Women's World Day of Prayer

All this week in the Mothers' Union 'Wave of Prayer' we have celebrated women and their work in the church, their communities, and for their families. Let us remember and pray for those who struggle to live a safe and happy life because of the dangers they meet inside and outside of marriage, because of injustice that is biased towards women and girls; for those who are trafficked and used in the modern-day slavery trade.  We pray that their lives will be changed through prayer with action.  May our prayers influence people that have the power to put a stop to these inhumane practices, to stop the cruelty and negativity of misogyny that women have to endure.

Father, make us all vigilant for the victims of this injustice.  Help us to work through prayer and action for a better life for women and girls everywhere.

Women, join your voices to shake the world through the cacophony of sound that will wake people up to the things that are happening in our world, and bring them to work for equality.

Mothers Union Prayer ‘The prayers we breathe’, 

no 148 Trafficking

God,  our constant friend of all time,

Help all women, men and children who are used,

in trafficking, to find in your arms,

the love and respect that they have been denied.

When people have been trafficked across the world,

treated as slaves, and exploited mercilessly –

be there for them in their darkest hours.

May their vision of the world

Still hold a glimmer of hope.

May we, through Christ working in us,

Fight for an end to trafficking

And an end to any abuse

In which the weak or vulnerable

Are exploited by the strong. Amen.

 Vision

Having looked around my office, I decided it needed to be tidied up.  I do this quite often, but it is amazing that once I start to sort things I get so engrossed in what I am looking at that it is difficult to actually tidy, because I run out of time, or end up just putting things back where they were albeit, stacked more neatly than before.

Today I came across a CD that I haven't seen for years.  It is called 'Vision,' and is the music of Hildegard Von Bingen.  As I am listening to it now, I remember why I was so fond of it, and why it was on my playlist especially when I was teaching.  The music is beautiful and takes you away from the cares of the world and focuses the mind on higher things.   In school, I would play this gently in the background when we were doing quite work, or in assembly when the children came in.  They always seemed to respond to it and quietly go to their seats.  As all the children at the school had special needs, either physical or educationally challenged, this was not always the case, so when it did happen, it was quite something.

I have not finished the tidying up, having become engrossed in the music, and realising I have quite a list of things to do so I must get on with it.   I will continue playing the music however because I feel quite calm following a few stressful days.  This can only be a good thing.

Father God,

When we are stressed, help us to take our problems to you in prayer knowing that You are always listening and whispering calming thoughts into our ears.   Help us to look after each other and be aware of things that are bothering each other, and reach out that hand that has a calming effect, or say the words to show you understand and are praying for them.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen. 

 Things that catch your eye

Looking through my facebook page yesterday, I came across a little cartoon.   I like cartoons and am fond of drawing them along with caricatures which I give to people as little presents or cards.

On this particular facebook cartoon, one saw a mother and child.  The child was asking 'what's that mark on your arm Mummy?'   The mum answered that it was the little scar left by the smallpox vaccination that she had as a child.   'Why don't I have one' asked the child.   Mum answered 'because it worked!'

Because so many vaccinations have worked, we no longer see the killer infections that would blight the lives of children, even as recently as when I was a child.   I remember going along to the clinic in Newport, South Wales, where a smallpox outbreak had occurred.  No one said 'no thank you.'  People of all ages were queueing outside the clinic and down the road to get the vaccination.  Luckily, the outbreak was short-lived, and it was thought that it arrived in Wales via one of the ships that came into the port, but no one was really sure.  What we were sure about is that we needed protection.  We had confidence in the new National Health Service to make sure we were safe, and they did.  They pulled out all the stops to ensure everyone was covered by the vaccine, and we the public were so grateful.

Things in the NHS have moved on over the years since 1945, but the one thing that hasn't changed is that they are still caring for us and protecting us from the danger of a new virus that threatens us all.

God bless them all, every-one who puts themselves in danger to care for COVID patients, to man the vaccination stations, for the nurses, the doctors, the physiotherapists, and occupational therapists who work to get the patients back on their feet and home.  For the cleansers, the porters, the kitchen staff, and everyone who so unselfishly lead the fight against this dreaded virus.

Father God,

Thank you for the courage of our care workers who have carried on despite the obstacles that get in the way.  We pray that they get enough rest and that their families are cared for.  We pray that they are supported in their off-duty life, so that they can enjoy being with children and families, and recoup their energy to carry on.

We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

 Friendship

How many friends do you have?  I have lots of friends and acquaintances, but truly, friends that when you pick up the phone, it is as though you just spoke to them yesterday; and you fall back into the easy way of being with each other.   I have some 'old' friends, who, when I am with them I am able to say anything knowing that they do not judge me and will be there if I need help or advice.  Old friends may not be in touch for a while, but they are still in the background, in the back of your mind, supporting you as you support them.  

Since lockdown, these friends have become more important because we are not out and about doing our usual things, but needing that sustenance of friendship to keep us going.  These phone calls have become so much more important and make me realise that they must not be taken lightly.

