Sunday 21 November 2021
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'CHRIST THE KING' SUNDAY
This Sunday (21 November) marks the end of the Christian Year. We now progress into Advent, leading on to the celebration of Christmas. In many branches of the Christian Church, this Sunday is celebrated as 'Christ the King' Sunday, when Christ's authority over all things in heaven and on earth is duly recognised and acknowledged - the One in whom "God in all his fullness chose to dwell." (Colossians 1: 19) In the period immediately after World War 1, there arose a profound suspicion of authority, while the inter-war years saw a marked increase in the process of secularisation throughout Europe. For many people, the War itself had shaken or destroyed their faith in God and humanity, and in consequence there was antipathy to religion in general, and to Christianity in particular. In the political sphere, dictatorships were on the rise, while even within the Church, much of traditional Christianity - including the authority of Jesus Christ - was being questioned. In this deeply sceptical age, something was needed to bring Christ back into focus. It is said that 'Christ the King' Sunday started in 1925 as a means of restating the ultimate sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all things, and was soon adopted by the other mainstream Christian denominations. One of the lessons of 'Christ the King' Sunday is that we all live under the most just and gentle rule of Jesus Christ - the One who, according to St. Paul, has "the primacy over all creation." (Colossians 1: 15) When we speak of Christ as King, we are not thinking of some oppressive ruler - a capricious tyrant - but as someone who was prepared to die for us, and whom God raised to the highest place in his presence. The Christ whom the disciples followed here has become the risen, ascended and glorified Lord, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given. And today, he brings us mercy, truth, love and forgiveness in infinite measure - those healing gifts this wounded world so urgently needs. At this time of continuing pandemic, and when the world seems to have lost all logic and commonsense, and also its spiritual moorings, and when many voices loudly clamour for our attention, it is reassuring to know that 'Christ the King' is our ultimate authority in this life and the next, and that his eternal rule is one of light, love and life! "The Lord is King: let the earth rejoice!" Holy God, righteous and merciful, on this Christ the King Sunday, we confess that we have failed to live as if Christ ruled over us, as if Christ inspired us, guided and directed us. Having honoured him with our lips, we have betrayed him by our thoughts, words and deeds, and in countless ways we have lived as if we had no need of him.... "Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways; reclothe us in our rightful mind; in purer lives thy service find, in deeper reverence, praise." Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us, that we may walk in Christ's way and live by his truth and his love, every moment of our day and every day of our life; for his name's sake. Amen. THE PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Almighty and everlasting God, of whose faithfulness there is no end: On this Christ the King Sunday we pray for the life of the world, for all nations and their governments, that there may be peace and prosperity here, and in all parts of the earth. We pray for our own country, for our Queen and all who lead and serve us, that we may live and work and worship under Christ's most just and gentle rule.... On this Christ the King Sunday we pray for the Church of Jesus Christ, that your Church may be strengthened in faith, blessed with new vision and upheld by holiness, and so be much more conformed to your image and to your purpose of love for all mankind, to the glory of your name.... On this Christ the King Sunday we pray for all in need: for the sick, the suffering, the sorrowful, and for those afflicted in any way, by pain, by pandemic, by personal or by other circumstances.... May Christ the King grant to each health of body, soundness of mind, serenity of spirit, and peace of heart, now and always.... On this Christ the King Sunday we pray finally for ourselves, that in all the changes and chances of life we may find our help and our hope only in the unfailing love of Jesus Christ; to whom with you, Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all glory, honour and praise, in time, and in all eternity. Amen. THE BLESSING Christ the King make us faithful and strong to do his will, and bring us to reign with him in glory. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us, now and always. Amen. |
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Sunday 14 November 2021
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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY: A THOUGHT
"At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them." Once again, on Remembrance Sunday, we hear these moving words at war memorials, churches, schools, parade grounds and other locations where those who gave their lives in two world wars, and where those who have lived and died in the service of mankind, are commemorated. They were written by the English poet, dramatist and art scholar, Robert Laurence Binyon CH, and come from his poem For the Fallen, written in 1914, when Binyon was on a visit to the cliffs on the north Cornwall coast. These lines, the central part of the poem, are called the 'Ode of Remembrance,' and were first published in The Times in September of that year. Today, they have been claimed as a tribute to all casualties of war, regardless of nation. On Remembrance Sunday, we hear much about the supreme sacrifice having been made for our 'freedom,' and to enable us to live in a world where 'nation shall speak peace unto nation.' We value our freedom greatly, and we continue with our thanksgiving and remembering for we have no right to forget. The liberties we enjoy today, and so often take for granted and as our due, were bought at a price: at the cost of countless lives. We pray that by remembering the conflicts of the past, we may work for a peaceful future - for us, for our children and for our children's children. In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah (4: 1-5) offers us a vision of the world as it might be, a vision that throughout the ages and into modern times has captured the human imagination. It has been said of this passage that it is so striking in its vision, so evocative in its language and such a powerful expression of human hope, that it has become a classic text. There is no certainty as to whether Micah actually wrote these words - the same passage occurs in Isaiah (2: 2-4) in almost identical form - but the message of the text is clear: instruments of war will no longer be necessary, as nations will live under God's law of love; the terror of violence and battle will become a thing of the past; and in this new world, nations will live together in harmony, each with its own faith, but Israel with a renewed faith in its one true God. In