Sunday 26 November 2023
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'CHRIST THE KING' SUNDAY
SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE ADVENT LAST SUNDAY OF THE CHRISTIAN YEAR "The Lord is King: let the earth rejoice!" This Sunday (26 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 acknowledged and proclaimed - 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 that 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 - the healing gifts this wounded world so desperately needs. With the ongoing war in Ukraine, and horrifying conflict in the Middle East, 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 here and hereafter, and that his eternal rule is one of light, love and life. "The Lord is King: let the earth rejoice!" A PRAYER FOR THE DAY 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. "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, abide by his truth and live in his love, every moment of our day, and every day of our life; for his name's sake. 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 19 November 2023
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THE SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT
REMEMBRANCE - ONE FINAL THOUGHT For the last few weeks, our thoughts have been focussed on the theme of "remembrance." On All Saints' Day we honoured God's faithful people of every age and place, remembering especially those known to us and loved by us, whose memory we treasure. Then on Remembrance Sunday and on Remembrance (Armistice) Day, we paid tribute, through traditional ceremonies, to all who made the supreme sacrifice, that we might live in a world of justice, peace and freedom. In the village of Lochawe in Argyll, just off the road between Dalmally and Oban, stands the beautiful St. Conan's Kirk, often described as 'Argyll's hidden gem.' Designed and built by Walter Douglas Campbell, St. Conan's Kirk attracts visitors from all over the world, with its splendid lochside setting and easily reached location. Indeed, the Kirk is unique in the Scottish Highlands for having an example of almost every style of Church architecture - with a Norman doorway, Gothic flying buttresses, a Saxon tower and a Celtic cross. At the Kirk there is an oval, white marble plaque in memory of Lieutenant Ian Alastair Campbell of Barcaldine, 2nd Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders, who was mortally wounded on 21st October 1899 at the Battle of Elandslaagte (one of the Boer War battles), "while giving a drink of water to a wounded foe." Over the years, we have rightly remembered and paid tribute to those who laid down their lives for their friends. Here is a young man, however, who gave his life for his enemy. We are unable to tell if this is a unique incident, or whether there are others who lost their lives while giving some assistance to their enemy. It may well be that documents yet undiscovered will show this to be a common phenomenon - or we may simply never know. One of the hardest sayings of Jesus is the command (St. Matthew 5:44) to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. In other words, Jesus calls his disciples to treat people in such a way that no matter how they treat us, or what they do to us, we are still to regard them with a benevolence that seeks their highest good. By doing so, we show the all-embracing love of God who offers his grace to those who do not even acknowledge him, and it allows us, his people, to face challenging situations with forgiveness, empathy and compassion. Is this an impossible objective? It certainly goes against our natural tendency to anger and to bitterness. But that young lieutenant, commemorated at St. Conan's Kirk, who gave his life while helping a foe, is a noble example of what Jesus meant. What a different world it would be if we were much more conscious of our common humanity in Jesus Christ, and made every effort to turn foes into friends and hostility into harmony! A PRAYER FOR THE DAY O God, the Father of all, whose love extends to all people, all creatures, all things, and whose Son has commanded us to love even those who are our enemies and stand against us: give us grace to fulfil this command by leading us forward in goodwill and without prejudice or malice; and in your own good time bring us all to stand reconciled before you, with foes transformed into friends and hate transformed into love; through Jesus Christ 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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Sunday 12 November 2023
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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY:
A PERSONAL VIEW This is Remembrance Sunday, a solemn, national occasion, when we give thanks for those who gave their lives in two world wars, as well as for all those, military and civilian, who have lived and died in the service of mankind. On many occasions, my late father would carefully ponder the immortal lines of Laurence Binyon and make the comment that while we remember them, we should reflect on whether they would wish to remember us. He saw the hard won freedom as placing a high measure of responsibility on us to use it in a way that honours those who paid such a price to make it possible. Our message today is strongly personal, but trust that it offers a thought-provoking message for Remembrance Sunday _________________________________________________________ "At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them." Every year, 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 penned 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 the 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, 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 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 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 an 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 who have debased the very concept of 'freedom,' and have turned liberty into licence, and an excuse to do whatever they please. There is nothing new about this. Writing to the Christians at Galacia, St. Paul reminded them that their Christian freedom gained by the death of Jesus Christ was never 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 perverse values. It is therefore incumbent on us to use the 'freedom' won for us in a way that honours, and never shames, those who paid for it with their lives. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will. remember them. But 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 King, 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 King, the Commonwealth, and all humankind, 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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Saturday 11 November 2023
