PRAYER
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Colossians 4:3
October 2024
The prison system in the UK is under great strain. This month we are praying for those who are serving prison sentences, and those working in prisons or supporting prisons ministry. Every year there is a Prisons Week prayer campaign. This year it is running from 13th-19th October but of course we do not have to restrict our intercessions to this one week! Prisons Week are asking for people to pray 'not only for offenders and victims of crime (recognising that many people in prison are both)…[but] also for families, friends, prison staff, chaplains, police, probation and all who make decisions which impact people’s lives.
A resident from the Nehemiah Project (a ministry helping men recover from drug and alcohol abuse) writes: ‘I come to you as one afflicted for years - shunned from friends and peers. I looked for help everywhere but that just added to my despair. I need to push through the crowd of doubt with prayer, but I feel unworthy. Lord, I reach for you like the lady in Matthew. Lord let me touch the outer limits of you so you can help me as you do. Oh Jesus Christ I’m scared you’ll refuse my prayer, tell me off and not care. But Lord I am there in that story - will you say, and let it be true, ‘take heart my son your faith has healed you'.
Below are some prayers that have been submitted for the 2024 prayer week:
•God and Heavenly Father, please show us how we can give freely and
willingly of what we possess, including our time, to serve and support those
you love and care about connected with the prison system – prisoners, their
families, victims of crime, and those who serve in prisons as officers, chaplains and in many other ways
•We pray for all those affected by prison; be with them when they are in pain, feeling sad, angry, lonely, or betrayed. Give them eyes to see you when in places of darkness. Let them see your spark of light, receive your love, and seek to do good wherever they are. May they accept your invitation Jesus, follow your example, and know that your love can restore and transform their lives.
•Lord Jesus, grant me wisdom and courage to find that place of balance in my life, between doing and being. There is so much hurt and need in this world that your Spirit calls me to acknowledge and respond to. As I come to you for myself Lord, I also remember all those who seek to serve and support others, feed them and fill them to overflowing that all people will know your saving power. Amen.
•Come Lord, break into this world of ours and reorder our understanding; where the hurt and damaged find healing, the oppressed are granted justice, and the stranger is welcomed. Stir up within us your compassion. Give us a new heart, a new vision of who we are as your people and how you call us to live with one another. Hear our prayers for change; that your Kingdom may come here in our homes, our places of work, our prisons and our communities. Amen.
For more information and prayers see https://www.prisonsweek.org/2024-campaign/
September 2024
Why is it so important to forgive?
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
What do the world’s greatest thinkers say about forgiveness?
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"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Mahatma Gandhi
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All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives." - Dalai Lama
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""If we really want to love we must learn how to forgive." - Mother Theresa
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"When a deep injury is done to us, we never heal until we forgive." - Nelson Mandela
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"Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
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"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." - C.S. Lewis
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"To err is human; to forgive, divine." - Alexander Pope
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"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." - Robert Muller
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"When you forgive, you in no way change the past - but you sure do change the future."
- Bernard Meltzer -
"It's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody. "
- Maya Angelou -
"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you."
- Lewis B. Smedes
Not one of these quotes makes repentance a condition of forgiveness. Indeed, when Peter asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy seven times”. Here we are presented with a true and very demanding concept of forgiveness because it puts the onus first and foremost on us and not the person who has wronged us. It’s difficult isn’t it? Estrangement will usually have two sides but what about when someone kills a loved one or a despot is responsible for killing many? Luke 23-24 can be a starting point, “…they know not what they do”. How many people really know “what they do”? Despots and extremists believe that what they do is right, psychopaths have no conscience pulling them back, and the seriously mentally ill are not responsible for their actions. In all cases we cannot judge how another person felt or why they behaved as they did. We cannot understand what drives people to do what we believe we would never do. And we are charged with loving them whatever they do, as Jesus does.
Perfect love – the Christ like love we are charged with emulating – does not exist without forgiveness. Unconditional love embraces unconditional forgiveness. To forgive is the perfect enactment of loving neighbour. Conflicts arise from our inability to forgive. With universal forgiveness there would be no wars, only peace. Jesus became Man to show us the way.
Behind our inability to forgive there is always an emotional factor, resentment, anger, hurt. We first have to understand the basis of those emotional reactions, acknowledging the imperfection of them and forgiving ourselves for feeling them. The good fight is not to stop doing, but to stop being what we “are”, that makes us “do”. With no anger, resentment or hurt it is easier to reflect on the human object of our negative emotion and seek to understand and ultimately feel compassion for them. A woman estranged from a close friend said she wasn’t ready to forgive and it took a long time before the hurt and resentment subsided enough for her to make amends. She was unable to acknowledge her pride and weakness as standing in the way of her own peace and the peace of her friend.
Forgiveness is usually tacit, the recipient perhaps never aware of it and forgiveness doesn’t demand blind acceptance of wrong doing. In respecting others we have to respect ourselves too. Even so, forgiveness takes much prayer, reflection and discernment. Acknowledging weakness in ourselves and in other is the route to forgiveness and peace. We have acknowledged and forgiven ourselves only when there is no longer a human target for our negative emotions. And when we can truly accept our own weakness, and the weakness of others, we have at last learned to truly forgive.