order to create such a world, we must take our 'freedom' seriously, and we must use it responsibly. All too often, 'freedom' degenerates into licence, and an excuse to do as we please, and not to do as we ought. Most of us do use our 'freedom' aright, and are forever grateful to those who laid down their lives to make it possible. There are others, however, who have debased the concept of 'freedom,' and have turned liberty into licence, and an excuse to do whatever one pleases. There is nothing new about this. Writing to the Christians at Galacia, St. Paul had to remind them that their Christian freedom gained by the death of Jesus Christ was not a permit to act recklessly and irresponsibly, but a gift of grace to behave in a true Christ-like way. The Scottish philosopher David Hume said that "the corruption of the best things gives rise to the worst." The corruption of 'freedom,' so evident today, gives rise to all kinds of misguided practices and wrong values. It is therefore incumbent on us to use the 'freedom' won for us in a way that honours those who paid for it with their lives. What it ultimately comes down to is this: At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. The question we must ask on Remembrance Sunday is this: Would they wish to remember us? PRAYERS FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY God of power and love, bless our country and commonwealth. Give wisdom and strength to the Queen, govern those who make the laws, guide those who direct our common life, and grant that together we may fulfil our service for the welfare of the whole people and for your praise and glory. Bless our sailors, soldiers, and airmen. Defend them in danger. Give them courage to meet all occasions with discipline and loyalty. So may they serve the cause of justice and peace, to the honour of your name. Bless our friends and those who were our enemies, who suffered or are still suffering from war. Grant that your love may reach out to the wounded, the disabled, the mentally distressed, and those whose faith has been shaken by what they have seen and endured. Comfort all who mourn the death of loved ones, and all who on this day miss the comradeship of friends. Bless your Church throughout the world. By your Holy Spirit draw the scattered flock of Christ into a visible unity, and make your Church a sign of hope to our divided world. Grant that we who bear your Son's name may be instruments of your peace, bringing peace to our homes, our nation, and our world. And now, rejoicing in the communion of saints, we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence, and give you thanks for those whom we have known, whose memory we treasure. May the example of their devotion inspire us, that we may be taught to live by those who learned to die. And at the last, grant that we, being faithful till death, may receive with them the crown of life that never fades; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 417, 418, 419 THE BLESSING God grant to the living, grace; to the departed, rest; to the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth, and all mankind, peace and concord; and to us and all his servants life everlasting. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with us all, now and always. Amen. |
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Thursday 11 November 2021
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A SHORT COMMEMORATION
FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them." We will remember them. The Silence Silence is kept for two minutes. In memory of those who died, may we be better men and women; and in gratitude to God may we live as those who are not their own but who are bought with a price. Amen. Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve: to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that we do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us, this Remembrance Day and always. Amen. |
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Sunday 7 November 2021
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TRINITY 23
A THOUGHT FOR ALL SAINTS' TIDE "Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses... let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us...". In the Chrisrian Year, this is All Saints' Tide - All Saints' Day falling each year on the 1st November. When we think of a saint, we may recall a figure in a stained glass window: a man or woman of outstanding spiritual and moral qualities, whose influence and example have gained them a permanent place in Christian devotion. We may also find a saint depicted in a painting, carving, tapestry or other object of Christian art. In Reformed thinking, all the faithful are saints. It has been said that saints do not belong exclusively to the past, but are real people in the world today. It is claimed that each of us has known many saints or saintly souls - those who first brought us to faith, those who have encouraged us on our way, those who have offered and provided care, compassion and comfort when most needed, and those who in other ways have sustained us on life's journey. The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews (11: 32-12: 2) thinks of all those who have gone before us. He sees them as occupying some grand stadium, making up an 'unseen cloud of witnesses,' for evermore around us. In other words, like a vast audience in a sports stadium, the saints of old and all the faithful servants of Christ are now unseen witnesses to our performance in this life. This means that our own Christian life is not lived alone. Every moment is lived in the gaze of the heroes of the faith, and of ordinary souls of every age and place who are now part of that 'blest communion, fellowship divine.' With such an audience looking down on us, we cannot possibly fail to go on our way with courage, hope and patience. They cheer us and support us until at last we join them in the presence of Jesus Christ. At All Saints' Tide, we remember and give thanks for those who have have gone before us in the Faith, and for countless others, known and unknown, who have touched our lives in many ways, and are now in God's eternal presence. Above all, we remember that we live this life in their company, in fellowship with them and under their watchful gaze. And with an audience like this around us, we may run with perseverance the race of life that lies before us, upheld by those saints and heroes who have safely completed their journey. A PRAYER FOR THE DAY We give you praise, O God, for the saints whose response to the call of Christ has cheered and inspired us and blessed us on our way, whose witness has brought strength to the Church, and shaped the pattern of our own faith and Christian devotion. As we quietly pass through the years, may their continuing presence sustain us and their good example uplift us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS' TIDE Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son. Give us grace to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those inexpressible joys which you have prepared for those who perfectly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 690-691 A PRAYER FOR THE WEEK Gracious God, faithful and constant across all the ages: as we pass through this earthly life, encourage us through all who have journeyed before us, that we may encourage those who, in time, come after us; and in our own journey of faith, help us to learn from lives lived for you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING God give us grace to follow the saints in faith, hope, and love. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us, now and always. Amen. |
