Prayer Moment

I have now written these brief thoughts for prayer for two weeks  but will be away - out of range of the internet - for the next two weeks.
It would be good to know if you find them helpful or have any comments?
David HB
1 June 2013

By what authority..

PRAYER MOMENT

Saturday 1 June 2013

BY WHAT AUTHORITY

Pause. Be in touch with the stillness within you.

Reading. “What authority have you for acting like this? Or who gave you authority to do these things? “ (Mark 1:27-33)          

Reflection. The Jewish leaders ask these questions not because they genuinely are seeking to know Jesus but because they have developed a mind-set that wants to trap him. They have already decided to reject him and his message and they use their energy on trying to destroy his influence.   

Prayer. I consider I am one of yours, Lord, but I guess there are many times when I jump to conclusions that are out of step with you. Teach me a calm openness to your coming in the people and events of my day. Amen..

MY COUSIN ELIZABETH

PRAYER MOMENT

Friday 31 May 2013

MY COUSIN ELIZABETH

Pause. Be in the presence of God.

Reading. “Blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:39-55)           

Reflection. Elizabeth recognised a faith in Mary that went beyond the “yes, we can” version which we so much admire, for instance, in sports people and politicians. Mary silently believed in the impossible..   

Prayer. Lead me, Lord, to believe that you are at work in my life and that of others. Teach me to hope beyond the securities our age trusts in. Broaden my heart to welcome what we cannot even dream of. Amen.

HE JUMPED UP AND WENT

PRAYER MOMENT

Thursday 30 May 2013

HE JUMPED UP AND WENT

Pause. Allow yourself to be still.

Reading. “Courage,” they said, “he is calling up.” So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus.” (Mark 10:46-52)         

Reflection. The story of Bartimaeus is a summary of the whole gospel. Jesus comes. People notice. A few respond. You can sense the enthusiasm of Bartimaeus. “The people who lived in darkness have seen a great light.” He follows Jesus along the way.   

Prayer. Help us, Lord, to know what we want like Bartimaeus. Give us the courage to brush aside objections and discouragement as he did. Teach us to follow you along “the way.”

HE JUMPED UP AND WENT

PRAYER MOMENT

Thursday 30 May 2013

HE JUMPED UP AND WENT

Pause. Allow yourself to be still.

Reading. “Courage,” they said, “he is calling up.” So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus.” (Mark 10:46-52)         

Reflection. The story of Bartimaeus is a summary of the whole gospel. Jesus comes. People notice. A few respond. You can sense the enthusiasm of Bartimaeus. “The people who lived in darkness have seen a great light.” He follows Jesus along the way.   

Prayer. Help us, Lord, to know what we want like Bartimaeus. Give us the courage to brush aside objections and discouragement as he did. Teach us to follow you along “the way.”

THEY WERE IN A DAZE

Wednesday 29 May 2013

THEY WERE IN A DAZE

Pause. Reflect that you are in the presence of God.

Reading. “They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem; Jesus was walking on ahead of them; they were in a daze, and those who followed were apprehensive.” (Mark 10:32-43)        

Reflection. This is a uniquely dramatic passage. Jesus sets his face towards Jerusalem intent on fulfilling his destiny. His followers have a sense of foreboding but they don’t know what to expect. We would prefer not to have high tension but it can be the threshold of new life..    

Prayer. Lord, help me not to panic in times of tension and uncertainty. Help me to see that you are present in every fragile moment. Amen

PRAYER MOMENT

Tuesday 28 May 2013

THE LAST WILL BE FIRST

Pause. Be still in the presence of God.

Reading. “Many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Mark 10:28-31)      

Reflection. Jesus jolts us into looking again at the person we may quickly pass by. Here is Innocente, a girl disabled physically and intellectually from birth. She lies on a West African floor for 16 years. She has a smile that makes you pause and wonder; it is a window into another world.  .   

Prayer. Teach us to see each person with rinsed eyes. Help us to go beyond appearances. Lead us to rejoice in each of your people.Amen