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Praying Together 18th August 2024

Praying Together 18th August 2024

by | Aug 18, 2024 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

female friends embracing in a warm greeting

Trinity 12

Collect 

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray and to give more than either we desire, or deserve: Pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask save through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

Galatians 3: 24-29

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’

*****

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Hebrews 13:2

John 6: 51

You will notice that Jesus tells the inquisitorial Jews that He doesn’t differentiate between anyone who confesses His name. ‘Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide I me, and I in them’. All those. Whoever.

Paul expands on the same theme in Galatians 3:28 ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’

No ifs or buts. We are all one. Whoever, wherever. One family in Christ, even those who are not of the sheepfold, and those who unknowingly offer food, drink, clothes to the needy in His name.

It is certainly true that showing apparent never-ending hospitality is difficult in an environment where there are increasing numbers of refugees, and people of goodwill are understandably concerned. However there are also those – even some who loudly claim that they profess a faith – who clearly seek to foster hate and broken relationships, usually for their own ends. Yet scripture makes it clear that there is no place in the Kingdom for any who would wish to exacerbate division.

Yes, immigration is an issue. But the issue should be about how to make it possible for people under threat to find safety. There is no getting away from the fact that we are clearly commanded to welcome the stranger, the outcast, and doing so will probably have an effect on our lifestyle. But I can find nowhere in Scripture that suggests that my own comfort should take priority over offering help and support to those in need.

It’s no good saying ‘There’s no room’. Even if true (which it actually isn’t), we’d make plenty of space if it were our children who had no place of safety. Or even, perish the thought, if it were we ourselves seeking shelter.

The challenge of Emma Lazarus’ sonnet ‘The New Colossus’ is not restricted to the plaque on the Statue of Liberty – it applies to all of us, and it is not too long ago when the Irish ourselves found it to be a promise of hope in its expression of welcome in the face of famine and injustice.

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

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Praying Together 11th August 2024

Praying Together 11th August 2024

by | Aug 10, 2024 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

children holding up winner medals

Trinity 11 

Collect 

O God, you demonstrate your almighty power most clearly in showing mercy and pity: Mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace, that we, seeking to obey your commandments, may receive your gracious promises, and be allowed to share your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Watch Andrea Bocelli & Alison Krauss – Amazing Grace.

Ephesians 4: 25-5:2

John 6: 35, 41-51

How to win Olympic Gold:

Eat. Be aware of your food, where it comes from, what it contains. Optimise your diet. Eat noting that doesn’t help your fitness.

Train. Realise the unique gifts you have been given and aim to develop them through understanding how to grow and refine those gifts.

Practice. Even though we often hear the phrase ‘Practice makes perfect, it doesn’t. Only perfect practice makes perfect. Have a schedule, have a purpose and a target. It may demand sacrifices, it will undoubtedly hurt. Rise above the barriers and focus on the finish line.

Act. Unless the above is applied in the critical moments when it matters, it will have been a waste of time. Be ready always for the sound of the starting pistol.

Recover. Sometimes you will win the race, many times you will not. When you fail, pick yourself up, dust yourself down, and start all over again.

How to win the Gold medal for being the special. unique person God created:

Eat. I am the bread of life, says Jesus. Unless you eat of this bread, you shall not have life within you. John 6:35

Train. Read your Bible and use commentaries to assist understanding. Listen to teachers and others who have gone before. Pray. 2 Timothy 3:16

Practice. Exercise a spiritual discipline, and try to identify God’s call and seek the Spirit’s guidance. Matthew 7:7

Act. Serve. Put your words into action. James 1:22-25

Recover. Take your failures and your sins to the foot of the Cross – and leave them there! Matthew 11:28-29

 

An athlete’s prayer
God, let me play well but fairly.
Help me to learn something that matters
once the game is over.
Let competition make me strong but never hostile.
Always let me help my opponent up.
Never catch me rejoicing in the adversity of others.
If I know victory, allow me to be happy; if I am denied, keep me from envy.
Remind me that sports are just games.
If through my behaviour I set an example,
let it be a good one.

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Praying Together 4th August 2024

Praying Together 4th August 2024

by | Aug 3, 2024 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

bread with a cross inside

Trinity 10

Collect

Let your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of your humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 4: 1-6, 10-16

John 6: 24-35

Recipe for the “Bread of Life” – thanks to Jessica Herrera
Ingredients:
• Wheat – Psalm 81:16, Matthew 3:12, Matthew 13:24-30, John 12:24
• Oil – Hebrews 1:9, James 5:14
• Honey – Psalm 81:16, Psalm 119:103, Proverbs 16:24
• Salt – Matthew 5:13, Colossians 4:6
• Yeast – Matthew 13:33, Galatians 5:9, 1 Corinthians 5:7-13

Directions:
1. Mix Ingredients
“Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6

2. Knead Until Dough is Well Formed and Mature
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be weary of His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:11

3. Rest
“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon learn from Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

4. Bake (With Fire)
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold which perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7

5. Eat, Be Nourished and Feed Others
“O taste and see the Lord is good…” Psalm 34:8
“I am the Living Bread that came down from Heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” John 6:51

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Praying Together 28th July 2024

Praying Together 28th July 2024

by | Jul 27, 2024 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

night sky with stars

Trinity 9

Collect

Almighty God, who sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your Church:

Open our hearts to the riches of his grace, that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 3: 14-21

John 6: 1-2

Sometimes we look to Scripture to enjoy stories, to learn, sometimes as a guide for prayer, perhaps as a source for acts of worship. All good. But none of these form the basis of Paul’s instructions at the end of his letter to the Ephesians (and others – the guidelines are intended to be shared widely among new believers). I’ll precis what his message means to me: ‘Forget your surroundings, put aside your worries, leave your questions and doubts at the door – rest in the glory of a cloudless night sky with its billions of stars and consider the awesome, boundless gift of His love for you. Words are not enough – so simply keep silence and consider God’s creation and His love for you.’

