Thursday 9 December - Do not be afraid

Do not be afraid

Readings - Isaiah 41:13-20, Psalm 145:1, 9-13 Matthew 11:11-15

"So do not fear, for I am with you” Isaiah 41: 10

Reflection
Are you afraid of anything? Some of the more uncommon phobias are Pagophobia (fear of ice or frost), Papaphobia (fear of the Pope), Rhytiphobia (fear of getting wrinkles) and Syngenesophobia (fear of relatives) - maybe a common one! Perhaps we don’t identify with these particular type of phobias but we have our own.

Fear is a common human emotion - we have all experienced it. I still smile when I hear the readings of the angels’ greeting in those circumstances “don’t be afraid”. It is probably one of the first emotions we would possibly feel. A blaze of light in front of us, such noise that we have never heard of before - I’d be afraid. Then I may well remember what Mary was asked to do and I would be even more afraid.

But just as God gave Mary the strength and endurance for her task, so God will give to us the resources we need when we follow God’s way.

Prayers

Lord of all, you are a God who provides for me in my need.
As I travel through Advent help me to believe that you know what I need.
Give me the courage to listen to your voice and the freedom
to open my heart to the graces you are offering.
For the moments of fear in my life, enable me to trust in your goodness.
When I feel I can endure no longer the stresses of this world help me to look to you.
O God you are the author and perfecter of my faith.
May I remain and abide in you forever
Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas

We pray for those who suffer for their faith that they may know God’s
strength through the encouragement of the gospel.

Wednesday 8 December - Look Up

Look Up

Readings - Isaiah 40:23-32, Psalm 8 and Matthew 11:25-30

"How majestic is your name in all the earth” Psalm 8:9

Reflection
In the reading from Isaiah we hear God speaking directly and is speaking about the stars. “Lift up your eyes on high” God says “ see who has created these things.”
There has been a recent surge in buying people unusual gifts. You can now buy a star—how lovely. Registering with a company you can point to the heavens that God formed and created—the stars of the handiwork of God. You can point and say that is my star? How does that work? Who has the rights to the universe—the billions and billions of stars in the universe which God has named and we just re-name them.
God reminds us that he creates, that nothing is missing. Then after seeing his glory we are reminded that God does not grow weary, he never forgets and he renews our strength.

Let us centre ourselves each day in prayer that we may be reminded that Jesus promises us rest when we come to him. When we come in stillness, in praise, in sorrow, in communion, in reading the word, in prayer.. When we come—he gives rest. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28

Prayer
Comforting God
May I know your rest in weariness, strength in adversity and patience when frustrated.
Shine in the dark places of this world
You are the Light of the world
Where there's hatred, shine love
Where there's injury, shine healing
Where there's darkness, shine light Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for all who respond to your call to follow you.
For those exhausted and weary through service - give them rest.
For those ill and afraid -give them peace.

Tuesday 7 December - Pondering

Pondering

“Mary pondered on all these things in he heart” Luke 1

Readings - Genesis 3:9-15, 20, Psalm 98, Luke 1:26-38 and 2:19 Luke 1:26-38

Reflection
Have you ever pondered what Mary was pondering? What did Mary know of the Old Testament prophecies spoken of her child. We receive the classic Christmas cards of an adoring Mary gazing on the face of an angelic baby, being meek and mild, and we sing “no crying he makes!” In my experience every baby cries! As she watched her baby sleep was she thinking about the world being turned upside down with those who are last being first and the first being last. Did she consider this baby a revolutionary as well as a King? Something for us to ponder. Have we adapted God and Jesus to conform to our own mould or are our views as radical as Mary’s. We will read later in this booklet about Mary’s response of lifting the lowly and helping the poor. That is radical. We don’t get Christmas cards with images portraying the hungry being filled, the rich being sent away empty handed.

What did Mary ponder? As she and Joseph took flight as the mighty slaughtered the innocent, and as she gazed at the one who would turn the world upside down. What did she ponder?

When he healed, raised the dead, restored and forgave, when he stumbled to the cross and died—what did she ponder? “Mary pondered all these things in her heart” - will you?

Prayer
Loving God, the angel told the Virgin Mary that she was to be the mother of your Son.
Though Mary was afraid, she responded to your call with joy.
Help me, whom you call to serve you, to share like her in your great work of bringing to our world your love and healing. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Additional Prayer Ideas
We remember those to ill or stressed to ponder.
We pray for those whose energy is sapped by waking each day.

