Prayer

Reverend Alan Grist from All Saints Church led the service today on the theme of Prayer.

Alan used to walk through a Jewish community in Tyneside on the way to school. The Jewish houses had a tube nailed to the doorframe. Inside on a parchment called the mezuzah were the words (of today's bible reading) from Deuteronomy. Leaving the house or returning people would put their hand on the tube and say the words ‘Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’ 

Alan said that his equivalent was waking and praying the prayer taken from Richard of Chichester, Day by Day, may I know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly.

Seize the moment

We listened to the story of Martha and Mary as it appeared in today's lectionary reading from Luke 10:38-42. Martha welcomed Jesus into their home and prepare food. Mary, was listening to Jesus speak. Then Martha asked Jesus if Mary could help her get the food ready. Jesus said that Mary had chosen the better part and that should not be taken from her. 

Daphne, who was preaching, asked us how do we make time for Jesus and seize the moment as Mary had. The final hymn was Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.

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