Joy When Serving The Exalted Christ
Each Wednesday the Blog articles concentrate on the theme of prayer. There are articles and videos to encourage you in your prayer life.
In case you missed it on Sunday in Burnside At Home, here are some folk from Burnside leading us in the Lord’s Prayer.
Also the report from Peter & Anna which was part of Burnside At Home this week, pray for them as they prepare to move to Athens at the beginning of July.
Each week there is a prayer as part of Let’s Pray. This week it is a prayer for our congregation in this time of separation.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you have drawn our congregation together into you as one, familiar faces, shared stories, different gifts,
gathered to be your family,
together to express your love for others.
But just now we feel scattered, splintered, separated,
our life stifled by continuing lockdown restrictions.
In this time apart -
watch over the lonely, the sick and the anxious,
bless young and old, families and singles,
strengthen our minister, elders and leaders.
Be present in every pastoral telephone call,
each act of kindness for brother or sister.
Engage our hearts as one in digital worship,
expand our faith in online gatherings for Bible study or prayer. Extend your grace to those who have been bereaved,
encourage us all on this strange journey through wilderness days. Remind us that, although separated from each other,
nothing can separate us from the love of Christ,
no trouble or hardship,
neither death nor life,
not what is happening at present,
nor what might come in future,
nothing in all creation.
We are victors even over this virus,
more than conquerors through him who loved us.
So, hear us as we pray for one another,
in these days.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
A poem shared by Roberta Craig
Turn aside from all your problems
for a moment every day
You’ll be surprised the difference
if you take the time to pray.
A little prayer that you may be
strengthened for the task
There is grace that’s all sufficient
you only have to ask.
And God who knows your every need
will swiftly send you aid
To bear you up amid all things
Just because you prayed
Turn aside and turn to God
He only is the way
That leads to life eternal
whatever others say.
He only is the true light
to show the way ahead
His truth abides
His love supplies
Just “Follow Me” he says
George B Walker
Lectio Divina
Can your prayer life sometimes feel a little flat? Lectio Divina means ‘divine reading’ in Latin. It is a prayerful reading of scripture through which you can experience deep encounter and communion with God. Read about it in this article. https://discoveringprayer.com/listening-to-god-lectio-divina |
Do remember to pray for MPs at Westminister as they are lobbied about Abortion legislation. Rev. Daniel Kane has written the following open letter on behalf of PCI.
Read the letter here. https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/June-2020/Open-letter-to-MPs-and-Peers-Abortion-legislation.aspx
The story of Honi the circle-maker, a prayer warrior who's faith led to a miracle in the land of Israel in the first century B.C. Inspired by The Circle Maker - a book about prayer.
Jigsaw
Janice 5:55 Richard 8:12 (Thought I would try it yesterday and see what all the fuss is about, I’m not sure I like those rotating pieces!”) Derek 10:31 Frances 16:54 Lynne most people just comment their time, or send a text or an email. Sometimes the very adventurous send a screen shot, but we don’t need proof unless you are going to claim an outrageously quick time! Play the "View From Church Tower" puzzle! https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3ce70830e925 |
Lynne guessed “the small fisherman’s pier at the Fisherman’s House at the Berne on the Castle Walk.” You made me doubt myself Lynne and I had to check again to make sure, but Derek correctly identified, “the photo was of the lovely Herring Pond where I spent many hours in my youth”
The Herring pond now has a new set of steps and a few extra safety rails.
Another rock with a face on it. (I’ve highlighted the face just in case it isn’t obvious) but Where Is It?