Monday 6 December - Tested to the Limit

Tested to the Limit

“These are the treasures of God” St Lawrence

Readings - Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 85 and Luke 5:17-26

Reflection

Helping my niece recently with her homework we investigated the life and death of St Lawrence. Martyred for helping the poor and those who were disabled. Prior to his death he was persecuted and killed for distributing the “church treasures” for which he was given responsibility, whilst serving under Pope Sixtus II. He was given three days to sort things out. When after the three days he stood in front of the Roman Court with the poor and disabled, proclaiming that these precious people were the “treasures of God,” he was tortured and killed. On the 10 August the Church commemorates the life of Lawrence.

Isaiah reminds us in his prophecy of those in exile in Babylon who were depressed and bitter. Some even questioned if God actually exists. They cry out “if he does then why does he not help us? Isaiah’s words ring out “Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way (v3)”

Perhaps we have uttered the phrase “my faith is being tested” or “ I feel that God is giving me more than I can handle” or like the Israelites we may feel we are in exile in a environment where we struggle to find comfort and friendship. When these moments come do not be surprised - we are human but God gives strength. “Be Strong, fear not. Here is your God” (v4) Yes we are tested. Yes we have doubts. But always behold Emmanuel - God is with us.

Prayer
God of light—Give us freedom to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
Let our light shine out for all to see by turning to those who call for our help.
Heal our world. Heal our past.
Heal our community and churches. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for those who respond to Gods call to work in our communities and in our world.

We remember those who sacrifice their lives for others.

Sunday 5 December - Shh

Shh

“Be Still and know….”Psalm 46:10

Readings - 1 Kings 19:11-13, Psalm 46, Mark 1: 35-39

Reflection

‘The Big Silence’, a programme recently broadcast on BBC revealed a fascinating insight into the impact that silence can have in our lives. Five individuals representing different outlooks on life, occupations and ages descended on St Buenos in North Wales for an 8 day silent retreat. With the exception of talking to their spiritual director each day they were expected to maintain complete silence.

Did they do it? Well some of them did - others initially used mobile phones or talked together. At the outset all but one said they did not have any kind of relationship with God. Yet by the end each had experienced something of God. They got in touch with their lives, their past, present and future in a new way. It was a very moving to see people embrace stillness and to have an opportunity to listen to and speak with God.

Mark’s gospel reminds us that Jesus frequently went and found a solitary place to spend time with God. Do we? When was the last time you found a time of stillness and quiet - a time when you could hear the tender whisper of God. May your soul be still and may you know that God is with you.

Prayer

Lord God, only you can see into my heart and know that under all the busyness of my life, there is a deep longing to make this Advent one that welcomes you more deeply into my own life.

As I reflect on this first week of Advent may I look ahead with an eager
expectation of seeing you in my world and hearing your word in my life.
Help me to be a peacemaker this Advent and to give special love to those who disagree with me.

Give me the strength and courage to forgive those who have hurt me.
Help me to free my heart from the prison of my anger and hurt.
In the name of Christ. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for those who are fearful of silence because of memories that flood their being.
We remember those whose lives scream out for silence - silence and stillness from the everyday life.

Saturday 4 December - Care for the Caregivers

Care for the Caregivers

“This is the way, walk in it” Isaiah 30:21


Readings - Isaiah 30:19-26, Psalm 147: and Matthew 9:35—10:1, 5-8

Reflection
The gospel reading of Matthew shows Jesus looked out over the crowd, and “his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” The Greek translation is dramatic “his intestines were stirred up” - he had a gut reaction as he looked and saw the people. The very people God sent him to care for, the very people he was to die for. And he cared right up to his final sacrifice—his own life.

Many people, moved with pity for those they love, become part time of full time carers. Let us pray today for those carer—that God will strengthen them and care for them as they walk in their chosen way.

And if you are one of those carers - thank you for your steadfastness, gentleness, patience and kindness. As you have given tirelessly to others, may God bless you mightily today.


Prayer
Gracious God,
Send me your grace this Advent so that I can prepare for your coming.
Touch my heart with longing so that I can better love and serve you and others.
Fill me with hope so that I can be transformed by your Spirit and so help to transform the world.
Give me peace of knowing that you came to share our human life and redeem us.
I remember those who care for others, may they know your strength.
May I also reach out to another person and show your compassion
In the name of Jesus I pray
Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for those who live, work and socialise with.
May the hope of Advent be present in our conversations and actions with
others.

