Daily ScriptureThen Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.’ (John 4 v 48) Daily Reflection We all pray for what we desire. However, it often seems that I receive very little of what I have asked for, at least in the way I wanted it to be answered. Does that mean that Jesus did not hear my prayer? Do I only believe in Jesus if He answers my prayers exactly as I specify? Instead of impatiently waiting for the answer to our specific prayer, we need to be open and listen deeply. Jesus will answer our prayer, however, our answer may have a different “take” or direction that we may not have anticipated. We need to be open and trust Jesus to bless us as we truly need. Jesus will not disappoint us, even if we have to wait for a while. Lyn Hayes ALM
Daily Scripture:Give me again the joy of your salvation and sustain me with your gracious spirit. (Psalm 51:7)Daily Reflection:Psalm 51 is read every day in Morning Prayer throughout Lent. And with good reason. As I reflected on Wednesday, it’s a time of acknowledging that we all sin, and that God is abundant in His compassion. That is, of course, wonderful news – but it still feels as it is coming from a negative, ie us sinning. So how about the joy and positivity of this verse in the Psalm? Read it again; and take in the meaning of these few words.We can all do with some joy in our lives right now. We all need something to sustain us. Here they are – in one verse – if we allow ourselves time to think about the enormity of what is packed into these words. I encourage you: pray this Psalm today. Revd David
Daily ScriptureGod is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4.24)Daily ReflectionJesus makes clear that God is not somewhere else, but here, sharing our breath, with us in spirit. To be at peace with God, we need to look inside ourselves, to face up to the truth. Jesus was discussing differences in views about God with a Samaritan woman (a double offence to orthodoxy); he was showing her a God who cares intimately about how we live - how we care for ourselves and how we care for those who share our space – and is not limited by geography or creed. The outward practice of religion may or may not help, but certainly cannot replace inward truthful communion in spirit. David Harmsworth
Daily ScriptureHave mercy on me, O God, in your great goodness; according to the abundance of your compassion blot out my offences. Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my faults and my sin is ever before me. (Psalm 51:1-3)Daily ReflectionToday is Ash Wednesday, the start of the period of Lent – a six week journey leading us to the joy of the Easter celebration. Traditionally a time of “sack-cloth and ashes”; an austere time, a seemingly bleak time. But actually a time of spiritual growth….if we let it be so, by entering into the spirit of Lent. The starting point is that simple statement by the Psalmist: “For I acknowledge my faults.” He recognises that he sins, and asks God to, “Cleanse me from my sin.” That is not returning to sack-cloth and ashes; that is about recognising and admitting our own faults and sins; which every single one of us have. That is the starting point of growth in a personal relationship with our compassionate God; He will “blot out my offences” – if I recognise and admit them to Him. Ash Wednesday is a good day to start that personal journey. Revd David
