General Chat

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer) for today:
Almighty God,
whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain,
and entered not into glory before he was crucified:
mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross,
may find it none other than the way of life and peace;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

Faith is about trusting God, even when we can’t see the end result. It’s easy to follow when the path is clear, but real faith steps in when we can’t see where we’re going. We’re invited to lean on God’s character rather than our circumstances in those moments.

Is there an area of your life where God is asking you to take a step of faith, even when the way forward feels uncertain? Remember, our faith isn’t about what we can see—it’s about trusting the God who is leading us.

Pray: God, help me to trust you when the way forward is unclear. Strengthen my faith so I can follow you, even when I can’t see the whole picture. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

Have you ever prayed for something and felt like nothing was happening? The disciples faced that kind of moment when they couldn’t heal a boy. But Jesus pointed them back to the power of faith and prayer.

Prayer isn’t just about asking for things. It's about connecting with God and aligning our hearts with his. It also helps remind us that he’s at work even when we don’t see the full effect yet.

Is there something you’ve been praying about that feels unanswered? Instead of focusing on what hasn’t happened yet, lean into faith. Trust that God hears you and remember that he's always moving.

God, even when I don’t see answers right away, help me trust that you’re working. Strengthen my faith and align my heart with yours as I wait on you. Amen.

Good morning :-)


IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

When we trust in God, even the most impossible circumstances can be changed. But here’s the best part Jesus tells us that even the faintest whisper of faith, as small as a mustard seed, is enough for God. That’s because it’s not about the size of our faith, but about the size and power of our God.

God, I trust that with you, nothing is impossible. Help me have faith, even in the face of the impossible. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The forty days Jesus spent in the desert must have seemed a very long time to him. Sometimes we find ourselves in seasons of waiting. We may not understand why things aren’t happening as quickly as we want, but we can trust God’s timing. Where is God challenging us to have patience and trust his plan?

God, teach me to trust your timing, even when I don’t understand it. Help me wait with patience and faith. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

It’s one thing to say you believe in something – it’s another to live like it’s true. Real faith isn’t just about what we say. It’s about what we do. When we trust God, people should be able to tell by watching us. It should shape the way we live, love, and respond to the world around us.
Lent is a chance to honestly examine our lives and ask: Is my faith just something I talk about or something I live out? Where is God inviting us to put our faith into action today?

Pray: God, help me live out my faith. Show me how to serve and love others in tangible ways that reflect your heart. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I hope that followers of St Patrick have had a very happy day today.

"May your troubles be less your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door"

Take care everyone.

Another week of interesting posts. You always manage to give us plenty to think about Cynthia. Thank you.

Good morning :-)


IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

Gracious Lord, You call us to love one another as You have loved us. Open my eyes to the needs of those around me and give me a heart that is quick to serve. Whether through giving, encouraging, or simply being present for someone who is hurting, help me to reflect Your kindness and compassion. May my acts of charity be done not for recognition but as a response to Your love. Use me, Lord, to be Your hands and feet in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

For the season of Lent, many people make an intentional shift away from eating things they enjoy. Some explain it like this….. “During Lent, we give things up, to show that we love God more than we love things, and more than we love getting our own way. We make sacrifices, like not eating (whatever).

It's good to remind ourselves that God is more important to us than anything else. Lent is a season of repentance, of turning away from our sin and from the idols that we have made of things and focusing on God with intention. Because food is a central part of our lives, we give some of that up, and it reminds us three (or more) times a day that God is bigger than our own wants, but that God provides for all of our needs.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

When he was in the desert, Jesus was severely tempted by the devil. How easy is it for us to be tempted to do something which is not right? Do we have the strength of character to resist temptations which are wrong? Only last night, on the news, there was an article about drug abuse – it was truly shocking.

There is an old hymn which says it all……

1 Yield not to temptation,
For yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you,
Some other to win;
Fight valiantly onward,
Evil passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.

Refrain:
Ask the Saviour to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.