Friday 3 December - A Greater Healing

A Greater Healing

“Have Mercy on us, Son of David” Matthew 9:27

Readings - Isaiah 29:17-24, Psalm 27 and Matthew 9:27-31

Reflection
The readings are wonderful. They sound amazing, perhaps almost too good to be true. A blind man healed, an orchard turned into a forest, moral evils checked with the unjust condemned and the tyrants and the arrogant gone.
In addition freedom from shame and all honouring God. If only these things could happen today.

We look around the world and we ask deep questions of life. Why are they starving? Why does evil spread? What is wrong with this world? The prophecies spoken point to a world to come. To a hope. To a dream. Don’t we all dream? Maybe our dreams are limited to spending the Euro millions each week. Do you believe God can do immeasurably more than we dare dream? The manger tells us God can and God does.

Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador sought to help and defend the poor. It didn’t start that way, yet as his eyes, heart, mind and spirit were opened to the situation in his country he became a mighty defender of others. So dangerous was he considered by others that he was murdered by authorities whilst saying Mass. His words of freedom echo thy cry of Isaiah, Mary and Jesus. Words spoken turning things upside down. The lowly - exalted; the poor - rejoicing; those mourning - blessed and comforted. Let our dreams be God’s dreams for nothing is impossible with God.

Prayer
Lord God, Sometimes I am so blinded by the world that I fail to see you working.
Forgive me for the missed opportunities of rejoicing when I do not notice you.
In my struggles with life may I know your presence. Help me to grow in faith, that as I gaze on your presence I may truly see you. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray that we may see the needs of others, even unspoken and hidden. We pray we may see with the eyes of God and respond in a way that brings honour and delight to God

Thursday 2 December - Would you Pass?

Would you Pass?

“God’s love endures for ever” Psalm 118

Readings - Isaiah 26:1-6, Psalm 118 and Matthew 7:21-29

Reflection
Have you ever arranged an MOT? If you are a driver of an older vehicle the answer should be yes. How about a physical MOT? A health update where we are checked over. If not a vehicle or health, how about an annual check of gas or our electrics. Some things in our lives have to have the once over occasionally - so how about a spiritual MOT?

When was the last time you examined your prayer life, your spiritual discipline of reading God’s word. When did you last examine your giving of time and resources? When was the last time you were still and quiet in God’s presence? A day, a week, month or years? Do we avoid this? Not have time for it? Not see it as a priority?

Do we spend more energy on the physical world than our spiritual world? The foundations of our lives and faith need to be strong to withstand the storms of life. Yet too often, we busy ourselves with the external decoration. Advent is an excellent time to take stock.

Prayer

Help me O God to examine myself in the light of your mercy.
Give me patience and faithfulness to except the joys and delights which you offer.
Give me the willingness to embrace the changes I need to make to become more like Jesus.

Quiet my soul O God.
Renew me O God
Create in me a clean heart O God.
In the name of Jesus. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas

We pray for all who have shown us Christ and revealed your truth. We remember our church community that we may be inspired in new and bold ways to show your love.

Wednesday 1 December - Catching our Tears

Catching Our Tears

“You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows” Psalm 23:5

Readings - Isaiah 25:6-10, Psalm 23 and Matthew 15: 29-37

Reflection

God cares about us—our concerns are God’s concerns. Isaiah tells us that our cries will be wiped away. It reminds us of the reading from Revelation in Chapter 21 where a comforting word tells us that God will wipe away our tears from our eyes.

God promised through Isaiah a new earth, a new kingdom and comfort shown through the coming of Jesus. God promises in Revelation to wipe away the tears from every eye and bring in a new kingdom and a new earth at Jesus’ second coming.

Jesus’ first and second comings reveal the fullness of God and Gods kingdom in our lives and in the world. We touch the kingdom of God here and now – each time we acknowledge by word and action that God is the ruler in our lives. We touch the kingdom of God in this season of Advent as we reflect on the wonder of God’s plan. And we hold in our hearts the hope of touching the kingdom of God in its full reality at some point in our future.

