Reflections and Prayers

‘Behold I am making all things new’

The old things have happened and new opportunities lay ahead of us.

 

In the first few days and weeks we have so much ahead of us.

A chance to start afresh.

A chance to change our ways, our attitudes, our language, our outlook.

We have a chance to leave behind the things we did last year and take on new things.

 

Whenever Jesus met people, they always came away changed.

They became better people, they chose good ways to go, and they left behind the things that held them back.

 

Take a moment to think about what you will do differently this year.

Wonder about the things you want to try. Ask God to guide you in good ways that bring joy to you.

 

Heavenly Father,

Take away the fear of the new and the worry of what is to come.

Give us a bright hope and a future full of possibilities.

Guide us right ways that bind us to you and build up our community.

Remind us that you go with us wherever we go and in whatever we do.

Thank you Father for your gift of love that is Jesus.

Amen

Did you know that the brain works in a way that remembers the bad things in life more than it does the positive things. 

 

Imagine you’ve had a pretty good school year. 

You’ve finished quite well, you’re contented with how it has worked out in the end. 

Good job. Well done. 

But if I were to ask you to name something really good that happened, I think you’d struggle and need a moment to think. 

 

If I asked you then to think of something embarrassing or something that went wrong, you’d probably name several. 

Why? Because the bad stuff sticks. 

But we have Jesus who calls us to start afresh with God every day, every hour, every minute if we need it. 

The mistakes get rubbed out, the arguments are forgiven and the disappointments become insignificant. 

 

As we finish this year. Take a moment and smile. 

Say goodbye to last year. And look forward to a new start. 

Give thanks for the things that do come to mind. 

And ask God to help you get past or get over the things that still stick in your mind. 

Because we have a God who has plans for you, plans for you to succeed and flourish and shine. 

 

Father God, 

We give you thanks for the year that has passed. 

For the lessons we learned and the things that have shaped us into who we are now and what we will be in the future. 

Help us to leave behind the mistakes of yesterday, give us a fresh start, and may your spirit work in us to make us into the people you want us to be. 

So, until we meet again, lead us in the right ways that bring glory to you and peace to us all. 

In the name of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

Amen. 

The Ascension story is probably the most overlooked event in the church calendar and the stories of Jesus. 

But Ascension is about tough love. 

Jesus had to go so that the Holy Spirit could be sent. 

But Jesus didn't disappear - he transcended into heaven in order to intercede for us, listen to us, bless us continually. 

As we wait to celebrate Pentecost, why not pray for those who would be blessed by discovering God's love for them. 

As Jesus parted from his friends, he gave them the task to share God's love in all places and at all times. 

May we do that this Ascension. 

Amen. 

Recently I was stuck in a traffic jam in the hot weather. Drivers around me took it in turns to try and turn round and go a different way, push into a non-moving queue, or get out and walk around trying to find out what was happening further along.

 

Often when we can't see what is ahead or when we struggle with where we are, we do several things ourselves: we blame others, we look for solutions in our own strength, or we blame ourselves for what we are experiencing.

 

During that jam though I had time to breathe, I had time to think and pray, and I chose to slow down the rushing thoughts that I had.

 

I wonder whether you’ve given yourself that time to think and breathe recently.

Have you considered the important people and times in your life 

and the values you have developed since you were young.

Do you give yourself the opportunity to give thanks to God for the things you have - even the little things.

 

In our rushing around we often forget these things and I think we would do well to remember them.

In our need to finish things off and start new things, we would do well to give thanks, to mark the ending of something before embracing the feelings in starting something new.

 

This next few weeks holds many feelings for children and families and staff alike: endings, beginnings, moving on, change, and sometimes just staying where you are. Please remember to be kind to yourself and others, and ask for God’s strength.

 

Father of All,

Who loved the world so much and continues to bless it,

Bless us with moments to pause and give thanks.

Bless us with breathe to take stock and seek strength.

And help to feel your guiding spirit in pathways off success and celebration.

Amen.

As we enjoy a break to celebrate Easter, it is right to consider what brings us JOY.

As we celebrate the journey Jesus took to the cross and the resurrection, we find JOY in his words of eternal life and the love of God willing to do everything for us.

As we have joined together to worship and have given thanks, we take JOY from the fellowship we belong to and the faith that we share.

And as we journey towards Easter, may we find JOY in the little things - the sometimes unseen - as well as those seen by all. 

Lent began on Ash Wednesday. 

And some people will try fasting. 

Fasting is about giving things up in order to focus more on better ways of living. 

As we journey through Lent, maybe there are some life changes you want to make. To feel better, to do better, to think more clearly, to pray more regularly. 

Pope Francis suggested this as a list of ways of fasting that didn’t require anyone to give up eating:

• Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
• Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
• Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
• Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
• Fast from worries and have trust in God.
• Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
• Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
• Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.
• Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
• Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
• Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.

As we try these things, we come closer to God and feel his presence. In these moments, the world feels less scary and unpredictable and our lives feel more valuable - as we see our worth is valued by the God who sent his Son for us to live full lives with him. 

Lord Jesus,

As we walk through times where the world feels unsettled - grant us your peace.

As we seek to get through our days - may your spirit bring us hope and joy. 

As we look to the future - may we see brightness and blessing in our path with you our God. 

Amen.