Let us pray that:
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We will make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends us. Remember, the Lord forgave us, so we must forgive others (Colossians 3:13).
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We will first forgive anyone we are holding a grudge against, so that our Father in heaven will forgive our sins, too.” (Mark 11:25).
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We will come to understand and free ourselves of the emotions that make it so hard to forgive
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We will learn to forgive ourselves, and truly come to love ourselves
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In loving ourselves we can see the way to love others and forgive them too.
July 2024
With so much that is wrong with the world, and so much wrong in our country, it becomes overwhelming even to think about these things. Most of us have enough on our minds without worrying about those suffering in our own country, let alone those suffering abroad.
Global warming isn’t affecting the UK very much and anything that could be attributed to climate change is irksome at most. The conflicts in the Ukraine and Gaza are a little too distant for most to think that escalation might eventually embrace us and immigration only concerns most when they hear of the unwanted presence of asylum seekers in towns not too far away. Compassion and empathy kick in with personal contact or when we hear a story that brings the issue to life in a graphic and heart-rending way.
As individuals we can do a little – a little that counts - via prayer, donations and perhaps a bit of personal intervention sometimes. As a community and as a communal voice we can do a lot more. That communal voice exists in the petitions, open letters and collective voices of concerned groups of NGOs and groups like UK Citizens and Manchester Citizens. So far, those groups have had little impact. Their time is yet to come.
Our time will come too. We are Christians following the path of Jesus, not as individuals but as a Christian community. The simple Gospel messages of loving neighbour and preaching that message becomes less onerous when we are united, undivided. Three Cs tell us how it can work: Charism (we all have a special gift from God which we are commanded to use in proclaiming his message; Community (we are a church of many parts with many charisms); Communion (we should aim to be a communion of people working interconnectedly and interdependently so that all is linked in one dynamic force. The Church is not to be changed by the world; it is for the Church to change the world.
And so, when it comes to the election and time to vote we need to examine manifestos against the words of the Bible. Care For What You Believe offers some insights supported by biblical references to highlight how voting is part of living out our Christian duty. Here are ten things to reflect on before looking at what the political parties are offering.
· Christians believe that mankind has been created to rule the earth and subdue it. Government is a means by which we steward God’s creation. Read Genesis 1:28
· When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was, he said to love God and to love your neighbour. Voting is one way we can work on behalf of those around us. Read Mark 12:28–34
· Even though we may feel like exiles in conflict with the world today, God wants his people to seek the peace and prosperity of our nation. Read Jeremiah 29:7
· Christians have a special calling to speak up on behalf of the voiceless and the most vulnerable. Read Proverbs 31:8–9
· We believe that God has revealed to us his good law which helps humans to flourish, and we want to see it reflected in the laws our governments pass. Read Psalm 19:7-10
· God calls us to submit to the governing authorities who we elect through our votes. Read Romans 13:1–7
· The Bible tells us about occasions where leaders have led their people astray; the politicians we elect will shape our nation, and can lead people closer to or away from God. Read Isaiah 9:16
· Jesus says that we should steward the gifts which God gives us. Many people in history have not had the gift of a voice in a fair, democratic election like we do. Read Matthew 25:14–30
· God will hold us accountable for the actions we do not take, just as He will for those we do take. Not voting is not a neutral act: we are still influencing the outcome, just as if we do vote Read James 4:17
· The Bible shows us that we are to care for our political leaders and to pray for them, so that we might live a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is to be our aspiration for the politicians we elect. Read Timothy 2:1–2
Care notes, “We have a biblical mandate to continue to engage with politics by not only exercising our right to vote but using it in a considered and wise way”. You can find their guidance and resources here. However, many Christian churches and organisations offer guidance on voting and you may care to look for what your own Church offers.
Oh, Holy Spirit give me the strength and the will to reflect and discern and listen to what you are asking of me during this election
Help me to put aside my own need and vote instead for the greater needs of others.
Let me hear your words and advocate for a just world free of conflicts and exploitation.
Inspire me to play my part in tackling global warming.
Give me the strength to live out my life and play out my part, as I ask for Governments to play theirs.
June 2024
The Church is for everyone!
The Church is for everyone! That is what we are taught? Right?
Every human life is equal, sacred, and worthy of dignity and respect. But if we are not making ourselves accessible, then how are people expected to be able to participate?
It is important that topics of inclusion, disability, and accessibility maintain a consistent yet evolving approach. We need not look at labels of disability or impairment, rather just what people need to be able to participate. Disability is not an objective reality, but rather a subjective experience. How we behave impacts on if other people become “dis-abled”. Therefore, looking at accessibility, how we can ensure that barriers are overcome becomes a positive model for this church. Accessibility is not about convenience; it’s a requirement to honour human dignity.
Jesus didn’t treat anyone like an inconvenience, rather, Jesus drew closer to those who wanted to know him. As the body of Christ, it is important to identify and to meet each other’s needs, just as Jesus did during his life and ministry.
