Our church building may be closed, but God’s eyes are open and his ears are attentive to our prayers (2 Chronicles 7.15).

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Opening

Speak these words out loud:

The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead
is living in us;
he who raised Jesus from the dead will give us life
because of his Spirit who lives in us.

from Romans 8.11

Today’s Proverb

Read the proverb through three or four times, slowly. Pause in-between, maybe write it out by hand – savour the words, let them speak deeply to you.

Proverbs 11.25

I suspect it is verses like this that influence secular proverbs like ‘what goes around comes around’. That phrase is most often used when enjoying the misfortune of another – we see something bad happening to someone who is often unkind / rude / etc., and look on approvingly, with a sneer and a smirk (ironically).

What I like about this proverb is that it is stated positively. Remember the ‘zero sum’ from a few days ago? In God’s economy, when we are generous and kind, everyone benefits. His bank never runs out of goodness.

I also love the idea of ‘refreshing’ others. Think for a moment what that means. Maybe call to mind the joy of a cold drink on a hot day, a long soak in the bath after a long day, the happiness of seeing a much-missed loved one. It is always good.

We all need a bit of ‘refreshing’ – particularly at the moment as the long days of lockdown are getting us down. Maybe it’s taboo to admit it, but only once or twice in my life have I been as close to tears, or actually crying, as I have in the last two month. Maybe you feel like that, too, and need a bit of refreshing.

Hard though it is, maybe try ‘refreshing’ someone else – and you may discover, as many have before you, that it is its own reward…

Prayers

Our daily prayer sheet includes the names of everyone for whom we have a signed church family directory form – and local parishes and senior church leaders.

Today we are praying for
Kath Hastilow, Michael Ackroyd, Pauline Sawle

Father, please bless them with your peace, and a deep awareness of your presence with them, every day and in every way.

Please pray for our leaders and healthcare workers, and all those working to keep us safe, well, and fed. Please pray that people would unselfishly put others before themselves, and buy only what they need.

Church Family Prayer

Come Holy Spirit,
and make us one in heart and action,
so that we can serve God faithfully:
abounding in love,
maturing in holiness,
and seeking out the lost.
Help us grow as disciples of Jesus –
in commitment, in depth, and in number –
that we may be a blessing to Amington;
to the glory and praise of God the Father.
Amen.

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.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

Closing Prayer

Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labour in vain.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus
the only way to the Father.

Psalm 127.1, Hebrews 12.2 & John 14.6

May Christ our Saviour give us peace.
Amen.