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REMEMBRANCE DAY:
A SHORT COMMEMORATION God is our refuge and our strength, a timely help in trouble. Those who look to the Lord will win new strength, they will soar as on eagles' wings; they will run and not feel faint, march on and not grow weary. O God, as we mark this day of national remembrance, fill our hearts with true thanksgiving for all your mercies to us; give us grace to honour the fallen, not only with our lips, but in our lives; and grant us peace in our time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Silence. Silence is kept for two minutes. "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. In memory of those who died, make us better men and women in our day and generation; and in gratitude to God let us 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 5 November 2023
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TRINITY 22
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 Christian 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 some 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 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 him. He sees them as occupying a 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 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 of the past who have now completed their journey. 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 29 October 2023
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TRINITY 21
CHANGING THE CLOCK SOME THOUGHTS ON 'TIME' In the early hours of this Sunday morning, British Summer Time came to an end, with the clocks set back by one hour. This brings with it short days and longer nights as we move closer to winter, a season most certainly to be dominated by concern over rising energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis. Nevertheless, this morning at 2.00 a.m. British Summer Time (BST) ended and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) began. In the Bible, 'time' is an important concept. In the Old Testament, in the Book of Ecclesiastes (3:1) we read that "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven," while the writer goes on to say (3:11) that "He (God) has made everything to suit its time." In the New Testament (Ephesians 5:16), St. Paul tells the Christians at Ephesus to "make the best use of time, because the days are evil." Believers are encouraged to make the most of every moment in God's service, and no one would question this advice. There are many things we can do with time. We can use it, lose it, spend it, waste it - but we can't replay it. We may wish we could set back time by an hour, a day, a month or even years. By so doing, through the gift of hindsight, we could act differently, or consider how events might have turned out had circumstances been different at the time. Unlike the sports programmes on television, where actions are often repeated in slow motion, there is no possibility of replaying time. As the Psalmist (90:4) said: "Yesterday is past." And time is always moving forward. There is a well-known saying that "Time waits for no one," and many have been haunted by the brevity of time. Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist and poet, who suffered various periods of illness throughout his life, always feared that "the sunset gun" would suddenly go off before his life's work was finished, while J.M. Barrie (Sir James Barrie), another Scottish novelist and playwright feared that he would "cease to be," before his writing career ended. And it has been said that today we have an obsession with the brevity of time, and that we go to great lengths to eliminate all signs of aging and fading beauty, in the mistaken belief that the older we are, the less precious we become. The passing of time is a truth, a reality we cannot face. 'If only' is a short phrase in common currency. We use it to express regret, remorse, sorrow and guilt. So many feelings and emotions lie behind these two words, which indicate a desire to turn back the clock of life. Even Jesus might have felt like this when, aware of the death of his friend Lazarus, he arrived at the home three days later, only to receive Mary's stern rebuke: "If only you had come, my brother would not have died." (St. John 11:32) Yesterday is past. And time is always moving forward. Those of us of Christian faith can move forward with confidence, trusting in the grace of God, offered to us in Jesus Christ. By that divine forgiveness, the failures of the past lose their power over us, and set us free to move forward in faith with renewed vigour. As we change the clock, let us continue to "make the best use of time" in God's service. "We must use time wisely and forever realise that the time is always ripe to do right," said Nelson Mandela. Or as the late President John F. Kennedy put it in his address in 1961 to the National Association of Manufacturers in New York City: "We must use time as a tool, not as a couch." Christians believe that time is a resource given to us by God - a gift entrusted to us to manage wisely and well. The question is: are we living up to that expectation? Or are we frittering our time away, with