Shipley Church Self-Service

Sunday 28th February 2021

Thought for the Week – Seeking a place of prayer

On this second Sunday in Lent Jesus teaches that following him is costly in the extreme, and we have to “lose our life” in order to save it. Indeed, his own destiny is to suffer and die. (Mark 8: 31-38) Death is natural and inescapable, and yet salvation is also possible for those who pass through the gateway of physical death believing in the fulfilment of God’s promises. This will mean different things for each of us.

One answer may be to turn to prayer. When we do so, we don’t pray alone. Countless others are praying with us across the world – some with prayers of praise and thanksgiving, and others in desperation. Part of our mission might be to pray alongside those who may even doubt if their prayers are being heard. An American hymn published in 1971 asks “Did you think to pray?”

‘Ere you left your room this morning, Did you think to pray? In the name of Christ our Saviour, Did you sue for loving favour, As a shield today?

Oh, how praying rests the weary, Prayer will change the night to day;

So when life seems dark and dreary, Don’t forget to pray!

Hymn for Today

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder

Consider all the works thy hand has made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,

The power throughout the universe displayed;

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Prayer for Today

We pray: Holy Spirit, Spirit of Jesus, guide me to the place of prayer and to the people of prayer - that I might pray with them and together we might find you waiting for us.

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