Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbours. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”  Luke 14 : 12 - 14

Readings this week Proverbs 25 : 6 - 7; Hebrews 13 : 1 – 8, 15 - 16; Luke 14 : 1. 7 - 14

Some thoughts for this week

In our Gospel reading Jesus accepts a dinner invitation from a Pharisee, but He is being ‘carefully watched’. Jesus goes on to speak about true hospitality being from God’s heart of love. These are some prayers written on this theme:

 Hospitable God, you invite us to a banquet where the last may be first, and the humble and the mighty trade places. Let us share your abundance with no fear of scarcity; let us greet strangers as angels you have sent! Send your Spirit now so that we may find a place at your table and welcome others with radical hospitality. In the name of Jesus, Guest at all our tables, we pray. Amen.

Rev. Christopher Ney, and posted on website. http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/year-c/p/pentecost-ordinary-time-15.html

Hospitality Prayer

Holy God, hospitality does not always come easily. There are so many other things to do, important things. I have responsibilities that get in the way of my best intentions. Give me eyes to see that possibilities and a heart big enough to make room for someone else. Amen.

aneno Huandikwa Kwa Choo. Posted https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=175390252539942&story_fbid=490855277660103

Prayers for this week

O God, you declare your almighty power most chiefly in showing mercy and pity: mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace, that we, running the way of your commandments, may receive your gracious promises, and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

God of glory, the end of our searching, help us to lay aside all that prevents us from seeking your kingdom, and to give all that we have to gain the pearl beyond all price, through our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

People to pray for

For children, staff and parents as the new school year and new term begins

For all those meeting with Jesus for the first time