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Sunday 31 October 2021
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TRINITY 22
TRUSTEES OF CREATION As we know, and have known for some time, Glasgow has been selected by the UK to host what is called COP26 - the United Nations Climate Change Conference, an event held in the SEC centre from today (31 October) until 12 November. Surrounded by the River Clyde, the city and its parks, the location for this international gathering of world leaders and attendees is said to be an "inspiration" to those present to tackle climate change and protect the planet: to repair what Christians would call God's Creation. In a passage from Psalm 104 (1-6 and 10-23), we learn much about God's Creation, noting how it reveals God's greatness, his power and his majesty, while his outer garment is a robe of "light," illuminating the cosmos he has made. Not only that, there is an "orderliness" to the earth, with the regularity of the seasons, providing food and drink for all God's little creatures, while God keeps all chaos in check. The Psalmist recognises that trees, wild goats and young lions are beloved of God, and that all this creative work is for the benefit of mankind. Human beings find their place within the setting of rain, wind, day and night, growth and decay - a world with a pattern and a purpose to it. What we have here is a statement to the effect that the whole Creation is God's handiwork, and that he has complete mastery over it. God rejoices in the beauty of his handiwork, while human beings are called to tend this "Garden of Nature," to work in harmony with all God's creatures. Mankind is called to act as a steward, as a trustee of everything that God has made, and not turn the "Garden of the Lord" into a wilderness of waste, or treat it with disdain and disrespect. We all depend on God. We are all 'messengers' or 'ministers' of God's creative work. We are all God's trustees. The word 'trustee' has assumed a new significance in recent times. All our charities are managed by trustees, and overseen in Scotland by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. (OSCR) Ministers and church elders are trustees of the local congregation by virtue of their office, while we also have trustees who look after wealth, land, buildings, schools, farms, estates and a host of other commodities and institutions. In 1810 the Reverend Henry Duncan, Minister at Ruthwell in Dumfries-shire, founded a savings bank in a cottage for his poorer parishioners. With a minimum deposit of sixpence, the bank was available to farm workers, domestic servants, craftsmen and others of limited means. Henry Duncan's experiment developed into the savings bank movement, quickly spreading across some ninety-two countries. These banks were not managed by salaried officials, but by local volunteers or directors who became 'trustees' - charged with the responsibility of looking after other people's money. The importance of the trustee in this model of banking cannot be overstated. Just as those trustees managed their banks, so we are called by God to manage his creative work, and to do so in such a way that always seeks its betterment and improvement. We are trustees of Creation: each of us with a 'ministry' to preserve its beauty and protect its integrity. The twelve days of the COP26 Conference in Glasgow are an opportune moment for us to reflect on how carefully or carelessly we serve as trustees of God's Creation, and to see if we are doing what we like, or doing what we ought with it. In other words, what kind of trustees are we? Are we thoughtless and indifferent? Or do we see our role as those who care for Creation in a way that will benefit those who will succeed us? After all, William Morris, the British textile designer, poet, artist, activist and novelist, said: "We are only the trustees for those who come after us." May God enable us to be responsible trustees of his creative work, who, when one day called to account, need never be ashamed. By treating Creation with respect, we honour the One whose handiwork it is. O Lord our God, as the climate conference gets underway in Glasgow, empower us to be good stewards of your creative work, and to pass on to those who succeed us a world of peace and joy and beauty, worthy to be called your garden; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE DAY Almighty and ever-living God, by whose grace we come to this day: as we now behold the morning light, fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit, that we may praise you worthily and love you perfectly; and as we commend ourselves into your tender, loving care, grant us your all-sufficient grace and preserve us in peace and safety; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER OF CONFESSION Holy God, righteous and merciful, to whom the earth belongs and all that is in it: as the COP26 conference begins in Glasgow, we acknowledge our share in the world's pain; for we have so often forgotten or neglected you, leaving you out of our plans, and out of our lives. We have worshipped other gods and have not always hallowed your name. We have mistreated and damaged the earth and have not cared for it as we ought, accepting it as your precious gift to us. We have been lazy and careless stewards of all you have entrusted to us, forgetting that the earth belongs to you and all else that is within it. Forgive our sin and folly, we pray, and turn us once more to your way, that we may respect the world you have created and fulfil your purpose of love for it and for all your people; for Jesus Christ our Saviour's sake. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE SANCTITY OF LIFE Eternal Father, source of life and light, whose love extends to all people, all creatures, all things: grant us that reverence for life which becomes those who believe in you, lest we despise it, degrade it, or come callously to destroy it. Rather let us save it, secure it, and sanctify it, after the example of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Robert Runcie 1921-2000 Archbishop of Canterbury 1980-1991 THE BLESSING May the love of God enfold us, may the mercy of God absolve us, may the strength of God support us, may the peace of God console us; and may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with us now and evermore. Amen. |
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Sunday 24 October 2021
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TRINITY 21
