General Chat

Wishing everyone a joyful Mothering Sunday.

There is much food for thought in your Lent postings Cynthia. Thank you.

My thoughts and prayers are with anyone affected by the dreadful earthquake in Myanmar..

Good morning :-)

Today is Mothering Sunday - the day when we remember our Mother Church and those who mothered us.


Merciful Lord,
absolve your people from their offences,
that through your bountiful goodness
we may all be delivered from the chains of those sins
which by our frailty we have committed;
grant this, heavenly Father,
for Jesus Christ’s sake, our blessed Lord and Saviour,
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


Worries and what-ifs can weigh us down. Most people have laid awake at night, fretting over different worst-case scenarios. What if the money runs out? What if the diagnosis isn’t good? What if things don’t work out the way I hoped?

Many of us feel we have to figure everything out independently. Worry can put that same pressure on us, and over time, all our concerns can weigh us down.

But Jesus is inviting us to release that weight. He sees our needs, knows what we feel uncertain about, and has a plan in motion to take care of it. We’ll still feel worried from time to time, but the thing that makes a difference is handing those worries over to him instead of carrying them ourselves. What worries do you need to let go of today?

Pray: God, I release my worries to you today. I trust that You will care for me and provide for all my needs. Amen.

Cx :-)

Goof morning :-)

“Pull yourself together!” is a phrase we have all heard. We don’t want to admit when we’re struggling, but spending too much time trying to compensate for our weaknesses (or ignoring them altogether) is a fast track to burnout.

Lent is a season that challenges our self-sufficiency. Fasting or giving something up painfully makes us aware of our limitations. Reflecting forces us to confront how badly we need grace. We don’t have to be strong on our own. God created us to depend on him and experience the goodness of his grace and provision in our lives.

God, I’m tired of trying to be strong on my own. Help me rely on your power today. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

Those who are used to going to church will probably be familiar with the words ‘Create in me a new heart and renew a right spirit within me’.

Lent invites us to pray this same prayer: It’s a time to bring our brokenness to God. God doesn't want us to confess our sins and mistakes so he can condemn us and make us feel guilty, but so he can free us and heal us. His forgiveness has no conditions. No matter how far we’ve wandered, he is always willing to make us new.

God, I know I've fallen short. I need your mercy and grace. Create in me a clean heart and renew my spirit. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

Many of us have had to make a life-changing decision. Now imagine not having all the details before we decide—and then having only a few minutes to decide! That’s what happened to several of the disciples when Jesus called them to follow him. They simply stopped what they were doing and took a step of faith.

Following Jesus isn’t just about believing in him. It’s about trusting him enough to move when he calls, even when we don’t see the full picture. Jesus offers a purpose greater than anything we could build on our own. Are we willing to follow him?

Jesus, I want to follow you fully. Give me the courage to step out in faith and trust that you’ll lead me. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

At every baptism, you will hear the words 'journey of faith' because baptism is the beginning of a journey. It's not 'over and done with' at the end of the service - it's the beginning of a whole new adventure!

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT
Faith isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a journey. It’s something that grows and deepens over time, often through the challenges and struggles we face. Just as we trust God with the big things, he’s also there in the small things, strengthening us when we lean into him.

This season of Lent offers us a chance to intentionally reflect on how God is growing our faith day by day.

During this time, we ask God to open our eyes to the ways he’s building our faith, even in the ordinary moments. How can we trust him more as we walk through Lent?

God, I know my faith grows as I trust you more each day. Help me recognize the small ways you're strengthening my trust and guide me through this season of Lent to grow deeper in faith. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT
Faith is all 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. In those moments, we’re invited to lean on God’s character rather than our circumstances.

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.

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 :-)

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 :-)