As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.  John 17 : 24

Reading for this week : John 17 : 20- 27

Thought for the week

In our Gospel reading today Jesus prays to the Father for unity amongst His disciples. We see how vital unity is to Jesus’ Kingdom and making Him known in the world. Jesus prays that through the unity of those who believe and follow Jesus the world can witness the unity of Jesus with the Father.

This is the challenge Jesus gives to us as His believers. That we should love one another, and in the way we perceive each other, treat each other, speak to each other, of all churches and none, as believers we should be one.

As we come to the Queen’s Jubilee this week, we see how her life of faith has strengthened and inspired her for the enormous task of reigning as Queen for so many years, and to have such an influence in her life. It is still moving to see her as a young girl coming to the throne and committing herself to a life of service. She often speaks of the prayers that sustained her. The prayers of believers and faithful Christians around the world.

Through her humility and faith she has succeeded in a very remarkable way. May we as Christ’s people also succeed in the unity Jesus prayed for. The unity we are called to show, so the world may know Jesus is Lord.

Rev Paul

A Prayer for this week

Gracious God, we give you thanks for the reign of your servant Elizabeth our Queen,
and for the example of loving and faithful service which she has shown among us.
Help us to follow her example of dedication and to commit our lives to you and to one another,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.