Daily Scripture:‘As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.’ (Luke 18:35-43)Daily Reflection:Sometimes we have to be persistent, when we want to get heard. If it is really, really important, if our life depends on it, then our voice has to cut through the noise to get to the one who can help us! But surely, we do not need to shout for Jesus to hear our prayer? No, of course not, but we need to be ‘diligent in prayer’, so pray regularly, to be able to hear what Jesus is saying to us: ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ What do you think Jesus may be saying to you? How do you think he is willing to help you, in your life? By letting Jesus into your deepest wish, like the blind man did, you give him the chance to heal and to help. Revd Ylva
Daily Scripture‘So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom’ Psalm 90.12[CB1] Daily ReflectionWhat is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Knowledge is all about facts. Anyone can accumulate knowledge about a subject by industrious research, by reading books, by finding out what other people have said on the subject. But to know God, to experience his love and guidance in our lives, to know his presence with us, this is wisdom. Wisdom is typically gained from experience. It’s the ability to think and act using knowledge, understanding, judgement, humility, insight, self knowledge. And above all, it’s about prayer.If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all, without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1.5Lord, teach us to be mindful of how we live each day, and to use our time wisely.Revd Rosemary
Daily Scripture:‘As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.’ (Psalm 42 1-2 & 11)Daily Reflection: We can all be excused for feeling a little down sometimes, especially in these days of continual uncertainty - it feels as if we will never have our thirst quenched again. What does the psalmist do in such desperate circumstances? He doesn’t give up. He doesn’t give in to despair. He remembers - he thinks back to those many times when God has been very real to him. When God feels very far away, when things aren’t going right for us, when it seems as if everyone is against us, when we are tempted to despair the psalmist encourages us to think back to the times when we knew without doubt that God was with us, and to know that, if we refuse to be defeated, better times will surely come. Lyn Hayes ALM
Daily Scripture‘Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard the voice of my prayer.The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in him and I am helped;Therefore my heart dances for joy and in my song will I praise him.Save your people and bless your inheritance; shepherd them and carry them for ever.’ (Psalm 28:7-11) Daily Reflection:Like Psalm 23 the other day, this Psalm refers to a shepherd – someone who cares, nurtures, protects, guides. This psalmist also speaks of God hearing his prayers; being his strength and his shield; the knowledge of this causes his heart to dance with joy and to sing praises to God. In these days of lockdown, when we might feel alone; in these days when many are grieving (for loved ones or for normal life), when they might feel alone – there should be reassurance from knowing that God is there. He hears our prayers when we cry out to Him. But we need to take a step towards God; we need to cry out to Him; and then give ourselves space and time to listen. Revd David
