A Prayer:“…..as we rejoice in the gift of your presence among us, let the light of your love always shine in our hearts, your Spirit ever renew our lives, and your praises ever be on our lips.”Reflection:It has recently been my privilege, along with Vicki, to prepare some of our youngsters for their Confirmation. We are often too quick to “have a go” at youngsters, but hear some of the things they have said:“I would like to feel closer to God…and develop my faith.” “I wish to show the strength of my faith and belief in God.” “I enjoy being a Christian, it makes me happy.” “I would like to try and live my life in line with its [Christian] values.” “I am proud of my faith, it makes me feel safe.”We can learn a lot from our youngsters….if we take the time to sit and talk with them and listen to them! Please hold Serena, Kirah-Jane, Pip, Will and Cecilia in your prayers as they are confirmed today. Pray the prayer above: for the gift of God’s presence in their lives; that His love might shine in their hearts; that His Spirit will ever renew their lives; and that they continue to praise God all their lives.Revd David
From the Collect (special prayer) for this week'God, you have broken the tyranny of sin and have sent the Spirit of your Son into our hearts whereby we call you Father: give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service, that we and all creation may be brought to the glorious liberty of the children of God.'Reflection:There are different sorts of Freedom: freedom from (sin, persecution, anxiety, etc); freedom to (eg worship, marry whom we please, vote); and freedom to be (to be our best self, the person God designed us to be).For the religious leaders of Jesus’s day ‘religion’ was all about obeying the Jewish Law, with all its man made additions, to the letter. By contrast, Jesus’s teaching is both simple and all-encompassing: Love God with your whole being, and reflect this love in you loving actions to your fellow human beings. Genuine, unselfish love is the way to find perfect freedom.These are God’s guidelines, founded not on harsh restrictions but on love.Revd Rosemary
