Prayer meeting – Thursday 12th September 9.00 -10.00 am (and every Thursday).
A time of prayer for God’s renewing work in All Saints’ and in Christ Church. All welcome. Come when you can.
Wendy’s Prayer Thought for September 2019
Our ears are an amazing part of our body. They take sound waves and turn them into impulses in the brain, so that we are able to hear what is happening around us. The ability to listen is God given. It is an art that can be cultivated through sensitivity and concentration. Good listeners prove themselves to be true friends, and wise counsellors. How many people do you know who fall into that category? Are you included? It is really frustrating when you suddenly realise that you are not being listened to. Sometimes when you address a person they are too busy to respond. At other times they deliberately turn a deaf ear, or they listen for a while, and then become disinterested, or they interrupt and change the subject. Sadly, it may be that they never catch what is being said.
Let me illustrate with a story, which has been passed down, about President Franklin Roosevelt. He often had to receive a long line of guests at the White House. He became a little frustrated when he realised that people were not really paying attention to what was being said. So one day, during a reception, he decided to try an experiment To each person who passed down the line and shook his hand, he murmured “I murdered my grandmother.” The guests responded with phrases like; “Marvellous.” “Keep up the good works.” We’re proud of you.” “God bless you, sir.” It was not until the end of the line, while greeting the ambassador from Bolivia, that his words were actually heard. Nonplussed, the ambassador leaned over and whispered, “I’m sure she had it coming.”
Does God listen intently when we turn to Him in prayer? Does He really listen to every prayer? We may well find ourselves asking such questions when we think our prayer has not been answered. Scripture has the answer, and it leaves us in no doubt, that God hears everything. He is always switched on. He never misses a word we say. David assures us of this in verse 4 of psalm 139. “Even before a word is on my tongue Lord, you know it completely.”
Another believer testified: “But truly God has listened; he has given heed to the words of my prayers. blessed be God because he has not rejected my prayer; or removed his steadfast love from me.” Psalm 66:19- 20. God listens, because God cares. He listens to us intently, and is never distracted; He patiently listens to us, and is never disinterested. There is never a wrong time to turn to Him, whether it be morning, noon or night.
When you pray think about God the Father, who is already listening; who remains focussed, no matter whether your prayer be one of praise, pain, pleading, confession, confusion, gratitude.
Three Minute Retreat
Do you feel that it’s hard to find time for prayer?
Even a short time spent in prayer can help you to refocus and to connect with God. Rev’d Sue and Reader Diane recommend this website which offers a guided 3 minute retreat. There’s a time to pause, a short reading, two questions to get you thinking and a little prayer. You can get it as an app for different types of mobile phone too.
https://www.loyolapress.com/retreats/simple-rules-start-retreat
United Christian Broadcasters (UCB)
UCB produce a great daily devotional which is recommend by our church. It is a helpful reflection on a very short daily Bible reading which helps readers to apply Biblical truths to their everyday lives. Click on the link below to read or listen to the UCB ‘Word for Today’
https://www.ucb.co.uk/word-for-today
Pause/Pray
Pause/Pray is a free series of Bible reflections, available as a podcast or download. They include original music, guided prayers and themes related to daily life. A new one is available each fortnight. To stream or download the episodes or subscribe to the podcast go to iTunes or your regular podcast app.https://www.engageworship.org/pausepray
Pathways to Prayer
The Diocese are running 3 ‘Pathways to Prayer’ events over the next few months. This is a wonderful opportunity for all people of every tradition to explore fresh perspectives on patterns and styles of prayer, contemplation and meditation through a diverse range of workshops. For further details, and to book, click on the links below.
Day with Bishop Julian 21st September at St Ambrose Leyland
Day with Bishop Jill 19th October at Xavarian Mission Spirituality Centre
Our Diocesan Prayer.
Heavenly Father, we embrace Your call for us to make disciples, to be witnesses and to grow leaders. Give us the eyes to see Your vision, ears to hear the prompting of Your Spirit and courage to follow in the footsteps of your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. AMEN
This Prayer Page
At All Saints’ Appley Bridge, we believe that earnest, thoughtful, regular and honest prayer is the key to our individual and collective relationship with our wonderful Creator, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If you want to share a prayer or prayers on this page, do not hesitate to contact us with your thoughts. If there is a situation that you wish to bring before God and would like us to be mindful of as a Church family, share it with us. We want to share together what we want to say to Him.