General Chat

Good morning :-)


Today is the first Sunday after the Ascension and the Collect and Gospel reading for today reflect this.


The Collect (special prayer)....

Eternal God, the king of glory,
you have exalted your only Son
with great triumph to be Lord of all;
leave us not comfortless
but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us
that we may labour for the coming of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Spirit,
one God now and for ever. Amen.

Love to all.......Cx :-)

Hello all

A night prayer for thankfulness

Tonight, before you sleep, think of something that makes you smile.
There is always something, no matter how bad your day has been.
You will rest better and you will awake in the morning and face
the world in a positive, thankful way. Take charge of your happiness.
(Dave Hedges)

Wishing sweet dreams to all who read this tonight. xxx

Good morning :-)


My word, it was warm yesterday and it looks set to be the same today. I can cope if I am in the shade :-D

We had our parade service yesterday and it was good to see the uniformed organisations in church - happy little souls they were too :-)


The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have launched an initiative called 'Thy Kingdom Come' for the week leading up to Pentecost. It is aimed at encouraging us to pray for friends, family, colleagues and neighbours to discover the love of God in Jesus Christ.

The website for this initiative gives several ideas of how to go about this and so I thought we could look at some of them this week.

Today: Personal Prayer (you may need paper and pen)

Ask God to help you pray and read the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:9-15

Think of all the names you’ve heard God called 'Father', 'Jehovah', 'Lord' 'Almighty' etc.

— Which name do you most use when speaking to God?

— Read Matthew 6:12

— Think back through your last 24 hours, the things you’ve done the people you’ve met

— Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight things you’ve done wrong

— Next, ask the Holy Spirit to show you times you should have acted and did not

— Write everything that has come to mind on a piece of paper

— As you say sorry, tear it up and throw it into the bin or feed it through the shredder. Thank God for forgiving you.

“ I arise today through the strength of heaven...
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me” Amen.


I hope this is helpful. Cx :-)

Hello all

Interesting posting today Cynthia, I need to read it over again. Thank you.

A beautiful sunny day. There are several outside jobs waiting to be done,
but my get up and go, has got up and gone, and so it's a relaxing day here.

All healing occurs in a relaxed state.
There are times when we stop.
We sit still....... we listen and
breezes from a whole other world
begin to whisper. (James Carroll)

Thinking of those who have no sunshine in their lives today. xxx

Good morning :-)


I can understand needing to go through it again kandj and today is a bit the same. Wonder why these things have to be so 'wordy'?

Anyway, we press on with looking at the Archbishops' initiative leading up to Pentecost and today we look at praying for our government (not a bad idea really) :-D


Pray for our Government

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity….” — 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Praying for key decision-makers and leaders in our country is a powerful way to bring about change. In communicating with God, Creator of our world, and simply praying “Your Kingdom Come”, we are inviting God to intervene and move within our nation.

1. BE THANKFUL

We have so much to give thanks for when praying for our political system.
Around the world, so many nations are struggling because of corrupt leadership and governance. We are blessed with leaders who are accountable and democratically elected. Christians are able to worship without persecution and are even encouraged to play a positive role in society. We are able to engage with politics openly without discrimination or threat, and we have many Christians in positions of authority looking to God for guidance.

Start by giving thanks to God for these blessings in our political system.

2. BE KNOWLEDGEABLE

In spite of these blessings, our political system is far from perfect.
In the UK, injustice, suffering and poverty are very present, with around 13 million people living below the low-income threshold. Politics affects everyone; it is where we see not only the outcomes of injustice challenged, but the causes too. It is a spiritual battlefield we can’t ignore.

Continue by praying that God’s will is done in our country; that justice and mercy advance.

3. BE HOPEFUL

Many Christians across the UK are passionate about this country and its government. Christians in Politics is an organisation that seeks to positively engage in our political system, building relationships with those in positions of authority. These people need our prayers to be salt and light to our leaders. Find out more by going to christiansinpolitics.org.uk.

Finish by praying for those who God has called to politics, and that more will join them in this mission.



Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, I do try always to be thankful, and hopeful. My knowledgeable part could probably read "Could do better". It's good to read and gain knowledge each day.