2 Shun evil companions,
Bad language disdain;
God’s name hold in rev’rence,
Nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest,
Kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through. [Refrain]

3 To him that o’ercometh,
God giveth a crown;
Through faith we will conquer,
Though often cast down;
He who is our Saviour,
Our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through. [Refrain]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXBui52qEzo


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

Being in the desert for 40 days, there would have been times when Jesus would have felt very lonely. In today’s world, people still crave friendship and company. Maybe this prayer will help if you are feeling lonely today.

Dear God, I humbly come before You seeking solace and peace in this moment of loneliness. You are the source of all comfort, and I ask for Your presence to surround me.

Fill the void in my heart with Your unwavering love and understanding. Grant me the strength to face my solitude with grace, knowing that You are with me always.

Help me to find peace within myself and to trust in Your divine plan for my life. May Your comforting embrace remind me that I am never truly alone. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT.

There would have been a lot of silence for Jesus in the desert and silence isn’t always something we are comfortable with.

Practising silence has been a way for Christians to connect with God since the early church. God wants to be present with us, and setting aside time for silence can create a space where we become aware of God in a particular way. This can help us start to notice God throughout our day, no matter how busy or noisy it may be.
Here is something we can try.

1. Start small. Sitting in silence for just five minutes at a time is enough.
2. Have a physical way to let yourself know that it’s time for silence. A specific place, action, scent, or sound can help you to acknowledge the beginning of your practice.
3. Focus on your breathing or your heartbeat, or the feeling of your hands touching your chair. This can help you to stop focusing on your thoughts and be still.
4. Give yourself grace and keep going. You’ll get distracted. You’ll miss a day. Your phone will ring. Things happen, and it’s okay. Start again later, or tomorrow.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Yesterday, we reflected on the Gospel reading about Jesus in the desert and the temptations he faced. When we take time alone, various thoughts and feelings can surface, especially those we’d rather avoid. This is significant because it’s easy to miss negative influences when we’re busy.

Jesus went to the desert after his baptism to show he could resist temptation. He faced three challenges: turning stones into bread, testing God’s faithfulness, and worshipping the devil for power.

During Lent, let’s take time to recognize and reject these inner temptations, reminding ourselves to stay strong and tell the devil to back off!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer) for today:
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Today's gospel tells of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

During Lent, almsgiving reminds us to think of others and help those in need. It's not just about giving money; it's about being generous in all areas of our lives. This practice is an important part of Lent, encouraging us to change our hearts and actions. We can find many charity shops nearby where we can donate at least three items that we no longer use or enjoy.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Yes they will Gwyn :-) There is one arranged fairly locally but I don't think I can make it due to other pressures. xx

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT.

What is Fasting? Fasting is a spiritual practice that, paired with prayer, can transform our lives. Jesus fasted and encouraged his followers to do the same. Fasting usually means giving up food for a period, but there are many ways to fast that support spiritual growth.

We need to listen to the Holy Spirit and our bodies when we fast.
Instead of giving up all food, we could avoid certain foods or forgo activities like social media. We can also decide to fast until a specific time or skip a meal. This way, we can gain spiritual benefits while still getting the physical nourishment we need.

Cx :-)

Many areas will be holding a service today for World Day of Prayer, this year arranged by the women of the Cook Islands.

https://worlddayofprayer.net/index.html

Good morning :-)

Yes, we had a service with the Imposition of Ashes last night. Very quiet, reverent and meaningful. <3

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT.

Practice Listening Prayer; invite God to speak to you in prayer and listen to what the Holy Spirit reveals.

Throughout history, prophets have listened to God and confidently shared His messages. We believe God still speaks to us today.

However, it can be hard to hear His voice among all the noise in our lives. We face many distractions, and different opinions can make it tough to know what to do. When we feel confused about our choices, we can find guidance through Listening Prayer. This practice helps us focus on what God is saying and shows us the best way forward.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Ash Wednesday and I had the traditional ash cross put on my forehead along with others today.

"You are dust, and to dust you shall return", a poignant reminder of our own mortality.