MAKING EXCUSES! These days it is not difficult to avoid doing something, or going somewhere, by making up a good excuse. For example, the front lawn may be carpeted with autumn leaves, but we might regard it as too cold or wet to clear it up. We may be invited to a wedding or other function, but would prefer not to go, so we decline to attend, using the weather, distance, health or some issue as an excuse. Few of us heed the words of George Washington who said that "It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one." In St. Matthew's Gospel (22: 1-14), Jesus tells a parable about a wedding feast, arranged by a king for his son's wedding. Today, we often send out 'Save the Day' cards well in advance of the marriage ceremony. This was the custom in Jesus's day. The king's servants went round all the guests and gave them the details of the celebration. On the day of the marriage, the king sent his servants round the guests once more to summon them to the ceremony. On this occasion, the king was badly let down. The invited guests refused to come. The servants were sent out again to plead with them to respond to the king's invitation, but still they refused to come. They snubbed the king's command and some trotted out excuses for failing to accept the wedding invitation. One of them was too busy attending to his property, his farm, while another said he had business to attend to. Their excuses may have seemed perfectly legitimate, but the king expected the invited guests to sit at his dining table. And when they refused the royal institution, the king was furious and pronounced punishment on them. The servants were ordered to go out into the streets and bring anyone they could find to the royal banquet. This parable reminds us how easy it is for us today to be so wrapped up in our own concerns, our own plans, our own business, that we disregard what God requires of us. In other words, we are so taken up by 'the business of time,' that we set aside 'the business of eternity.' As a result, we miss out on those things that are of supreme worth and of lasting value. By refusing the king's command to come to the wedding feast - the king in the story being God himself - those guests, by proffering all kinds of excuses, may have missed out on something special - perhaps the opportunity of a lifetime that they would always carry in their hearts and minds. Their worldly business was much more important than God's demands. If we refuse an invitation from God in Jesus Christ to undertake some task, like those guests we may miss out on some unique and wonderful experience, only later to regret it. When the king (God) calls us to serve him, how do we respond? With some well-rehearsed excuse? Or with wholehearted obedience? As Benjamin Franklin warns us: "He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else." A PRAYER FOR THE DAY God of all grace, without whom we can do nothing as we ought: increase in us today the love of your name, and enable us with all creation to praise and worship you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE OF KINCAIDSTON (Following the house explosion on 18.10.2021) Almighty and ever-living God, our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in time of trouble or need: we pray for all those affected by the recent explosion in Kincaidston: for the injured and the traumatised, for those whose property has been damaged or destroyed, for those who are presently homeless, and for all others shaken by this experience. May your Spirit of healing come upon them; and may the efforts of those who work to restore order and provide shelter be crowned with lasting success; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD Almighty God, creator of the world, and of us, your creatures in it: have mercy on the world of today, fragile, and bitterly divided, torn apart by violence and strife, by poverty, want, and disease, and by countless problems beyond our means to resolve. Take this world into your care, and help us live in such a way that all our worship is sincere and our lives express your purpose of love within us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all. Amen. |
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Sunday 17 October 2021
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TRINITY 20
THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE Much has been said and written about the pandemic and its effects over the last twenty months or so. One observer recently summed it up in a short sentence: "Put it down to experience!" We often use this expression to comfort or encourage those who have faced an issue in their lives that has not been particularly pleasant. How do we understand "experience?" As a help? Or a hindrance? In St. Mark's Gospel (8: 1-21), Jesus and his disciples are on a boat, crossing over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. However, they have forgotten to bring bread with them. Jesus is warning them about the Pharisees and King Herod, noting the evil influence that each might have on them. They ought to have been listening, but all they can think and speak about, fearing that they might starve, is the fact they have no food with them. Jesus saw their obsession with this, and reminded them that only a short time before, he had satisfied the hunger of a large crowd (4000) - with enough food to spare. It was as if Jesus, reminding them of this scenario, was pointing out that "experience" hadn't taught them a lesson, and that in their present circumstances, they didn't trust Jesus enough to help them. Do we see "experience" as an educator? Or, like the disciples on that vessel, do we disregard it, and dismiss it as of no significance? Sometimes the lessons of "experience" do slip through our minds, and we repeat the mistakes of the past. But there are those "experiences" that have had a positive effect on us, and we have learned much from them. This has helped us to face suffering with serenity; to wrestle with temptation and not succumb; and to deal with a seemingly insoluble problem and get a satisfactory solution. Through "experience," we find a way of coping with all kinds of circumstances, recognising it as an educator. We are sometimes like Jesus's disciples, and forget that God in Christ, having safely brought us thus far, will continue to sustain and support us. We forget that God in Christ can bring us through whatever life may throw at us, because we ignore our past "experience" of him, and we fail to trust him enough for our present or future deliverance. God has given to each of us what a poet called once "the everlasting freshness of experience." This is a gift from which we may learn and grow. And there are times when we should thank God for the lessons "experience" has taught us. "Experience" should be our teacher, our God-given educator. That is what the disciples forgot. That is what we should always remember! How, then, do we understand "experience?" As a help? Or a hindrance? Gracious God, in whom we live and move and have our being: grant that through the gift of experience, we may learn the lessons of the past, and put our whole trust only in you, our rock and our redeemer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR OURSELVES Almighty God, Creator and Lord of all things, as we continue on our earthly journey, teach us to be creative in our lives, and to bring about things worthwhile, for our own good, and for the good of all; and make us creators of goodness every moment of our day, that in a troubled world, we may be bearers of light and grace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen. A GENERAL PRAYER Gracious God, source of all life and light, as we pass through this autumn season, we ask your blessing on the Church, on our world, our nation, and our community, and especially on those for whom this pandemic still causes much anxiety and grief of heart. Surround them with your presence; enfold them in your love; sustain them by your strength; and may your peace possess their hearts. We ask this prayer through him who lives to make intercession for us, your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. THE BLESSING May the love of the Lord Jesus draw us to himself,; may the power of the Lord Jesus strengthen us in his service; may the joy of the Lord Jesus fill our souls; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you and abide with you always. Amen. |
