Shipley Church Self-Service

Sunday 12th July 2020

Thought for the Week – The Parable of the Sower

Jesus gathers the crowd around him and tells them a parable that invites them to consider what impact his words and example might have on their lives. The story is an allegory that illustrates profound truths about the condition of our hearts and minds, and how we will respond to the word of God; just as a planted seed starts to grow, God’s word starts to deepen and grow within us, if we let it. The prophet Isaiah makes use of similar imagery as he speaks of the word of God watering the earth and enabling joy and peace. In Psalm 65 there are these lovely verses: Thou visitest the earth and blessest it : thou makest it very plenteous. And, The valleys also shall stand so thick with corn that they shall laugh and sing! <span style="font-size: 1rem;">(Matthew 13: 1-23)</span>

Hymn for the Day 

We plough the fields and scatter

We plough the fields, and scatter

The good seed on the land,

But it is fed and watered

By God’s almighty hand.

All good gifts around us

Are sent from heaven above,

Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,

For all his love. 

Prayers

We pray with those who have sown the seeds of faith, hope and love in our lives, that we may hear God’s word and receive what it promises and practice what it demands.

Note: The Gospel and Prayers set for today can be downloaded from the top right of this page

Also 10am Sunday Services are now taking place once more in Church.