little or nothing to show when "the sunset gun" finally fires? Holy God, righteous and merciful, as this new day beckons with its opportunities of pleasing you, we acknowledge our sins and shortcomings and all that is amiss in our lives; for we have so often resisted your will, and wasted the precious gift of time you have generously given to us. Lift us high above our failures; and may your power remake us and shape us into what we ought to be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Almighty and everlasting God, by whose grace we come to this new day: set up your kingdom in our hearts and make us your obedient servants, that we may give our lives to your service and always seek to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty and ever-living God, God of the morning, God of this new day: give us, we pray, the humility to acknowledge our mistakes; the honesty to recognise our weakness; the courage to seek your strength; and the desire to find our satisfaction in work well done; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. 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 may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with us and abide with us always. Amen. |
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Sunday 22 October 2023
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TRINITY 20
A WORLD IN CRISIS In these Autumn days, we cannot ignore the truth that we live in a world in crisis. The war in Ukraine rages, while the cost of living crisis still confronts us. Many long-established businesses have collapsed under the strain of economic circumstances, and national leaders and politicians are deeply divided over how this depressing situation might be addressed. Further to this, horrific scenes from the Israel-Gaza conflict have not escaped our notice, and an escalation of the fighting now looks certain. Indeed, the instability of the region poses a threat to world order, and an article in The Times warned that "the Gaza conflict could soon come to Britain." We live in an age of crisis. What can we do about this? Is there any tactic we can undertake in the chaos around us? Or must we simply accept things as they are and resign ourselves to inaction? In the New Testament, much is said about the Christian's responsibility to the state, and St. Paul makes it clear that no one in the Church is exempt from obligations to rulers and others in high office. "First of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for sovereigns and for all in high office." "Such prayer is right, and approved by God our Saviour." (1 Timothy 2: 1-3) Every Christian has an obligation to pray for those in high office, since the civil powers have been ordained by God for the benefit of his people. We are thinking here about the civil powers as an instrument of government, not individual political leaders or parties. The duty to pray for our leaders and representatives is an essential part of the debt we owe to the state, whether it is Christian or pagan, religious or religiously indifferent, and even anti-religious. It still applies where the civil authorities are just or unjust and must be taken seriously. Prayer for those in authority does not mean that we agree with their policies; nor should it imply flattery or subservience to their position in society. It does not mean that we treat those in authority with uncritical, unquestionable acceptance of what they tell us. To pray for those in authority is to bring before God those on whom the high responsibility of government is laid, in the faith that they will use their office worthily and only for the good of the people committed to their charge. It is more usual these days to look on our leaders and representatives with contempt, but this does not excuse us from our Christian duty to pray for them, in the hope that they may be conscious of their role as ministers of God and agents of Christ's kingly rule. More often than not, our leaders are targets of barbed criticism, or people we turn to only in an emergency. It has been said that "whether or not our leaders are Christians, we should pray that God will guide them as they guide us." It is often claimed that in a democratic society the failure to register a vote at an election - national, regional or local - is to abandon our share in maintaining the state as a just state, and thereby abdicating our civic responsibility. If we do not cast a vote in any election, we lose the moral right to complain at policies with which we disagree, or altogether dislike. It is equally argued that if we fail to pray for our leaders and those in high office, we are abdicating our responsibility as a Christian citizen. Our world is in crisis. We worship, work and express our Christian faith in an age of crisis. In the chaos of our day, it is incumbent on us to pray "for sovereigns and for all in high office," for, as St. Paul reassures us "Such prayer is right, and approved by God our Saviour, whose will it is that all should find salvation and come to know the truth." (1 Timothy 2: 1-4) As citizens of a modern democracy, the least we can do is to pray for those who exercise authority over us, knowing that doing so is not an option to be treated casually, but a duty to be taken seriously. The late President John F. Kennedy once famously said: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." To pray for those in high office, in a world in crisis, is surely a priority and a beginning. O God, whose kingdom stretches forth to all corners of the earth: teach us each new day to pray for our leaders, and those in authority over us; that they may always be mindful that they are your ministers and agents, and servants of Christ's kingly rule; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR ALL IN AUTHORITY Lord of our life and God of our salvation, we ask your blessing on all that is best about us, and your forgiveness for anything that has fallen short of the greatness of the past, the hopes of the present, and the call to higher things in the future. Guide those who direct the affairs of this world/nation/community. Sustain them in their work, support them in their anxieties, and strengthen them in their resolve to seek and pursue the well-being of all the people Give them joy in their service, due pride in their successes, and the approval of a good conscience in all their endeavours. And so work among us by your good and kindly Spirit, that our world/nation/community may be renewed in beauty and order, in happiness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. From: Common Order (Church of Scotland), Edinburgh 1994, 480-481 (adapted) 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 15 October 2023