Heavenly Father
Give wisdom, honesty and compassion to all in Parliament and local Authorities.
Guide them in their thinking and give them strength to stay away from bad ways.
Help them all to bring peace and healing to our Country and peace in all nations.
Amen.

Thinking of all who feel abandoned and let down by Politicians right now. xxx

Just letting Cynthia and Kandj know that they are not talking to themselves. I'm not posting much as I seldom have anything useful to add but I am reading the thread every day, as I am sure are others.

Ahh, bless you Vera. It is kind of you to post today. I often talk to myself at home but it is good to know that Cynthia and I have others who look in. Hope our words help?

Good morning :-)


Hi Vera..........it's always lovely to see another face popping in, please feel free to comment as and when you would like to. Like kandj, I do hope that our postings are helpful and interesting. :-D


I talk to myself sometimes too, but have lately taken to whistling. Whistling? Why? Is there a psychological reason for this I ask myself? :-S


A quick update on things with my OH. We had a visit from a very nice but very talkative Scot yesterday. He was part of the 'Sensory Team' and was here to help my husband with his sight problems. My OH ended up with a pair of dark glasses to cut out glare and to sharpen focus - he looks like a gangster!

Also, we were given a gizmo which plugs into the tv and has a computer mouse attached. When you pass the mouse over any reading material, the words come up on the tv screen so that he can read them. Apparently you can switch back and forth between programmes and whatever you are reading. I can imagine that there may be strong words if I am watching something and a page of a book pops up on the screen! :-D

We also have a small square box with a big yellow button which, when pressed, loudly tells you the time. That has been banned from the bedroom :-D

Anyway, on to today's thoughts........


Today in following 'Thy Kingdom Come', we pray for our young people.

The majority of Christians come to know Jesus as young people; this is something to be celebrated and excited about. However, there are less young people in the Church than ever before. Young people living in the UK today need our prayer.

Here are five ways to pray for young people:

1. PRAY FOR JESUS TO BE KNOWN
Pray for the message of the Bible to reach young people across the UK; for Churches working with young people and organisations who support young people. Pray that Jesus would be known and for God’s love to be understood by young people across our nation; who He is and who He has made them to be. Pray specifically for young people you know in your community.

2. PRAY THAT THE BIBLE WILL BE SHARED
Engaging with young people is a challenge that many Churches struggle with. Pray that whole churches will be equipped and passionate to reach young people; that God would bless the work of vicars, youth and school workers. Pray that each church in your area will see sharing the message of the Bible to the next generation as an essential part of their work.

3. PRAY GOD WOULD CALL YOUNG LEADERS:
Jesus’ disciples were probably teenagers or in their early twenties when they were called by Him. Pray that God would raise up young leaders who can reach their peers; that they will build and grow the future church in our nation.

4. PRAY FOR THE PRESSURES YOUNG PEOPLE FACE
Today, young people are crippled by the pressures of our increasingly digital culture, where pornography, cyber-bulling and online relationships are increasing. Huge numbers of young people come from broken families; there has been a rise in anxiety, depression and eating disorders among young people. Pray against these pressures, and for spiritual guidance from older Christians who can communicate God’s love to them.

5. PRAY FOR ONE YOUNG PERSON YOU KNOW
Committing to pray for one person by name can bring transformation. Take a moment to ask God to bring one young person to mind. Commit to praying for them for the next three months.


I am sure that we all know of a youngster who needs our prayers......Cx :-)

Hello all

Good to know that you and your husband are being supported Cynthia.

I read this earlier and felt it worthy of sharing:

Life is like a camera.....
Focus on what is important,
Capture the good times,
Develop from the negatives,
And if things don't work out,
Take another shot.
(Author unknown)

I like that way of thinking and I hope that it might help someone else too.

Sweet dreams to all looking in right now. xxx

Good morning :-)


We can have a proper journey with the Archbishops' initiative today..........Prayer Walking. I would suggest that for those who find difficulty in walking simply think about the area in which they live or, maybe, use a map and trace a route.

Prayer walking is as simple as it sounds - praying as you walk. When we prayer walk we are stepping into our authority as God’s children to bless people and places in Jesus’ name. This simple task is a great way to bring transformation to your local community by asking God to break in. How to get started....

