We need to learn that each of us is responsible for our own faith and it can never be the fault of an out-of-tune choir, a poorly prepared sermon, or a colicky baby in the children’s area, if we do not draw close to God.
…being a young man I was ‘pounced’ on by other members of the congregation and, in fairly quick succession become a member of the choir, a Bible Study group, and had a seat on the Parochial Church Council. Rich ground for a large helping of ‘smugness á la Screwtape’!
How do we avoid allowing the habits and actions of others to become centres for sin in our own life?
There are many other ways to enliven ‘rote’ prayers and each of us will find that which helps us focus best on the intention rather than the list. It is a good discipline to re-visit our prayer routines frequently so that they are about the life-giving Spirit and do not become a dead letter.
There is no purpose in seeking the Gifts of the Spirit in our personal piety if those around us cannot harvest the Fruits of the Spirit from our devotions
Survivors of Sexual Abuse carry their wounds, often hidden deep within them, for the whole of their life. What hope for healing is there for them, for the church, and for a society that blames victims rather than their attackers?
The point of prayer is not the sort or type of prayer.
The point of prayer is the fact of prayer. God does not measure our prayers by their wordiness, orthodoxy or chance of success but simply by them being made
Jesus commands us to invite only those who cannot repay us but whoever we invite to eat with us there is always a price to be paid.
The story of Thomas teaches us that, ‘It is doubt that is the beginning of real faith.’
With a Song in my Heart – 40 Days of Sacred Songs Easter Day To Listen: We Have a Gospel to Proclaim https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-SPYAgCtkw We have a gospel to proclaim, good news for all throughout the earth; the gospel of a Saviour’s name: we sing his glory, tell his worth. Tell of his birth… Continue reading With a Song in my Heart – Easter Day
Suffolk Vicar 