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TRINITY 19
THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE "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. How do we understand "experience" in the world of today? As a stepping-stone or a stumbling block? 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 seemingly insoluble problems and get a satisfactory solution. Through "experience," we find a way of coping with all kinds of circumstances, recognising it as an educator. In a wider context, "experience" teaches us much about ourselves and the world around us. It may help us find a true purpose in life, make more accurate and meaningful decisions, or enrich our lives in a new and exciting ways. It also assists us in learning new skills and techniques, and develops empathy and compassion for others. The precious gift of "experience" is not to be squandered or taken lightly. "Experience" is what leads to growth, knowledge and wisdom. It may be a tutor that assists our progress in the so-called "university of life." Sir Roger Bannister was an English neurologist. He was also an athlete and the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. This was accomplished in 1954 in Oxford, and achieved with the minimal training, while practising as a junior doctor. His record lasted only forty-six days. But Bannister had found his way into the history books - using the experience of others who had tried this before him. "Experience" was Bannister's mentor. 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 the Israel-Gaza conflict has caused so much destruction and distress. 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 8 October 2023
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TRINITY 18
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 other issue as an excuse. Few of us heed the advice 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 out 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 invitation, 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, might have missed out on something special - perhaps the opportunity of a lifetime that they would always carry in their lives. Their worldly business was much more important than God's demands. The party political conference season is now underway, with speeches on all kinds of matters that impact our lives. Every political party, irrespective of its stripe, is guilty of making excuses, trying to justify its policies by offering all kinds of claims to satisfy the appetite of its supporters. Excuses are a fact of life, and always have been. In the Bible, we find leading figures trotting out excuses on many occasions. Moses told God he was not eloquent in speech to confront Pharaoh; Jeremiah protested that he was too young to be a prophet, while someone Jesus called to discipleship said he had to go first and bury his father - who may not have been dead. We are all "masters of the art of excuse-making." A leading UK psychologist has argued that making excuses on a constant basis is bad for our mental health, and restricts our growth into mature, responsible people. It is a sign that we do not want to be accountable, or assume full responsibility for our actions. From a spiritual perspective, excuses keep us from living in the freedom and the fullness of life brought to us in Jesus Christ, and prevent us from becoming the people God created us to be. 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 a 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 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 1 October 2023
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TRINITY 17
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. And as St. Paul reminds us (2 Corinthians 9: 10-11), God will always swell the harvest of our benevolence, and we will always be rich enough to be generous, contributing towards the needs of God's people. This should further inspire us to remember the Lord our God, and to offer him our thanksgiving and praise! 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 disease 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 24 September 2023
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TRINITY 16
THE UNRESTRICTED GOD In recent months, new regulations have been introduced that affect our way of life. For example, new ultra-low (carbon) emission zones have been created in Glasgow, following the example of other cities, while new measures have been introduced to regulate speed in built-up areas through "traffic calming." The minimum pricing of alcohol is intended to reduce alcohol abuse in Scotland, while regulations about the sale of food at public events are meant to make this practice safer. Television interviews give an insight into how the public reacts to recently-imposed restrictions. Some welcome them as essential measures; others think differently, and regard them as a restraint on personal liberty, or a further threat to economic recovery. Whether we like them or not, the fact remains that in this life we simply cannot do as we please, and some means of regulation is beyond question. We can easily put God's people under restrictions. We are not able, however, to put God under restrictions. The Old Testament provides a picture