Manchester Methodists

We love in such a hectic world, Lord God, our hands always busy, our minds flitting from one thing to another, always on the last minute, sometimes leaving behind us a multitude of tasks to be completed like the litter left after a picnic! And now it’s Sunday, Lord, your day, a day you ask us to set aside for refreshment, for resting – but sometimes church can be full of another sort of busyness. People we need to catch today because of an issue which needs to be decided upon; others who have had problems or upsets in their lives that we want to talk to – and if we want to fix that date it’s got to be done today when most people are here! But, Lord, you say to us, ‘Be still’. Let go of it all and relax in my presence, know the glory of my love surrounding you, be infilled with the power of my Spirit. For then everything else will take its rightful place.

Amen

Lord God, we can’t help thinking sometimes that if nothing is impossible for you, then why is there so much suffering in the world? Why hasn’t there been a cure found for the terrible illnesses and diseases so many people face? Why do you not prevent those who perpetrate war and violence from speaking and acting as they do? Why is there so much inequality, with some having so much and others living in abject poverty? So many questions for which we would like answers, Lord, and that’s not counting the many that affect our own lives and well-being. It’s not because you don’t love us, Lord, but actually because you do! Because you have given us free-will and the responsibility to use it wisely – and you sent Jesus to show us what this means. We don’t want to be robots, Lord, but we do ask you to grant us the wisdom we need to live and act in ways that reflect your justice and your love – and to start this where we are!

Amen