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Sunday 10 October 2021
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TRINITY 19
THE LORD IS YOUR KEEPER "The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand." The shorter days, the longer nights, the falling leaves and the much cooler air are a sure and certain sign that autumn has arrived. After a beautiful summer, we have passed into that season between summer and winter - a season noted for its splendid colours, and its Harvest gifts. Autumn has been called 'a season of transition,' a time of change between one part of the year and another, and 'transition' is much in evidence these days. It has been said that the whole world is passing through a period of transition and turmoil. If we think about it carefully, everything seems to be unstable and unpredictable, whether in the Church, the nation, the community, or in the wider arena of international affairs. At the present moment, there is concern about an energy crisis, with escalating fuel bills faced by businesses and domestic users in the coming months. There is a shortage of HGV drivers, and some vehicles are being driven by the military, as are some of our ambulances. The pandemic continues, and there are warnings of severe challenges for the NHS this winter. And with predicted price increases, inflation is expected to rise sharply. In this rapidly-changing world, it is reassuring to know that God does not change. His love for each of us does not fade or falter with the changing seasons. He is the same yesterday, today, and for ever, and his saving work in Jesus Christ has not changed with the chaos and confusion of this present age. Whatever happens, and whatever circumstances may come our way, we still need the strength, the grace, the forgiveness and the love of God, made known to us in Jesus Christ, 'for the living of these days.' As Psalm 121 puts it: the Lord 'neither slumbers nor sleeps.' The Lord never rests. He never leaves his post. He never goes off duty. He remains our 'keeper' through every changing scene of life. He is our 'shade' or 'protector' - the one who stands beside us looking after us. Or, as one translator put it: 'whatever you're doing right now, God is close by.' Autumn has finally arrived - a 'season of transition and change' between one part of the year and another. In these coming days, let us continue with energy and enthusiasm the work that God has called us to do, putting our whole trust in him whom time cannot change, and whose watch over us is compassionate, constant and complete. In every respect, 'the Lord is your keeper.' O God, as we come to the autumn of the year, this time of transition and change, and as we see around us a changing and unpredictable world, make us mindful of your constant care for us. Watch over us and preserve us from all evil, and be our guardian and our guide from this time forth and for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE DAY Mighty and merciful God, may your kindness be known to all. Hear the prayers of all who cry to you; open the eyes of those who never pray for themselves; have mercy on those who are in misery'; deal gently with those who sit in darkness; increase the number of those who love and serve you daily. Preserve our land from all things hurtful, preserve our Church from all dangerous error, preserve our people from forgetting that you are their Lord and Saviour. Be gracious to those countries that are made desolate by war, famine, disease, or persecution, and grant that the course of the world may be so ordered in obedience to your will that the people may live in security and freedom from want, and their children grow up to be makers of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 502-503 THE BLESSING May the love of the Father enfold us, the wisdom of the Son enlighten us, the fire of the Spirit inflame us; and may the blessing of God rest upon us and abide with us, now and evermore. Amen. |
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Sunday 3 October 2021
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TRINITY 18
A THOUGHT FOR HARVESTIDE "The land has yielded its harvest. God, our God, has blessed us." Of the Seven Deadly Sins, it has been said that "pride" is by far the worst. By "pride" we are not thinking of a natural pride in our work, in our family and friends, or in something we have made or achieved. By "pride" we mean an attitude of mind that compels us to see ourselves as the "master of all things," convincing us that we can achieve anything if we apply our minds to the task. This way of thinking leads to the arrogant assumption that everything we have is the outcome of our own hard work, and entices us to look snobbishly on those who are not so successful. In the Book of Deuteronomy (8: 7-18), Moses addresses the people of Israel, who are about to enter the "Promised Land." This is a rich and prosperous land that God has given to them, and Moses reminds them, in no uncertain terms, that they have not achieved their worldly wealth entirely by their own efforts. They must not become conceited, or puffed up with pride, in the mistaken conviction that their own efforts have gained them the prosperity which this land offers. They must always remember the Lord their God. Their affluence, their success in life must never cause them to neglect the worship of the God of Israel, and lead them to think that they can get on in life without him. He is their "Good Provider," and it is ultimately to him that they owe a huge debt of gratitude for their success in the land he has given to them. At Harvestide, Moses is reminding us that we are all ultimately dependent on God for everything that we have, and that we cannot claim complete credit for our talents, not even for our ability to work hard to achieve our level of success. Therefore, like the ancient Israelites, we must remember the Lord our God, and not, through the sin of misplaced pride, neglect or reject him. Our Harvest produce is a reminder that all things come from God, that "all good gifts around us (whatever they are) are sent from heaven above", and that our frame of mind