Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12 : 1 - 2

Reading for this week :Hebrews 11 : 29 – 12 : 2

Thought for the week

I think for most of us the thought of running a race in this heat is beyond us! Even the Commonwealth Games seems a long way off now in these temperatures and challenges. Yet the writer to the Hebrews sees our journey as Christians as running the race with Jesus as our fixed point, our encourager and the one who calls us to Him. Running a race of persevering faith with a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on.

This passage does not underestimate the challenges, or our constant need of encouragement. We are runners who flag, grow tired, become exhausted. Yet we have God’s word to encourage us and help us. We have the sacrificial love of Jesus who has gone before us and is the ’pioneer and perfecter’ of our faith through the Cross. We have the presence, strength and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We have the example and inspiration of all those who have lived out their faith.

The victory has been won by Jesus, we are called to cross the finishing line in His hope and love, with His flag flying high in our lives. Just walking to the shops is a struggle! But we are all called to run the race of faith, living for Jesus in His love and forgiveness, and receive the gift of eternal life.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

You have blessed us with saints all of our lives,
God of the ages:
those who put up with us, and those who prepared us for discipleship;
those who have touched us with their compassion, and those who illumine the way for us.

Through the valleys and over the hills, down the dusty streets of every village,
saints travelled with you, Jesus, Child of grace and glory:
those who impetuously chased after you,
and those whose feet longed to turn back;
those who jostled for your attention,
and those who made sure little children were able to meet you.

You surround us with saints, even when we don't recognize or much less appreciate them,

Spirit of wonder:
some live down the corner from us, while others are on the other side of the world;
For all the saints of every age, especially ours, we give you our gratitude and praise,
God in Community, Holy in One. Amen.

~ written by Thom M. Shuman, and posted on Lectionary Liturgies. http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.ca/