Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40 : 31

Bible reading : Matthew 25 : 1 - 13

Thought for the week

Today is Remembrance Sunday as we come to remember those who died in the wars defending our country, to give thanks for our freedom and to commit ourselves to the way of peace, in the strength of Jesus The Prince of Peace.

This is of course all the more poignant as we face in these days an unseen enemy, and all the disruption that is causing to so many. We have today many who are making sacrifices, we have new front lines, a fight for a vaccine and for freedom, and the virus is affecting the lives of us all.

Jesus tells the Parable of a wedding, and of bridesmaids called to take part, and yet some are unprepared.

It is a reminder to us how we are all called by Jesus to take part in His Kingdom. We are all called to keep our lamps filled so we can shine brightly for Him. So we are ready to meet Him in the people we see and those on our hearts to pray for.

This second lockdown has come with a call from the Archbishops to pray. Many of us have adopted the practice of pausing wherever we are to say the Lord’s Prayer at 12 o’clock each day. It connects us with one another and brings us into the conscious awareness of the presence of God. You may wish to join us.

Alongside this, within the benefice, we will be giving a simple suggestion for each day of something you might like to pray about as we pray together for the world in all its trauma and anguish and also as we give thanks for God’s continued presence and faithfulness to us in this time of uncertainty and difficulty. - see separate news-item for this week's suggested topics.

In this lockdown may we shine with Jesus’ Light, that everyone may know His presence and His Peace.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

God, our refuge and strength,

bring near the day when wars shall cease

and poverty and pain shall end,

that earth may know the peace of heaven

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.