Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you. 1 Timothy 6 : 11 - 12

Readings this week Amos 6 : 1a, 4 - 7; 1 Timothy 6 : 6 - 19; Luke 16 : 19 - end

Some thoughts for this week

The image on the front this week dates from 1989. It is an invitation to pray at the time before the Berlin Wall fell. A time of heightened tension, St Nikolai Church in Leipzig began to host ‘Monday Prayers for Peace’. The gatherings began with 5 or 6 people. During the Autumn many more joined. By October 9th 70,000 had turned up, with the message from Isaiah 2 : 4 of swords into ploughshares. These were prayers for peace.

In our Gospel reading Jesus tells of a man who has cut himself off from other people, from God Himself, from any hope. It has come about through greed and a hardened heart without compassion. It is a tragic picture, and hard to contemplate. Yet a reminder to us to constantly open our hearts and lives to the truth of who Jesus is and all He has won for us through His love, His Cross and His resurrection.

Prayer opens our lives to other people, to the beauty of God’s world, and to His love for us each day. This is Creationtide when we look closely at the reality of the Lord’s love through His creation. How is prayer opening our hearts today? To Jesus’ words? To the beauty of creation? To the needs of others? Prayer is a gift for us and others to lead fuller lies in Jesus’ love. 

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

God, who in generous mercy sent the Holy Spirit upon your Church in the burning fire of your love: grant that your people may be fervent in the fellowship of the gospel that, always abiding in you, they may be found steadfast in faith and active in service; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen

Lord God, defend your Church from all false teaching and give to your people knowledge of your truth, that we may enjoy eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen

People to pray for

For ecologists, environmentalists, scientists and Governments involved with climate issues and climate change

For poorer nations as they try to cope with harsher conditions for their farmers