should not be one of hardened pride, but of profound gratitude to the "Good Provider," whose generosity never falters or fails. "Remember the Lord your God," warned Moses. Let us do this not only at Harvestide, but every day of our life! O Lord our God, as we celebrate Harvestide, help us to remember that we have not gained this produce entirely by our own efforts, but that all things come from you, and to you alone we owe thanksgiving and praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER OF CONFESSION Most generous God, whose mercies endure for ever, our maker, to whom we owe our every breath: we confess with shame that all too often we have been unfaithful creatures, unworthy stewards of your creation.... We have taken your gifts for granted, and have been indifferent to you, by whom alone all things exist. Forgive us our ingratitude, we pray, our pride, our greed, our selfishness, our abuse and misuse of your bounty, our desire to gain, rather than give. Set us free from all our sins, and teach us to use your gifts wisely, responsibly, effectively, both at Harvestide and at all times; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Gracious God, as we celebrate Harvestide, we give thanks for keeping your promise that as long as the earth remains seedtime and harvest shall never cease. We give thanks for the order of nature, for the beauty of the earth, and sky, and sea, and for all good things around us that come from you, our good provider; but most of all, for the riches of your grace, beyond number and without price, brought to us in Jesus Christ. Make us truly thankful for these and for all your gifts, and may we show forth our gratitude, not only in prayer, but by the way we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A HARVEST PRAYER Gracious God, as we celebrate Harvestide, we pray for those less fortunate than ourselves: for the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the oppressed; for those overwhelmed by pandemic or other disaster; for those whose crops have failed,; and for all those who lack the necessities of life; that you may enable us to share from our abundance with those who live in need, and cry for help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING May the grace of Christ attend us, the love of God surround us, the Holy Spirit keep us, at Harvestide and for ever. Amen. |
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Sunday 26 September 2021
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TRINITY 17
WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR? It has been widely reported that one of the positive aspects of the Coronavirus pandemic has been a new spirit of "neighbourliness." There seems to have been a realisation that we are all dependent on each other, and that we are here to help and to care for one another, though whether this "spirit of neighbourliness" will last is another matter. In St. Luke's Gospel (10: 25-37), a lawyer asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. He is told that he must love God in every way, and also love his neighbour as himself. The lawyer is not content with this, and puts this question to Jesus: "But who is my neighbour?" To satisfy the lawyer's curiosity, Jesus does not give a direct answer but proceeds to tell a story. The story of the Good Samaritan is arguably the best known of Jesus's parables. We cannot say for certain whether the incident is historical fact, or a tale that Jesus devised in his own mind, but it involves a lone traveller making his way from Jerusalem to Jericho. Without warning, the traveller is 'mugged,' and left abandoned by the roadside. A little later, two pillars of the Jewish Church come along - a priest and a Levite, a minor cleric - but for reasons unknown they avoid the wounded man and continue their journey. Finally, along comes the hero of the story - a Samaritan - someone no decent, self-respecting orthodox Jew would have anything to do with. We are told in St. John's Gospel (4: 9) that 'the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.' Here is a classic case of a person least likely to offer assistance giving the wounded traveller first aid, and taking them to the nearest hostelry for the night. The next morning, the Samaritan pays the accommodation charge, and offers to pay more, if the victim needs to stay longer for their recovery. No doubt the traveller was extremely grateful to the Samaritan for attending to him in his moment of need, having been assaulted, we assume, through no fault of his own. We can interpret this story in another way. The seventeen mile route from Jerusalem to Jericho was called the 'Path of Blood,' and it was notorious for thieves and bandits who could quickly hide among the caves after assaulting someone. This was a dangerous road, and we could argue that the traveller's attack was caused to his own carelessness. It could be claimed it was an act of folly on his part to make the journey by himself in the first place, and that by so doing, he simply invited danger. This raises questions for us today. Do we regard our neighbour merely as someone whose problems are not their own fault? Or do we see our neighbour as anyone who requires our assistance, even if their misfortune has been caused by their own folly? The traveller's 'mugging' might well have been his own fault, but this did not prevent the Good Samaritan from coming to his aid. We are often glad, and feel a deep sense of satisfaction, when we help those who have fallen into difficulties by no fault of their own. Are we equally glad and relieved to help those whose wounds on the journey of life are self-inflicted and could have been avoided? "But who is my neighbour?" The parable suggests that our neighbour is anyone who requires our assistance, whether or not their misfortune is self-inflicted, and that we have a God-given duty to render that assistance when the opportunity arises. This is surely a point to ponder the next time we read or hear this familiar story! O God, give us grace to help our neighbour on the journey of life, without favour or condition, and to treat all people as those made in your own image; after the example of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE WEEK God of the changing seasons, at whose command the order of time runs its course, and in whose providence we are kept in the changing scenes of life: as we enter into autumn, with its colours and its distinctive gifts, may the falling leaves create a carpet of beauty for us to admire, and remind us that if times and seasons change, your love remains the same for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A GENERAL PRAYER Almighty God, creator of the world and of us, your creatures in it: have mercy on the world of today, so broken and bitterly divided, torn apart by conflict and strife, by poverty, want and disease, and by problems beyond our present understanding to resolve. Take this world into your keeping; be with those in any kind of need today; and help us to be beacons of hope and bearers of light at all times, even in earth's darkest place. So work in us and in all your people the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep us, this day and for ever. Amen. |