The barriers that people face tend to exist because of misunderstandings or being unaware, rarely through any intentional exclusion. When we talk about accessibility barriers people often think of only environmental physical barriers but in fact these may be mental & emotional, learning, sensory or communications needs. But honestly, mind-set is usually the biggest barrier that a person faces. Either “I can’t do it” or, unfortunately “you can’t do it”.
My role in Caritas, Diocese of Salford entails creating a positive space for dialogue, developing ideas and understanding so that people are empowered to take part in a way, and to an extent, that suits them best.
To fulfil our Christian calling to love one another, to actively choose the good for the other person, we need to seek and understand the needs of others. We have a responsibility to make time for each other, and to listen. “You don’t know what you don’t know”. That expression has always stuck with me. We don’t know what we don’t know. If we don’t talk about accessibility issues, barriers will continue to prevent participation.
It will be great to remove any taboo that exists around accessibility needs. I think taboos often are felt for fear of using inappropriate language or causing offence.
I remember a woman sitting down next to me and saying, “I hope I don’t offend you, but do you mind me asking, are you deaf?” She was so cautious. I sometimes wonder if disability has become so taboo that even people who face barriers feel like avoiding the topic. But if we avoid a part of ourselves, or a part of another, we are not dignifying them as they are. Not respecting them. God loved them into existence.
So, love of neighbour. Do we sometimes only look to the needs of our nearest neighbour? Perhaps not always nearest in vicinity, but nearest in identity? Identity is a real hot topic at the minute. Mixing with those who we can identify with makes us feel safe. This is natural. So, what is the most important part of your identity? For me, the most important part of our identity, of who we are, is that God loves us. We are all equally God’s children. All equally brothers and sisters in Christ.
The worth of each of us does not fall on where we are from, what our job is, or what our abilities are. Rather, the intrinsic worth of each one of us is found in the love that God has for us. Each one of us is loved by God as if we were the sole recipient of his Love. God made us as we are.
Would God consider a person broken? Would Jesus consider a person less-than whole? Would the Holy Spirt want a person to feel guilt or shame because they ask for help? Growing up in the 90s, young people had wristbands with initials “W.W.J.D” - What Would Jesus Do?”... So, what would Jesus do?
Jesus didn’t, and He doesn’t, treat anyone like an inconvenience. Jesus draws near to those who wanted to know him. Everyone has a right to be close to Jesus. And that is exactly why we should be accessible.
Father In Heaven, teach us to examine ourselves and all that has shaped us and our view of others.
Help us to look through new eyes that do not judge, do not assume, do not comment.
Eyes that can weep for them in true concern as Jesus wept.
Eyes that lovingly accept difference in what you have created, eyes that empower.
Eyes that see into the hearts of others - depression, anxiety, loneliness, guilt, and all those countless feelings of fear, difference or inadequacy, that make people self-exclude when their most earnest desire is for acceptance as they are.
Yes, O Lover of Souls, Pray give us your vision through the eyes and heart of Christ.
For more information about the Caritas Accessibility Service, or to contact Dr. Minna, please see: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/how-we-help/accessibility/
May 2024
THY KINGDOM COME
Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) is a global ecumenical prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus. This year it’s taking place from 9th – 19th May and we’d love to encourage you to get involved!
Since it began in May 2016, God has grown TKC into a movement which unites more than a million Christians in prayer, in nearly 90% of countries worldwide, across 85 different denominations and traditions - so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Every person, household and church are encouraged to pray during the 11 days in their own way, and it is the hope and prayer that those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and His love for the world, will hear it for themselves and respond and follow Him.
Specifically, TKC invites each and every Christian across the globe to pray that God’s Spirit might work in the lives of 5 people who have not responded with their ‘Yes’ to God’s call.
Archbishop Justin Welby writes;
“In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities."
So how can you get involved?
Well, there are lots of fantastic age appropriate resources available for free on the TKC website (www.thykingdomcome.global) that will help you to pray during these eleven days, so do check these out. Plus, we’d love to encourage you to think, ‘who are the 5 people I’m praying for to come to know Jesus?’ Could you make a list and commit to praying for these every day throughout Thy Kingdom Come?
Locally, Turret House of Prayer will be leading a prayer walk along the River Ribble on Saturday 18th May as part of ‘Pray for Lancashire’ – a regional initiative encouraging churches to prayer walk the canals and rivers of Lancashire. For more info and to sign up for the prayer walk visit: www.meetup.com/pray-for-lancashire
Finally, on Sunday 19th May, St Lukes Church in Blackburn will be hosting a youth prayer and worship night called WAVES as part of Thy Kingdom Come.
This will be a big celebration of the birth of the church and our unity across Lancashire and young people are invited from all across the region. Doors open at 4:30pm, for a 4:45pm start, and there will be worship, challenges, talks, prayer and lots of different spaces for your young people to engage in. During the after-hours time there will be laser tag, games consoles and a pizza van! The event is free and will finish at 7pm. Please follow this link to book your young person on, https://welcometostlukes.churchsuite.com/events/u9nl8lzn
So, let’s join together in these different activities by praying ‘Come Holy Spirit’; asking that our friends, families, neighbours, and this generation, would come to know the transforming love and power of Jesus Christ