Jesus Lord,

We thank you for our friendships, for those that we have known for a long time, and for newer friends who will become dear friends as time goes by.  We thank you for the fellowship of our church families and our other contacts through social media who keep us in touch with the world even though physically this is impossible at present.

Bless and keep Lord those important people in our lives and make us the good friends that they deserve.

Amen.

 

Busy Busy Busy

I am busy writing a 'to do' list, and it seems to be getting longer and longer.  I have my usual anchors in the week, such as Sunday Service via the internet, getting our shopping delivered, batch cooking and the ever-present cleaning chores, but the list includes meetings, reports, activities for a Mothering Sunday service and so on.  

This week my list includes making cards for our Praying Fellowship, the ladies of the Mothers' Union who cannot get to church or meetings because of age or frailty.  This is something that happens about three or four times a year.  Along with the card, they get a letter with news of the things going on in the branches, as well as a prayer diary and updates from our president or our diocesan chaplain.  This is not a chore, but it is something that takes quite a lot of time and has some real thought put into it.  These ladies (no gentlemen at present) are so important to our MU, and they, I feel are the backbone of our work, uplifting us with their prayers.

Today I am asking you to help me uphold the Praying Fellowship with our prayers.

Father God, be with the faithful followers of the Mothers' Union who are unable to work physically for your kingdom, but through their prayers, they act as a conduit for our actions.  They strengthen us knowing that they add to the wave of prayer and pray specifically for things that are on our agenda.  Father be with those who are lonely and unable to see friends and family.  Be with those who are dependent on others to live their lives because of physical problems.  Bless and keep all helpers and carers who are so important in looking after our ladies.

We ask these things in the names of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

 

 

Fair Trade

All this week in the Mothers' Union 'Wave of Prayer' the prayers have centred and concentrated on fair trade issues.  In the circumstances we find ourselves at present, poverty has been highlighted around the world, but also in our own back yard.  More people than ever are relying on food banks to ensure that they and their children are fed.  The government has had to address the problems of people not able to work, on furlough, or who have simply lost their jobs because of this pandemic.  They need help and it falls to all of us to consider what we can do.

Fair Trade is one of the ways that we can help people overseas to get a fair price for the produce and things that they make to sell on the world markets.  Many of our supermarkets now have fair trade products on sale, and when we make our choices we are deciding whether or not to help these farmers and producers to get a living wage for their work.

Other ways we can help is by donating to our local food banks.  Many of our stores have a basket waiting for donations, and often has a list of things needed, whether it be food basics or toiletries.  This is an easy way of helping.  Just add some things to your usual shopping and as you leave the store, put them into the basket.

The other way we can help is to pray.  We pray for governments and big businesses to rethink their ideas about supporting the people who most need our help, and through prayer (such as the MU Wave of Prayer) we can join our voices with people world wide to highlight this issue and bring it to the forefront of our thoughts.  

Prayer and Action.  Prayer is so important, but Jesus urges us to back up our prayers with action.  Be that person who looks for the 'fair trade' area in the supermarket and makes good choices.  Be that person who gets those extra packs of pasta, or tins of vegetables to give to the food bank.  Be that person who talks to others about the issues, maybe people who have not thought about spending in a way that is beneficial to those who the help.

Jesus, Help us to be 'that person.'

Amen.

 

After watching news programs where Boris Johnson outlined his proposal for our freedom day, people on social media are talking about lots of different experiences that they have missed over this past year.  Some can't wait to go to a restaurant with friends and have a sociable meal, or go to the pub or a holiday.  Businesses are desperate for things to open again so that our economic life can resume and hopefully save jobs.  Some are looking forward to being able to go to the gym although this is not my idea of fun, good for them I say.

I just want hugs.  I want to hug my family, to take my daughter and granddaughters in my arms and hold them close, cling to them, and shower all my love onto them.   I want to meet friends, and reach out to them and kiss their cheeks as we used to, without that gnawing worry that something dreadful might happen if I let down my guard.  I want to go to church again and sing at the top of my voice with joy.

Will normal ever be normal again?  Perhaps not, but united families are and must be a priority in my book.  Being apart from them is like a physical ache, and although we have social media, zoom, facetime, it is not the same.  

Let's be sensible.  We don't want to have to do this again.  We want this to be the last lockdown, so we must adhere to the rules.  They are not there to imprison us, they are there to keep us safe.  

Help us to understand the importance of obeying the rules so that we can get back to a new normal and beat this virus once and for all.  No more gatherings on the beach, or house parties, or raves, or people just ignoring regulations because they think they are not for them.

Father God,

Be with us at this worrying time.  Help us to help others by being sensible and reaching out in ways that are safe until we are told otherwise.  Father, may we use this time wisely, studying for lent and remembering that our Saviour Jesus Christ was tempted, but be turned his back on temptation, as we must do.

We ask these things in the name of our Saviour,

Amen.