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Sunday 19 September 2021
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TRINITY 16
NICKNAMES: A THOUGHT Nicknames are something we are familiar with today. A nickname is a substitute for the true name of a famous person, place or object. Commonly used to express affection, it may also be a means of expressing dislike or disdain. Indeed, many personalities have been better known by their nickname than by their real name. William 1 of England is thus better known as "William the Conqueror," while Queen Victoria was dubbed "Grandmother of Europe." John Dundas, the Battle of Britain fighter ace, was nicknamed "Dogs," while Eric Lock, another Battle of Britain pilot, had the amazing title "Sawn Off Locky." "Woodbine Willie" was the popular name given to the Rev. Geoffrey Studdert-Kennedy, who, as a Chaplain in the First World War, took cigarettes along with Bibles to the soldiers, while Eric Treacy, a former Bishop of Wakefield, was called "The Railway Bishop," due to his passion for railway photography. According to Acts 11: 26, "It was in Antioch that the disciples first got the name of Christians." This is thought to have been a nickname for the large number of converts in the city, a title that owed more to mockery than merit. Professor William Barclay tells us that the people of Antioch were at that time renowned for finding sarcastic nicknames, and when the bearded Roman Emperor Julian came to visit them at a later date, they called him "The Goat." As such, the title "Christian" meant "these Christ-folk." "It was a contemptuous nickname; but the Christians took it and made it known to all the world. By their lives, they made it a name not of contempt but of respect and admiration and even wonder." (Barclay) We understand that the first "Christians" did not appreciate the name, but, like so many other nicknames, it stuck. The question arises as to why they should be called "Christians" in the first place. They certainly never gave them this title to themselves. Perhaps the nonbelievers in the city saw their loyalty to Jesus Christ, and the grace of God at work in their lives. Perhaps there was something about them that was compellingly attractive, and the word "Christians" emerged in a sarcastic context. We cannot say for certain. But Acts 11: 26 assures us that it was in this great thriving city that "the disciples first got the name of Christians" - a nickname they made respectable and admirable. What would these people call us today? If we were in their midst, or in the company of those with little or no time for the faith, would there be sufficient grounds for calling us "Christians?" Or would they call us something else, and give us a nickname we would never want to bear? The word "Christians" may have been a nickname, but it was in fact a great compliment. Today, let us take that title and make is so attractive that it is no longer one of disdain, but one of "respect and admiration and even wonder." A PRAYER FOR THE WEEK Almighty and ever-living God, in whom we live and move and have our being: we give thanks for the gift of this new week, with its opportunities of pleasing you. May everything we do this week be an offering of love, as we as of duty; and when its days are over, may we receive your blessing and remain your faithful servants; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD Gracious God, you first created this world and have given it to us as our earthly home. Help us to cherish the life of your creation: to respect its dignity and worth, to protect its natural beauty, to defend it from all danger, and to make this world a place of prosperity and peace for all your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE FORCES OF THE CROWN (For Battle of Britain Sunday) Almighty God, in you alone we find safety and peace. We commend to your gracious keeping all the men and women who serve in the Navy, the Army, or the Air Force, who face danger and put themselves at risk, so that others might live in safety. Defend them day by day by your heavenly power; and help them to know that they can never pass beyond the reach of your care. Keep alive in them and in us your vision of that peace which alone we must seek and serve; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 483-484 AN EVENING AND A CLOSING PRAYER Heavenly Father, as the day draws to a close and evening shadows darken, bless all that we did today and forgive us what we failed to do; and as we go forth to our rest, may your holy peace possess us and keep us through the coming night; for Jesus Christ our Lord's sake. Amen. God be in my head, and in my understanding; God be in mine eyes, and in my looking; God be in my mouth, and in my thinking; God be at mine end, and at my departing. THE BLESSING May God the Father make us holy in his love; God the Son enrich us with his grace; God the Holy Spirit strengthen us with joy; may the Lord bless us and keep us in eternal life. Amen. |
Girvan Steeple - "Stumpy"
Croy Brae - "The Electric Brae"
Arran - "Sleeping Warrior"
Blairquhan - "BQ"
Ailsa Craig - "Paddy's Milestone"
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Sunday 12 September 2021
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TRINITY 15
THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT It has been said that nowadays newspaper circulation is boosted by the misfortunes of others, or by trivial tales of celebrities and their lavish lifestyles. Rarely, if ever, it is claimed, does good news hit the headlines or dominate our news bulletins. In a word: it is alleged that the media overlooks those countless souls who are dedicated to the betterment of humanity, and that what they need is much more encouragement. When the prophet Nehemiah was a cup-bearer at the court of King Artaxerxes, God inspired him to rebuild the ruined city of Jerusalem. Obedient to the divine prompting, and with the king's consent, he set off for the devastated city to set about the rebuilding project. Having gone out by night to survey the broken walls and the burnt gates, he saw before him a task far greater than he had imagined. Yet he refused to be discouraged by its magnitude. In the faith that God would help him, he told his companions with profound conviction that they would rebuild and complete the task. Nehemiah stands out as one who represents the "ministry of encouragement." He might have been daunted by the task and abandoned the very thought of it. He could well have given up all hope of rebuilding the city, assuming that it was far beyond his ability and that of his companions to do so. But he refused to give up the project, and exercised "the ministry of encouragement" to undertake this enormous task. The "ministry of encouragement" is as important today as it was in the time of Nehemiah. Indeed, this ministry is laid on us, to help and encourage people wherever it is possible to do Throughout his ministry, Jesus stands out as a great encourager - as one who took people as he found them, and enabled them to feel and to do better. By healing and helping, by challenging and changing, by forgiving and