It’s 1 in the morning and I cry out to God – “I can’t sleep. All I have in my head is pain and fear. What am I supposed to do? I’m stressed and restless and can’t sleep.” … Read More →
In every season, in every storm
In moments of questions
In moments of fear
In moments when everything seems so unclear
Be still and know that you are loved … Read More →
There is a subtle panic
in her eyes: she is trying to read me,
trying to understand what it is I could want
from her, but she picks up nothing at all
from my best encouraging face. … Read More →
During the time of COVID-19, many of us are experiencing solitude or the loss of communal, in-person worship in new ways. For some, this might bring on existential questions and struggles with doubt. I hope that these spiritual practices will help others in the ways that they have helped me. … Read More →
In Romans 8, Saint Paul tells us that the whole creation groans in labour pains, waiting for the redemption of the body. We too groan in yearning. We long for an end to the suffering, the tedium, the frustration at incomplete solutions… … Read More →
We can look forward to Jesus returning and the glory of the Lord being revealed when the playing field is leveled for the oppressed. Then all people will have equal opportunity to serve God and enjoy the abundant life that He offers. Removing a barrier is not just about helping someone else to enjoy full participation: it is about demonstrating how God loves all people and wants everyone to live life to the fullest. … Read More →
On the Road to Emmaus, Jesus’ strategy is to walk alongside the followers for a long while, allowing them to tell their whole story. Similarly, matching the pace of someone else and demonstrating that we are truly listening, even though it may be hard to relate is a way to show that they are valued. … Read More →
WORD: “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for … Read More →
WORD:
“At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John’s disciples, ‘Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.’” (Luke 7:21-23, NLT)
THOUGHT:
Jesus is clear that the Good News of the Gospel is for ALL people. People with disabilities were not seen as worth the attention of God or other people. Jesus is saying everybody belongs to Him and His kingdom. Therefore, everybody is to have the gospel demonstrated in a way that they can receive it.
PRAYER:
Returning King and Loving Saviour, may we be translators of the Good News into languages and experiences that everybody can access. May we be conduits of Your grace, mercy and love. Teach us through Your Holy Spirit to ‘preach the gospel’ in a way that can be received by all.
To learn how you can partner with Christian Horizons in prayer, download this month’s prayer guide from Christian Horizons’ Church Engagement Page.
WORD:
“Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?” (James 2:5, NLT )
THOUGHT:
God’s Kingdom is upside-down. Those who appear poor, weak, or “less” in this world are those who inherit the Kingdom. What might we learn from those that we look down upon about being Kingdom citizens?
PRAYER:
Three in One, help us to challenge our presuppositions and prejudices. Let us be open to learning your heart from the people we have tended to dismiss.