Merciful God,

your Son came to save us

and bore our sins on the cross:

may we trust in your mercy

and know your love,

rejoicing in the righteousness

that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Readings this week :  Genesis 50 : 15 - 21; Romans 14 : 1 - 12; Matthew 18 : 21 - 35

Thought for the week :

As Autumn comes change is definitely in the air. We breathe it in early in the mornings, and begin to feel a chill in the evenings.

For many of us change can be disconcerting, worrying, even frightening. There seems so much change in our lives these days, and not always for good.

Yet the change in us Jesus brings is always for the good, because He is the source of goodness. Our Gospel reading this week reflects on forgiveness, and Jesus tells a parable that emphasises forgiveness that offers a change of heart, and the consequences for ourselves and everyone of not accepting that change.

In Psalm 23 we hear how forgiveness flows from the heart of Jesus. “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life”. Mercy, and the forgiveness won by Jesus pour upon us in our lives, and how we need them! Yet so much of the pain in the world is being caused by people not accepting the change forgiveness brings.

We are called to bring change. It begins with us. How can we personally ensure the forgiveness won by Jesus changes our hearts?

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

Forgiveness is mercy.
Such pardon and kindness I cannot fathom.

Forgiveness is unfailing love.
Such patience and understanding I cannot comprehend.

Forgiveness is overwhelming compassion.
Such sympathy and warmth I cannot reciprocate.

Forgiveness is the blotting out of transgressions.
Such freedom and goodwill I do not deserve.

Forgiveness is the washing away of my iniquities.
Such purity and newness I cannot maintain.

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

Based on (Psalm 51:13,15) ~ posted by Steve Brown on Worship Ideas You Can Use. http://sjbrown58.wordpress.com/

People to pray for :

The church in Pakistan

The people of Morocco and Libya after the recent devastation

For those preparing for Baptism