KNOW YOUR LOCAL AREA
Know the places and people that make up your local community. What jobs do people do? What ethnicities and social classes live in your area? How many sacred buildings are there?

KNOW LOCAL PEOPLE
Find out what the needs are in your local community by speaking to those in your area.

KNOW LOCAL NEEDS
Are there problems with unemployment, crime or poverty in your area? You could put all of this information onto a physical map of your community, or write it down in one place. This will help inform your prayers, and you can add to it the more you prayer walk.

GET PRAYER WALKING
The core of prayer walking is conversing with God; ask Him to show you what He sees; to know His heart for your community. Prayer walking can be done on your own, in pairs or with a group. For the purpose of this page, we will plan for walking on your own.

Here are some practical suggestions on how to prayer walk effectively:

CHOOSE WHETHER OR NOT TO PLAN YOUR ROUTE
You can plan ahead to ensure that you pray for specific places, or simply ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time - just make sure you don’t get lost!

USE YOUR NATURAL AND SUPERNATURAL SENSES
As you prayer walk, be aware of your surroundings: what you see, smell, hear and touch. But also be aware of what God is saying to you as you move around your community; if any Bible verses pop into your head or if you have any pictures, visions or words of knowledge. Turn these natural and supernatural senses into prayer.

PRAY FOR OTHERS
As you prayer walk, the focus is on those who are living in your community so be intentional about praying for God’s blessings on what you see and feel. Even in difficult areas, try to pray positively. Focus on God’s plans and purposes for the place and people that live there. “Your Kingdom come, your will be done…” is an excellent start.

KEEP GOING
After your prayer walk, keep praying for your community. As you keep praying, continue to ask for God’s blessing in your area; praying for God’s kingdom to come and His Will to be done in your area. If you feel that God is highlighting specific needs or challenges, think about how to take action; how could you and your Church be part of God’s solution practically, as well as prayerfully?


Such a lot to think about........Cx :-)

Hello all

Oooh, I LOVE this prayer walking idea. Have done it for years....... it works!

Back to sunny weather here today after few dark days of rain.
Weeds are calling me out to keep the borders tidy.

A GARDEN BLESSING

The Lady of Life and the Lord of seeds
Shall give my garden what it needs,
In gentle earth and the breath of wind
I will plant and it will begin.
They will bring the rain and sun
and I will harvest when its done.
(Ashleen O' Gadia)

Thinking of those who will visit a Garden of Remembrance today. xxx

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Why this came to my mind today I do not know.

The chorus is going round in my head now. x

Thanks Emma..... this is going around in my head too now. The old one's
take some beating ha ha.

Count your blessings count them one by one
Count your blessings, see what God has done
Count your blessings, name them one by one
And it will surprise you, what the Lord has done.

Garden weeding is calling me now!

Good morning :-)

Lovely to see you Emma.........lots of blessings........


We are getting towards the end of looking at the Archbishops' Initiative of helping our churches to pray and for Christians to receive new confidence in praying. Today we look at praying for our friends....

Praying for others to know Jesus is one of the most powerful things we can do; persistent prayer for others brings transformation to their lives.

Consistently praying for others takes discipline, and there are many ways that we can build up habits that will help us to pray for our friends and family.

Choose five people you would regularly like to pray for and write their names down onto a list. If you’re not sure who to pray for, ask God to guide you as you choose. Once you have settled on 5 names, commit to praying for them regularly.

Here are five easy ways to pray for five people regularly. Choose the one that suits you best:

1. PIECE OF STRING
Take a piece of string or cord, and tie five knots in it to represent each of the five people you have committed to pray for. You could carry the knotted string in your pocket, tie it round your wrist or place it somewhere that you’ll see it regularly. Use the knots to remind you to pray for each person on your list of five.

2. SMALL STONES
Find five small stones (light coloured ones are best) and write each of the people on your list onto each of the stones. Place them on your desk, bedside table or fireplace as a reminder to pray. Alternatively, you could place each stone in a different room of your home and pray for each person as you enter or leave the room.

3. BUSINESS PRAYER CARD OR BOOKMARK
Grab a piece of card that will easily fit inside your wallet, purse or book. Write your list of five names onto the card before putting it in your wallet or book. Use this card as a daily reminder to pray for them.

