Sunday 12 JUly 2020
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Prayer
I can’t do much, Lord, to help in this time of crisis, but I surely can do something: a message of concern, a word of reassurance, a gesture of affection, an expression of solidarity – there must be all kinds of ways in which I can try, at least, to respond. For there is so much fear, so much need. so much loneliness, so much heartache – so many people needing something, anything, to offer them hope, comfort, cheer. And if in some small way, no matter how insignificant it may seem, I can help to make a difference, it has to be worth doing. Open my eyes, Lord, open my mind, open my heart, and help me to see where I might serve, and to do so. Amen. (Nick Fawcett). The Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven… hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us in the time of trial and deliver us from evil for the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. See Video – God and the Coronavirus (from Sunday @11.30am) Readings Matthew 13:1-9, and 18-23 For the word of God in Scripture For the word of God among us For the word of God within us Thanks be to God. Reflection Today’s readings comprise Jesus’ famous Parable of the Sower. Usually when we hear this we are invited to think of the various types of ground where the seed lands and then ask ourselves whether we are ‘good soil”. But we could try asking a different kind of question. Instead of the ground we could ask about the person sowing the seed. Who is the sower? Our first response might be – God. On second thoughts, we might say – it’s Jesus himself. But there is a third possibility which is also equally valid. We are called to be sowers! Think about that. We are called to be bearers and sharers of the gospel message in our words and deeds. How are we doing in that task? Prayer Jesus, people came to you when they were in trouble or pain. Friends carried them, strangers told you about them; some invited you into their homes or met you walking on the road. You listened to them, you prayed with them, and you brought healing and hope into their lives. Today we ask that you would bless the people that are most on our minds, and who at this time especially need to know your presence, encouragement and comfort. We thank you, for all engaged in the ministries of healing and reconciliation, for those who work in hospitals and hospices, for doctors and district nurses, for carers and counselors, for peacemakers and peacekeepers. God our maker, Jesus our healer, Holy Spirit of love and life, hear our prayers. To those who seek you, to all who need you, to the world you cherish bring healing, bring wholeness, bring peace Amen. Blessing May Christ’s peace surround us May Christ’s light shine on us May Christ’s joy fill us May Christ’s blessing always go with us. Amen. |
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