Collect for 2 Sundays before Lent
Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: Teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever.
Romans 8: 18 – 25
Matthew 6: 25 – 34
‘So do not worry about tomorrow’. Trust me, says Jesus.
People talk about ‘earning trust’, as if trust is a reward for positive behaviour. They consider that because they feel they have done lots of good stuff in the past, people’s trust in them should be mandatory.
But in fact, trust is not ‘earned’. It never can be. It can only be awarded. Jesus never forces us to trust Him because of what He has done. He died for our sin, unconditionally – and then gives us a choice. He asks us to award Him our trust when the future consequences of obeying Him will likely cause suffering, hardship and ridicule. In our pain, we shout to God; Why have you forsaken me?
Trust answers that question by proclaiming ‘Thy will be done’. In the face of whatever may befall, we trust in His love. Our trust in Jesus is the gift we award Him, given freely and unconditionally. He will never, ever, betray it. Our prayer is simply ‘Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit’.
Faith means little when God’s plan is the same as our plan. Faith is everything when it isn’t. When we don’t understand, when the things of the world tempt – and often overcome – us. When disaster happens. When we feel alone and helpless in the face of tragedy; all we can do is turn to Him, and leave the future in His hands.
Remember – F.A.I.T.H. – ‘ Forsaking All, I Trust Him’
Previous Posts
Praying Together 9th June 2024
If we just give in and believe that there is nothing we can do to bring about such a change, the dream will never come true. So let’s not.
Praying Together 2nd June 2024
You may remember the song: ‘It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it, that’s what gets results.’ Catchy tune, catchy title. But wrong. Actually, it’s the other way round – ‘It ain’t the way that you do it, it’s what you do…’
Praying Together 19th May 2024
By the power of the same Spirit strengthen us to witness to your truth and to draw everyone to the fire of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Praying Together 12th May 2024
But in Christ, a much more reliable ‘Truth’ can be found. Truth in the ‘Logos’ – the Word. The Word made flesh.
Praying Together 5th May 2024
Collect for Easter 6 God our redeemer, you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your Son: Grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his continual presence in us he may raise us to eternal joy; through...
Praying Together 28th April 2024
‘If you love God, then you love your brothers and sisters’. You cannot have one without the other. If you do not love your brother and your sister, you cannot claim that you love God. No exclusions.
Praying Together 21st April 2024
There is only one leader who invites us to follow of whom we can be sure – the one who is prepared to lay down His life.
Praying Together 14th April 2024
It is easy, with hindsight, to criticise the disciples for their incredulity. But we have to ask ourselves what we would do in their place.
Praying Together 7th April 2024
We are challenged to decide what we need to ‘see’ to believe – and then to seek it in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Praying Together 31st March 2024 Easter Day
“I have seen the Lord”. It is difficult to imagine her emotions. She has seen the Lord! She doesn’t yet understand fully – but her eyes have seen Him. Her life is changed for ever, and she doesn’t care who knows it.
Praying Together 24th March 2024
But Jesus is aware of what He will have to endure in order to fulfil His mission of salvation – and He sets the necessary elements in motion.
Praying Together 17th March 2024
The Anglican Church of Ireland has produced an excellent example of the way in which St Patrick’s life embodies the Five marks of Mission – a real cause for celebration and a model for us to follow (And by the way, St. Patrick’s flag colour is blue, not green.)