4. PRAYER ALERTS
Add your list of five people to the alerts section of your phone and set reminders to pray for them. You could choose one name per day, or pray for all five across your day. Remember to set alerts for a suitable time where you can stop to pray for your list.

5. POST-IT NOTES
Use five post-it notes and write one name onto each. Stick them onto your mirror, above your bed or somewhere that you’ll see them regularly and will be reminded to pray.

Here are a couple of prayers you may like to use.

Loving Lord,
Please work in me so I can share your love, life and message with…………..
Reveal your love to them, that they might know, follow and witness to you, for Your Glory. Amen

Loving Father,
Send your Holy Spirit so I can share your love, life and message with…
Reveal Jesus to them, that they might know, follow and love him,
For Your Glory. Amen


Plenty to work on there :-D Love to all Cx :-)

Hello all on this Friday 13th (I am not superstitious, are you?).

Plenty of really simple ideas to help us all to pray for others. Thank you Cynthia.

Friday Blessings:
May Gods blessings flow through you now
and touch the lives of everyone that you meet today.
May the Lord bless you all with a relaxing weekend.

Praying for all who are travelling this weekend. xxx

Good morning :-)


As the week of journeying with 'Thy Kingdom Come', comes to an end, we look at part of the letter which was sent to each serving priest in the Church of England.



“At the heart of our prayers will be words that Jesus himself taught us – ‘Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.’ It is impossible to overstate the life-transforming power of the Lord’s Prayer.

It is a prayer that is reassuring enough to be on the lips of the dying and yet dangerous enough to be banned in cinemas.

It is famous enough to be spoken each day by billions in hundreds of languages and yet intimate enough to draw us ever closer into friendship with Jesus Christ.

It is simple enough to be memorised by small children and yet profound enough to sustain a whole lifetime of prayer.

When we pray it with sincerity and with joy, there is no imagining the new ways in which God can use us to his glory.”


How very true.


Have a beautiful day my friends........Cx :-)

Hello all

I can't remember a time when I didn't know the words of the Lord's Prayer.
These simple words have helped me in dark troubled times. Prayer is powerful.

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is Thank You,
It will be enough." (Meister Eckhart)

Remembering all couples being married today. xxx

Good morning :-)

Today is Pentecost Sunday.....

Pentecost is regarded as the birthday of the Christian church and the start of the church’s mission to the world.

Pentecost is the festival when Christians celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is celebrated on the Sunday 50 days after Easter (the name comes from the Greek pentekoste, "fiftieth").

It is also called Whitsun, but does not necessarily coincide with the Whitsun Bank Holiday in the UK.

The Holy Spirit is the third part of the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that is the way Christians understand God.


Today, all Anglican and some Methodist churches in our deanery are closed (apart from those with pre-booked baptisms). The closure is to encourage all church folk to attend a special event in a local park, at which the Bishop will be present and there will be lots of things going on. Holy Communion is to be distributed throughout the park so I understand.

Unfortunately, for those whose mobility is limited, those who would find such a day very tiring and those for whom this is not a preferred style of worship, it means a non-church going Sunday - unless they go to a church outside of this deanery.
Obviously, this affects us as there is no way my OH could cope with such a day, so a quiet day it is. We have had plenty of similar events in the past (though never with all churches being closed) and must let the next generation enjoy their time.


Spirit God,
blow into our lives,
move us to action,
break down the walls that separate us.
Where our language divides, offer us translation.
Where our fear overcomes, fill us with the fire of courage.
Where our lives are becalmed, fill our sails with wind,
moving us forward into the unknown future.
Fill us with the hope and promise of Pentecost! Amen.



Love and prayers to you all Cx :-)

Hello all

Pentecost Sunday I remember as a very special service. I used to go to
high Anglican church where the Minister would bless water and then during the first hymn, he would walk around church and sprinkle holy water on the congregation.
The atmosphere was amazing. I do miss not being able to join in at times like this.

Spirit of the living God
Fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me,
mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the living God
Fall afresh on me.

Thinking of all Clergy and retired Clergy and their families on this special day. xxx