fortifying, Jesus encouraged others to see themselves in a new way, and to bring even the most notorious characters closer to God. As Christ's servants today, the "ministry of encouragement" is laid on us all to go forth and encourage others. As Goethe once said: "Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower!" O God, as servants of Jesus Christ, give us grace to go forth and encourage others, and to help them in whatever circumstances they may find themselves; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR OURSELVES Lord of our living conscience, you speak to us in the call of duty, and in the still, small voice of calm. In this world of busyness and noise we confess that we have failed to listen to that voice, calling us to love and obedience.... We confess that, distracted by so much sound everywhere around us, we have been deaf to your word and deaf to the cries of those in need.... In your mercy, forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; and that through creative quietness, we may discern your will for us and find the courage to fulfil it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THOSE IN NEED God of grace and comfort, hear our prayer for those who are unhappy, who are lonely or neglected, who are damaged or abused, or whose life is darkened by fear or pain or sorrow. Give us grace to help them when we can. Give them faith to look beyond their troubles to you, their heavenly Father and unfailing friend, that they may take up the threads of life again and go on their way with fresh courage and renewed hope; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 489 A PRAYER FOR AUTUMN Lord God of the seasons, as summer slowly turns to autumn, open our eyes to the beauty around us, and help us to recognise your grace in giving us the different seasons of the year, each fulfilling our hope and our needs. May our children and future generations benefit from the beauty of the natural world which you have created and entrusted to us, and make us responsible in our stewardship; for Jesus Christ our Lord's sake. Amen. THE BLESSING May the grace of Christ attend us, the love of God surround us, the Holy Spirit keep us, this day and for ever. Amen. |
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Sunday 5 September 2021
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TRINITY 14
DREAMERS AND DREAMS "Summer suns are glowing over land and sea; happy light is flowing bountiful and free; now the days are shortening, darker nights drawing on - autumn's now approaching, summer's dream has gone." This parody of the first verse of William Walsham Howe's fine hymn reminds us that we have moved from summer into what is, from a meteorological point of view, autumn. A glance at the countryside around us shows that the first signs of autumn are beginning to appear, with the gentle shedding of the leaves from the trees. In a small way, we can say that "summer's dream has gone" for another year. Dreams are important in the Bible. In 1 King 3: 4-15, we find that God comes to King Solomon in a dream. Solomon has just succeeded David, his father, on the throne of Israel. Apart from some moral misdemeanours, David has, generally speaking, been a successful ruler, and Solomon wants to be successful as well. In a dream, Solomon has an encounter with God, and at the start of his reign, he asks God for the gift of wisdom to enable him to rule well. God is delighted with Solomon's request and grants it. In Scripture, dreams are often the means through which people have an encounter with God. Jacob, Abraham, Samuel, Isaiah, Jesus, the disciples and Paul are among those who have a life-changing encounter with God in a dream. We can add Joseph to the list, being informed of Mary's pregnancy in a dream. Nowadays we think of dreams differently, and rarely, if ever, do we regard them as a means through which God communicates with us. Rather, we ascribe to dreams some psychological significance - perhaps an expression of the unconscious mind. Dreams may indicate stress, anxiety, guilt, regret or some other emotional issue, rather than function as a means of God's disclosure. That said, however, some still believe that God speaks to us through visions and dreams. Whatever the case, this world still needs its dreamers and its dreams. Indeed, almost everything with which we are familiar today started as a dream, a vision, an idea in someone's mind. Someone had a dream, and "the dream became flesh." The universe we inhabit, and all the created world within it, started as a dream, an idea in the mind of God. According to the Genesis account of creation, this is also true of mankind and every living creature. God made mankind in his own image and every living creature on the face of the earth. In a word: God had a dream. All the great social, scientific, economic and cultural progress of the centuries started as a vision - as a dream that morphed into reality. The places in which we worship were once an idea, a dream in someone's mind, brought to life by craftsmen, masons and others, and maintained by succeeding generations. If we think about it carefully, almost everything started as a dream, a vision, an idea rooted in someone's mind. This world still needs its dreamers and its dreams. In 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King gave his famous 'I Have A Dream' speech before a quarter of a million people in Washington, DC, pleading for racial equality, and changing forever the course of American and world history. Nearer home, the Scottish physician and pharmacologist, Sir Alexander Fleming, dreamed of producing an antibiotic substance that would revolutionise medicine. In 1928 the dream became reality, as penicillin, or a form of it, was born. In Biblical times, dreams were important. They were often regarded as a means of encounter with God, through which God sent special messages. We interpret them differently today. But the world still needs its dreamers and its dreams. More Christ-focussed dreamers with Christ-focussed dreams would be a blessing to us all! "Our help is in the name of the Lord, maker of heaven and earth." A PRAYER FOR TODAY Most gracious God, whose nature it is to forgive and to renew the lives of your people: as we celebrate your majesty, we confess our sins and shortcomings and all that is wrong in our lives. God of pity, have mercy upon us; God of wisdom, enlighten our minds; God of light, shine into our hearts; God of love, be our forgiveness; that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, and serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR AUTUMN O God, by whose grace the seasons change and the order of time runs its course: as we quietly move from summer into autumn, guide our thinking, our living and our praying, that we may discern your will, follow your way, and receive your holy blessing at all times; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen. THE BLESSING May the love of the Father enfold us, the wisdom of the Son enlighten us, the fire of the Spirit inflame us; and may the blessing of God rest upon us and abide with us, now and evermore. Amen. |
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