Prayer
Comforting and strengthening God.
Grant me insight and faith to recognise the signs of your kingdom here on earth.
Help me to be a faithful member of your kingdom, serving you with heart and soul.
For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory
Forever and ever
Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for all who face difficult challenges in life.
Transforming God help, comfort and lead us as we offer ourselves to you

Tuesday 30 November - Out of Dryness

Out of Dryness

"May Righteousness Flourish”

Readings - Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72 and Luke 10:21-24

Reflection
“A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse.” On the whole we do not expect growth from stumps—they are dry, barren and rootless. We dig them up and throw them away. But we have probably all seen a tree stump sprouting new life, new growth in defiance of the axe.

When we feel discouraged and empty, cut down and squashed may we remember that new shoots are always possible even from the most barren of situations. And for this growth roots are critical. Our roots are critical. This Advent let us care for our roots, feeding off the good soil of prayer and the written word as we wait to celebrate the arrival of the living word.

This living word arrived in the most ordinary of situations. Was he the only baby born in Bethlehem? Were the holy family the only family without room for the night? For all but his final three years, Jesus was content with an “ordinary” life.

Learning a skill, being a good family member, learning about his religious heritage—his roots. But it is impossible to believe that in this ordinariness Jesus did not find the presence of God. We too, can catch glimpses of God in the ordinariness of our own lives.

Prayer
Help me, Loving God, to stand bravely before this changing world and to see the shoots of life in everyday.
Help me to grow my roots deeply into your love.
In my despair may I find your hope.
In my darkness may I see your light.
In my loneliness may I know your presence.

The Lord’s Prayer.

In the name of Christ Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for all who seek to find meaning in their lives.
We remember those whose family relationshipsare strained and un co-operative.

For pray for all who struggle with issues of self esteem.

Monday 29 November - Hands to Reach Out

Hands to Reach out

"Swords into Ploughshares” Isaiah 2:4

Readings - Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 and Matthew 8:5-11

Reflection

In 1965 Pope Paul VI visited the United States of America for the first time and spoke at the United Nations. Making an impassioned appeal for peace he asked for an end to warfare. Before the gathered assembly and with the world listening he pleaded “let the weapons fall from our hands...you cannot love with weapons in you hands.”

Isaiah dreams of those who will “beat their swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks.” Rather than war they will be called to cultivate land to provide for others. What a challenge for us today. Rightly so, we are called to challenge injustice and liberate the oppressed- we are called to fulfil the request to ensure liberty for all.

How can we offer the hand of friendship when our hands and lives are full with all that can divide? We may not carry spears and swords but the hands that should reach out to heal all to often become fists of anger and resentment. The hands that could reach out in concern are full of the pressures of our lives—this Advent what can we lay down so that we may reach out.

Prayer
Redeeming God,
May I surrender myself to you this day.
As I offer my plans, my dreams and ambitions, my anxieties and my fears may I be fully open to the prompting of your Spirit.
Help me, O God, to embrace this Advent and to use it as a time to expand and transform my life.
Help me, O God, to look for ways of cultivating my relationship with you and with others. Give me opportunities to show your grace and your mercy.
In your name I pray.
Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for all who are caught up in the
conflicts of this world. For those too scarred and scared to leave their homes. For those serving in armed forces and aid organisations. May they know Gods peace.

Sunday 28 December - Advent 1 - A Spiritual Advent

A Spiritual Advent

"To you O Lord, I lift up my Soul—Psalm 25:1"

Readings - Jeremiah 33:12-16, Psalm 25 and Luke 21:25-28

Reflection

Advent (from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming") is considered to be the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper beginning at sundown
Advent is also a spiritual journey that Christians take, through the truths of Scripture that point to the birth of Messiah, to a reaffirmation that he has come, is present in the world today and will come again in glory. It mirrors the journey of faith that Christians make after that moment of realisation and acceptance of who Jesus is, in that we take that first step of faith in commitment, continue hopefully to walk the road of faith and increasing understanding, and look forward to our destination, which is to be in his presence forever!

May you be more fully aware of God as you journey through Advent.

Prayer
Loving God. As I enter this Advent season,
open my eyes to see in new ways the delight and wonder of your love.
In the darkness help me to see the promise of light and peace.
In the cry of the hungry help me see the possibility of a world where all are fed.
In my own yearnings and weakness help me to see the hope of Christ.
And in the eager anticipation of the coming of Jesus, may
I embrace the dawn of a new heaven and a new earth. Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for all in our churches-those we meet through our weekly activities.
May we may reveal the light of Christ to them this Advent.