of a God who is forever patient, kind and long-suffering with his people. Thus in Psalm 103:8 we read that: "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." The word "abounding" suggests that God's love is not tied to regulation, but is ever-giving and overflowing. In Psalm 121:4 we are told that God "will never slumber nor sleep." Once again, this is a way of saying that the Lord will never let us go, and keeps a constant watch over his people, night and day. In a word, the Lord is "never off duty" - he never rests, or neglects the people under his charge. These are simple thoughts in simple words, but they do convey the truth that we cannot put God under restriction or regulation. His love transcends all boundaries, all frontiers, and is not constrained by any restrictions the human mind may devise. In the New Testament, in St. Matthew's Gospel (5:45), it is said that God "makes his sun to shine on the good and the evil: he sends his rain on the just and the unjust." This further informs us that God's benevolence is not bestowed according to regulation, but is freely and generously given through God's redeeming grace. We may or may not like living under new and tighter restrictions. Nevertheless, it is reassuring to know that even if God's people may be subject to them, God himself is above all human regulation. As Professor William Barclay puts it: "In God there is this universal benevolence even towards those who have broken his law and broken his heart." The God we worship is "the unrestricted God." A PRAYER FOR THE DAY God of all goodness and grace, giver of every good and perfect gift: we bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but most of all for your unfailing love, given to us freely and without restriction or restraint.... In these days of uncertainty and change, help us to put our whole trust in you, and to rejoice in that love divine which knows no boundaries, brought to us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK Lord, when it is dark and we cannot feel your presence, and nothing seems real any more, and we are tempted to give up trying, help us to remember that you are never really absent and to trust you still; so may we rest in your love, and know that underneath are the everlasting arms. Amen. Father, give to us, and to all your people, in times of anxiety, serenity; in times of hardship, courage; in times of uncertainty, patience; and at all times a quiet trust in your wisdom and love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. From: New Every Morning (New Edition), London 1982, 105, 101 THE BLESSING May the love of the Father enfold us, the wisdom of the Son enlighten us, the fire of the Spirit enflame us; and may the blessing of God rest upon us and abide with us, now and evermore. Amen. |
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Sunday 17 September 2023
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TRINITY 15
BE STRONG IN THE LORD! On this Battle of Britain Sunday, we mark the 83rd anniversary of the remarkable victory of Royal Air Force pilots and aircrew, which was not only a dramatic turning point in the Second World War, but the first decisive battle in history fought exclusively in the air. It was Britain's darkest hour, as its very survival hung in the balance. The elimination of the Royal Air Force in the air and on the ground would prepare the way for a massive seaborne and airborne invasion. "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed to so many by so few." This famous quote by Sir Winston Churchill was a light in darkness, and strengthened the resilience of the people at a time of national peril. In Ephesians 6: 10-20, it is the words of St. Paul, and not Churchill, that become a light in darkness. "Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his power." At Ephesus, the Christians were passing through difficult times, just as this country did over eighty years ago. They faced the constant threat of persecution for their faith , and even the reality of a martyr's death. It was a fragmented society: disunity and disharmony were rife, and people were divided from one another - class from class, creed from creed, Jew from Gentile and so on. Men and women, meant to be in fellowship with one another and with God, were estranged from each other and from God. People of that time also believed that evil spirits filled the air, and were determined to harm them. When St. Paul uses words like 'powers,' 'authorities,' and 'rulers,' he is using names for the different types or classes of evil spirits that were thought to fill the air in the ancient world. In his mind, and in the thinking of his contemporaries, the universe was a battle ground: one in which Christians had to put up with attacks, not only from their enemies, but from strong spiritual forces in the air itself. In Churchillian language, the apostle, taking leave of his people, offers these words of inspiration: "Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his power." Has anything really changed? It could be said of us today that we are passing through difficult times - times of massive uncertainty about the present, and of anxiety about the future. From a military perspective, the Battle of Britain finished in 1940. However, in another sense, it still goes on. Christian men, women and children are now "the few" - a minority, we are told - struggling hard against adverse forces to maintain a Christian witness in an increasingly religionless age. Not only that, when we consider the state of the nation, we can easily succumb to despair. Like those Christians at Ephesus, we live in a deeply and often bitterly divided society. We do not, of course, believe that the air is contaminated by evil spirits, driving us round the proverbial bend. But our society is a shambles, largely through social, economic, political, spiritual and other problems, eating away at the very fabric of our existence. A well-known Scottish churchman of a previous