Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matt 5:3
At the beginning of November, we remember those loved ones that we have lost, recently and in the past. We pray for those who are sad or distressed, in their loss. We also remember those who have lost in other ways, lost pets, lost homes, lost financial security, lost marriages to divorce. We pray for God’s comfort and presence.
Remembrance Sunday gives us time to remember in a different way. We pray for the ongoing wars in the world, for the refugees, the starving, the disabled. We pray for peace, not just the cessation of fighting, but lasting and loving peace.The Sunday designated Christ the King, gives us pause to pray about those places and peoples who haven’t yet realised that Jesus is Lord, praying for all who work among the poor and neglected, offering not just physical help but the chance to hear the Gospel.
At the Toy Service, we gather gifts for children in North Liverpool and Bootle, who are unlikely to receive any Christmas presents, because of their parent’s circumstances. We pray blessings on each toy and each voucher, asking God to help each child, in his or her need.
Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ Matt 19:14