“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. Luke 12 : 35 – 36

Readings this week Genesis 15 : 1 - 6; Hebrews 11 : 1 – 3, 8 - 16; Luke 12 : 32 - 40

Thought for this week

Our Gospel reading this week features a master returning from a wedding celebration, expecting his servants to be ready to let him in and to serve him, no matter how late the hour.

We are in the wedding season, and it is a real privilege to be involved in the wedding day of couples and their families. Days that have involved weeks of preparation and anticipation.

Jesus speaks of us being ready to receive Him when he returns. He will one day come again to the earth in glory. He will come as Saviour and Judge, and all truth will be revealed.

In the meantime we are called to be ready. In Revelation Jesus says of Himself, ‘See I stand at the door and knock’. We make ourselves ready now by opening the door to Jesus now. To receive His love and listen to His voice. Receive His promise of forgiveness and new life. We are called to lay aside our fears and anxieties, and receive Him into our lives. The true joy of belonging to Him. 

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

Almighty Lord and everlasting God, we beseech you to direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of your laws and the works of your commandments; that through your most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen

Lord God, your Son left the riches of heaven and became poor for our sake: when we prosper save us from pride, when we are needy save us from despair, that we may trust in you alone; Amen

People to pray for

For those encountering changes in their lives

For those on holiday or travelling

For those working in the NHS