age once said of his own youthful lifestyle that " he found himself going to hell in a hurry." That could be said of this country, if not of the world today: that we are heading for hell in a hurry. How do we respond to this? Listen once more to these words of St. Paul, couched in ringing tones and almost Churchillian in their style: "Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his power." In a word: keep the faith. Stand firm. Hold your ground. Uphold all that is good. Today, we remember and give thanks for those who took part in the Battle of Britain. And as we honour their memory, we pledge ourselves anew to the cause of justice, freedom and peace. We also remember that today we are now "the few," struggling in an age that is closing churches by the score and where indifference and unbelief are rampant, to keep our Christian conscience and convictions intact, and to express them without fear of scorn and derision. "Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his power." Be faithful: and empowered by the Lord's strength. That was God's word to his people then. That is God's word to his people now. THE PRAYER OF COMMEMORATION Almighty God, from whose love in Christ we cannot be parted, either by death or by life: on this 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Britain, we remember, and give thanks for 'the few,' to whom we owe so much, for those who made the supreme sacrifice, and for all who have lived and died in the service of mankind. We also remember, and give thanks for all who have gone before us in the Faith: who have entered into that great community of love, where Christ has gone to prepare a place for us, so that where he is, we may also be. Keep us in unbroken fellowship with the whole Church in heaven and on earth, and bring us at last with all your saints to glory everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who, with you, Father, and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, is worshipped and glorified, world without end. Amen. THE BLESSING God grant to the living, grace; to the departed rest; to the Church, the King, 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 and abide with us always. Amen. |
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Sunday 10 September 2023
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TRINITY 14
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. These days it is so easy to get into the grip of discouragement. We all know that life can be discouraging, for this is a common and a familiar human experience. Without encouragement, we may feel pointless and without purpose. Without encouragement, we may feel unwanted, unloved or rejected. Without encouragement, we may want to give up and surrender to despair. Even worse, we may become convinced that God is not interested in our welfare, and that the Christian conviction that God loves us is mere myth. Throughout the Bible, "the ministry of encouragement" informs us that encouragement nurtures patience and kindness, makes it easier to sacrifice our own desires for the wellbeing of others, and restores hope where every inkling of hope is lost. In short: "the ministry of encouragement is essential to true Christian living - without it, we are ill-equipped for life's challenging difficulties and demands. We all know someone (past or present) who has been a source of encouragement to us, making us what we are and moulding our faith into what it is. It may be a quiet power, but is often a strong force. Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, attributes much of his business success to the airline executive, Sir Freddie Laker; Barack Obama (former US President) says that even before marriage Michelle was an inspiring influence on his life; while Plato, the Greek philosopher, owed much to the mentorship of Socrates, and he in turn influenced Aristotle. "The ministry of encouragement" has profound consequences. As Christ's servants today, "the ministry of encouragement" is laid on us all to go forth and encourage others. As Goethe, the German poet and novelist once said: "Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower!" Or, as another spiritual writer of an earlier age put it: "Encouragement is giving Christian grace with our words." "Encouragement is giving Christian grace with our words." Is that what we are doing? Or do we casually leave "the ministry of encouragement" to others? 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 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 3 September 2023
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TRINITY 13
DREAMS AND DREAMERS "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. Throughout Scripture, God uses dreams to communicate with people: to free the oppressed, liberate nations and turn rebellious hearts back to him. The word "dream" is used eighty-seven times in the Old Testament, and eight times in the New Testament. Jacob, Abraham, Samuel, Isaiah, Jesus, the disciples and Paul are among many who had a life-changing encounter with God in a dream. Dreams are important in the Bible. In 1 Kings 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. 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. "The outcome of God's dream was Creation." 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-centred dreamers with Christ-centred dreams would be a blessing to all of us. As Steven Spielberg, the American film director, producer and screenwriter has said: "I don't dream at night, I dream all day; I dream for a living." Dreaming for a living. If only Christians would do just that! "Blessed are those who dream for a living; for they shall not be disappointed." (Anonymous) A PRAYER FOR TODAY Most gracious God, whose nature it is to forgive and to renew the lives of your people: as we acknowledge 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, 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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