Start of Lent: Waiting in darkness Watch and Pray invites us all to wait expectantly for God this Lent, and to draw on Black Spirituality in search of new wisdom and hope even in times of struggle and trial. We begin the journey waiting with – and searching for – God in darkness. Prayer for the Week Lord, grant us the faith to wait together in darkness and uncertainty – for it is there we will find you. May we come to know you this Lent in ways we have not yet discovered or even imagined. Amen. Waiting with Jesus Start of Lent - Ash Wednesday Access an audio version of this reflection via our free app for Apple and Android devices. Reading Matthew 26.36-38 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.’ Reflection Watch and Pray invites us all to wait expectantly for God this Lent, and to draw on Black Spirituality in search of new wisdom and hope. The spiritual practice known as "tarrying" is a prominent aspect of many Black - especially Pentecostal - congregations. "Tarrying" is a time of waiting on God which involves the whole community. It encourages us to encounter God both as individuals and together. As we wait, we pray for our own needs, as well as those of our neighbour. "Tarrying" also encourages us to watch, paying attention to matters we might push under the rug to deal with "another time". Doing so might feel overwhelming. But as we sit in the presence of God who looks upon us with delight, we find ourselves waiting with and for Jesus, who is familiar with our weaknesses. Watch Notice any worries or feelings you might be afraid to deal with as we begin Lent. ...and pray today by setting aside time to hold these before God - and wait.
Day 8—Thursday 25th January 2024 Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise”. (Luke 10: 37) Lord, may our mercy be a sign of your Kingdom. Additional scripture passages Romans 12: 9-13 Psalm 41: 1-2 Reflection Jesus sends each of us, and our churches to live out his commandment to love. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we are sent out to reach to a suffering humanity with compassion and mercy. Like the Good Samaritan, we can choose not to reject those who are different, rather actively seeking out opportunities to be hospitable, to welcome and to share. To truly be neighbours, we must go beyond that which does not cost us anything, as we learn how Christ’s love visits us through the welcoming of others. Striving together for merciful unity helps rebuild relationships, so that violence can give way to solidarity and peace. As mutual trust and confidence increase, our hope is that Christ’s love heals us through each other’s mercy and care. We pray for Christ Church. Emmanuel Church Centre. Our local volunteer groups. Cooperation and love between our churches. We pray together … Father God, who holds the world in loving embrace, may we care for each other as you do. Holy Spirit, giver of life, open us to each other and strengthen our bonds of communion and mutual affection. Prince of Peace, give us the resolve to live out the Gospel faithfully, that we may be radical welcomers and reconcilers. Amen Question What does this call of Christ imply for your relationship with members of other churches? Go and do Where do you notice God’s dream working in your community? Explore how you might join in.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - Day 7—Wednesday 24th January 2024 Jesus said: “Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour?” (Luke 10: 36) Lord, show us how to respond to our neighbour. Additional scripture passages Philippians 2: 1-5 Psalm 10: 17-18 Reflection At the end of the parable, Jesus asked the lawyer who was the neighbour to the man who was robbed. The lawyer replied that it was the one who showed mercy. He does not say “the Samaritan” and we might imagine that the hostility between Samaritans and Jews made that hard to admit. We often discover our neighbours in the most unexpected people. In today’s world, where polarised politics often set those of different religious identities against one another, Jesus challenges us to see the importance of our vocation to transgress borders and walls of separation. Like the lawyer, we are challenged to reflect upon how we live our lives, not merely in terms of whether we do good or not, but whether, like the priest and the Levite, we are neglecting to “do mercy.” We pray for St Joseph’s R C Church. Our local interfaith groups. Those working for peace and reconciliation. We pray together Holy God, your Son Jesus Christ came among us to show the way of compassion. Help us by your Spirit to follow his example, to serve the needs of all your children, and so witness together as Christians to your ways of love and mercy. Amen Question How can you “do mercy” today? Go and do Think about the ways that Christians, churches and people of other faiths have been merciful to those who have least expected it.