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established; what is man that you are mindful of him, mortals that you care for them?
Ps. 8:3, 4

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Praying Together 21st July 2024

Praying Together 21st July 2024

by | Jul 20, 2024 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

people-on-a-bridge-in-twilight

Trinity 8

Collect

Blessed are you, O Lord, and blessed are those who observe and keep your law: help us to seek you with our whole heart, to delight in your commandments and to walk in the glorious liberty given us by your Son, Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2: 12-22

Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56

For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. Ephesians 2:14 Try reading that verse after watching the News. It just doesn’t ring true. Paul might have been talking about the hostility between Jew and Gentile, but he could have been talking about any conflict in the last two thousand years, based on differences of culture, race, tradition, tribalism, prejudice and beliefs. If anything, today’s hostility is worse, with media reporting fuelling the flames. But his assertion is true, nonetheless – it’s just that even though the dividing wall has indeed been broken down at the foot of the Cross, people still have to make the effort to walk across it, and unfortunately they rarely do. To walk across demands an understanding and acceptance that reaching a consensus takes an effort of will, but it does not mean our own beliefs have to be compromised – rather, instead, it means respect and tolerance for difference. I have no need to be threatened by the worldview held by other people – I have enough trouble worrying about my own failure to live according to the challenges of my faith. It is all too easy to look at the speck in another’s eye while ignoring the plank in our own. We live in God’s created world with many different people; but when it comes down to it, we are all His children, brothers and sisters. In Christ, there is no East nor West. No dividing wall – unless we make one.

For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.

Ephesians 2:14

Try reading that verse after watching the News. It just doesn’t ring true. Paul might have been talking about the hostility between Jew and Gentile, but he could have been talking about any conflict in the last two thousand years, based on differences of culture, race, tradition, tribalism, prejudice and beliefs. If anything, today’s hostility is worse, with media reporting fuelling the flames.

But his assertion is true, nonetheless – it’s just that even though the dividing wall has indeed been broken down at the foot of the Cross, people still have to make the effort to walk across it, and unfortunately they rarely do. To walk across demands an understanding and acceptance that reaching a consensus takes an effort of will, but it does not mean our own beliefs have to be compromised – rather, instead, it means respect and tolerance for difference.

I have no need to be threatened by the worldview held by other people – I have enough trouble worrying about my own failure to live according to the challenges of my faith. It is all too easy to look at the speck in another’s eye while ignoring the plank in our own. We live in God’s created world with many different people; but when it comes down to it, we are all His children, brothers and sisters. In Christ, there is no East nor West. No dividing wall – unless we make one.

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Praying Together 14th July 2024

Praying Together 14th July 2024

by | Jul 13, 2024 | Pray Together, St Patrick's Church Kenmare News

children laughing

Special Children and Young People Edition

Let us come from our everyday routine and meet with God – the one who made us, and who gave us our daily bread through the week just gone.

The gathering prayer

Loving Lord, thank you that you meet us where we are, in the middle and muddle of our daily tasks. Help us to hear your call, to recognise your voice, and to respond to your invitation to be with you now. Amen.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Psalm 127:3-5: “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him

Proverbs 17:6: “Children’s children are a crown to the aged,

Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 29:17: “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.”

Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Matthew 18:2-5: “He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'”

Mark 10:13-16: “People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'”

Colossians 3:21: “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”

You may remember (of course, you may not) that last week we considered the question asked by people who had heard of John the Baptist’s somewhat unusual naming ceremony, when his dad Zechariah was released from his months of silence. ‘What then is this child to be?’

We considered life’s journey – even though we know that through Christ our destiny is sure, we have no idea of the route by which we’ll get there, each of us in different ways.

But there is one thing we all have in common. We were children once. And our grown-up personalities and beliefs have been hugely influenced by our experiences in the first few years of our lives – some good, and some, sadly, not so good.

I remember Marjorie’s Mum Lily asking a new nurse trainee ‘Who is the most important person in the Hospital?’ “Matron” the student replied. “The Patient” corrected Lily.

Who is the most important person in Church? Well, it sure ain’t me.

It’s every one of God’s children, irrespective of their age. When we come to worship, we come as family. It’s the one time in the week when we are together around the table – and each has an individual need. Some look for teaching, some to offer praise and thanksgiving, some for fellowship. Our very young ones simply want to be made welcome and loved as members of that family. You will often hear it said that “Children are the future of the Church”. Wrong. They are it’s present, the here and now.

So sometimes, us grownups put aside our own preferences for silence and serious Scripture study (we don’t have to be in church to do that anyway). We come together, always aware of the need to bring the children to Him, as He told us we must.

They may wriggle and squawk a bit – sing in the wrong place – toddle up the aisle to have a close look at that strange person standing at the front dressed up in funny clothes – embarrass their parents. So what. I don’t remember the Ten Commandments saying they shouldn’t.

With thanks to Suzanne, you may wish to sing the following to the tune of ‘Wheels on the Bus’

Some grownups in the Church go ‘Tut Tut Tut”…

The parents in the Church say ‘Just sit still”…

Jesus says to everyone ‘Bring them to Me’

God in His heaven says, “You are all mine”

And remember:

If there is no laughter, Jesus has gone somewhere else. If there is no joy and freedom, it is not a church: it is simply a crowd of melancholy people reciting familiar words. If there is no celebration, there is no worship.”
Steve Brown (altd)

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