Advent Preparation

We often miss the power of Advent because, for so often, we are consumed by the demands of December. For many these demands mean additional busyness, for some - family pressures, yet for others the lead up to, and the season of Christmas, bring a loneliness rarely acknowledged and recognised by the busy world around us. The busyness may lead us to be distracted from having an Advent season that truly prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, with all its meaning.

The reflections which will follow over the next 4 weeks offer daily thoughts, prayers and meditations for Advent. I hope you will find the resource simple and friendly, challenging yet encouraging.

There is no need to rush or to do anything. It encourages you to “be” - to be the person God cherishes—for you to be yourself.

Advent is almost countercultural—the secular world around us is focused on buying and selling, rushing and worrying. It is one of the most stressful times of the year—guilt abounds in relation to visits, gifts:- “did I give as good as I got?”. “Did I invite the right people or miss someone out?” “Do I send a card to them? They didn’t send me one last year!” So much guilt and fear as we celebrate the birth of one who came to take away our guilt and fear.

What better time than Advent for us to become more aware of Christ’s coming to us. May each day of this Advent draw us more fully towards God with a renewed appreciation of Jesus’ presence in our lives.

Stillness

What does stillness sound like? How does it smell? A random question I suppose but nonetheless an important one. Important as stillness involves everything about us.

For some stillness and silence is to be avoided. As though the very thought is deafening. For others it is but a dream and hope and even for others a place they long to escape from.

What is stillness?

The psalmist extols us to "Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) is this where God is? I wonder if in today's vocabulary we would use the phrase "chill out."
Though the phrase chill out can have negative connotations of telling someone to "calm down" or "stop blowing a gasket" to ease someones temper and our own avoidance of dealing with a situation.

Perhaps the command “be still” — forces us to think that we are finite, and that God is infinite. If that is the case for us then, can we relax in God's presence and allow God to be .... to be God?

So where do we run to for stillness? Where is the safe haven or safe place to hide? If you were running for your life where would you run too?

What stillness and silence has taught me is that our lives are useable by God. We do not always have to be doing, or effective, or successful (what success is? because that measure changes everyday)just transparent, open and vulnerable. It is then that God takes it from there. God being creator, sustainer, redeemer, healer, lover and much more....

So may we find a moment to "Be Still, and Know thatI am God" Psalm 46

For God’s past provides calm for our future.

Do you remember?

Readings from the Good Friday Service this morning at Bold Street Methodist Mission.


Do you remember a man who had dreams of what might be:
that people would be set free from ideas and images about God that enslaved them?

Do you remember a man who had his moments of breakthrough,
when it must have seemed his dream was being realised:
the times people really listened and responded,
the men and women who were prepared to walk with him and support him?

Do you remember a man who learned of the cruel death of his cousin? He got into a boat, seeking a lonely place, where he could be with his friends to absorb the shock, to grieve quietly, and to calm the feelings of powerlessness and frustration and fear for his own future.

I wonder what he prayed about that night?
I wonder what helped him leave that lonely place and go forward to confront life, rather than retreat into isolation and safety?

Do you remember a man whose dream was shattered:
who broke down and cried over what could have been,
who knew the pain of failure and powerlessness,
who knew what it was like to feel broken and terribly alone?

Do you remember a man who knew he was going to die:
who gathered with his friends knowing it was for the last time,
who spoke to them about what he really believed,
who wanted them to remember him and to keep his dream alive?

Do you remember? Do you remember?

Yes God I remember.

I remember a man called to serve
I remember a man enthused to serve others
I remember a man who wept over a friend
I remember a man who touched and healed
I remember a man human like me
I remember a testament to love.

I remember.

I remember.

Do you remember a man crucified?
He was abandoned by his friends, taunted, despised,enduring a shameful and agonising death.

Do you remember a man who turned to another,even with his last breath to speak words of comfort and assurance?

Do you remember a man who looked upon his own beloved Mother, with a gaze reminding her of a stable and a promise of “let it be to me according to your will”?

Do you remember? Do you remember?

Yes God. I remember

I remember the word made flesh
I remember a man whose faith in all he believed was tested to the limit.
I remember Jesus the expression of God’s love.
I remember Jesus.

I remember
I remember

We remember all of this