He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10 : 13 - 16
Readings this week Psalm 139; Mark 10 : 13 - 16
Some thoughts for this week
This has been a week of changes and new beginnings, not least in all we see around us. Autumn has begun, and it seemed to start as soon as the schools returned and the new term began. I wonder how many changes the children see in themselves and each other? I wonder how many are adjusting to having grown and started in new classes or schools.
All our lives are full of changes, and we move through seasons in our lives. Yet the Lord is the one who does not change. Whose love is constant. Whose nature is the same from one generation to another. (Psalm 90)
Today in our services and during this week we are praying for the schools as they begin again. For the challenges and joys of the staff, parents, governors, and especially for the children. No matter what age we are and what season in life, the Lord goes ahead of us and is with us. (Psalm 139 : 5)
So we are called to keep trusting in the Lord, and to keep growing in Him. We are each called to listen to Jesus each day, to read the Word, and to learn from Him. The Lord is at work in us all the time, helping us to change, We never stop growing. The Lord never stops helping us to grow in Jesus.
Rev Paul
Prayers for this week
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray and to give more than either we desire or deserve: pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen
God of constant mercy, who sent your Son to save us: remind us of your goodness, increase your grace within us, that our thankfulness may grow, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
People to pray for
For Rev Phil and the Diocesan visit to Papua New Guinea
For our PCC meeting this week
For a new school year