If the other weeks have emphasised using our voices and ears/heart, this week is about touch. So many of our people today never feel the touch of another. I appreciate that safeguarding is an important consideration, but it is sad that we are reticent to hold a hand or stroke a back or give a comforting hug. We have to be innovative in ways we show support and care – maybe a card or a call, a text or an email – just to show we care.
In our prayers we often use the word ‘intercession’ when we talk about persistent praying for others. It means ‘to come in between’ God and the person we are praying for. One example is Abraham in Genesis 18, praying for Sodom and Gomorrah – praying that God won’t destroy the cities if He finds a certain number of righteous people there – the number is negotiated down to ten, out of a calculated population of 10,000. One in a thousand – and they couldn’t find even that number, and we know what happened.
In order to be a powerful intercessor, one has to have a strong relationship with God to be able to approach Him with Holy Boldness and negotiate within the restrictions of knowing God’s Will. Imagine what could happen if we all approached God with that kind of boldness and knowledge of God!
Prayer –
O God, As we consider our churches – especially Woodbridge, Peasenhall, Framlingham, Knodishall, Orford and Leiston we pray for spiritual growth and support. You know each gathering and their needs. We pray for those in our circuit who give the care – our superintendent, ministers, lay workers, stewards, pastoral and youth workers. We pray for our circuit and decisions that may need to be made about personnel and future care. Make us bold for You. Amen