly Father, we uphold to thouself, Our Heavenly Father, all that hath been spake in thou name of thouself, Our Heavenly Father, and in thou name of thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who together with thouself, Our Heavenly Father, and with thou Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, reigns on most high, and is, and was, and always will be, the most supreme, and the most absolute power and being, now and always, for evermore.
Amen.
A reflection on spiritual growth
Reflections of the day
1 Peter 2:2
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
2 Peter 1:5-8
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“The word of God is the food by which prayer is nourished and made strong.” E. M. Bounds
“If the spiritual life be healthy, under the full power of the Holy Spirit, praying without ceasing will be natural.” Andrew Murray
A reflection on spiritual growth
Our Heavenly Father,
We acknowledge that Our Lord Jesus Christ is the light of the world and we acknowledge that thou sent thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, to the world to show us the way to thou eternal light. We acknowledge that the way to thou eternal light is one that is described as treading a path that is straight and narrow and we acknowledge that there are times when we can be led astray from thou straight and narrow path, and these times are ones that can be described as sin.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time in Lent that we reflect carefully upon the error of our ways and say sorry for them, and it is at this time we consider the changes we need to make in our lifestyles in order to remain on thy straight and narrow path towards thy eternal light.
Many of us are able to see that Lent is a time when our understanding of the ministry of Jesus can be deepened. Many of us are able to see that this is a time when we are able to grow in what is described as a spiritual way, and many of us are able to see that to grow spiritually we need to say sorry for our sins and we need to repent.
Many of us are able to see that there is much to learn about the way of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many of us are able to see that love is a mark of maturity, and we acknowledge that we often fall short in thy expectation. Heavenly Father, we ask that thou can guide us in our daily lives and help us to become more loving to others.
Heavenly Father, thou art a Loving Father who loves each and every one of us, and we acknowledge thou love for us is one that is encompassing, and we acknowledge thou love for us is one that words cannot describe and we acknowledge thou love for us is not bound by energy or time. We are able to see that this love for us is one that over-spills into all our relationships and allows us to love thy neighbour.
Heavenly Father, we are able to see that to grow spiritually that our soul needs to be fed consistently from thou Word. Heavenly Father, we are able to see that daily prayer and reading of the Scriptures can help us to grow spiritually. We are able to see that praise, worship and fellowship are required to enable us to care and nurture those who are new to our fold and to help each other grow. Heavenly Father, we are able to see that there is a need to “grow up into Christ in everything” and that in every part of our lives we need to place Our Lord Jesus Christ at the centre.
Heavenly Father, it is at this time we recognise that our praise and worship can be diverse in many ways, and that it can be uplifting, and it can nourish us spiritually. Heavenly Father, it is at this time we acknowledge the good works of the Reverend Alden of Weston who is able to reach out to many who have yet to come to thou.
Heavenly Father, we hope and pray that we are all able to see clearly how we can grow spiritually, and we hope and pray that we can see clearly how Mankind can be reached so that he can turn to thou, now and always.
Amen.
The Power of Prayer 