Guardian Angels

I was going to begin by saying “My theology is a bit dodgy”.- then I thought I should delete “a bit”.  But I have been thinking today, 30 August, about my sister Muriel.  She died long before I was born but she was a child of my parents so I rate her as my sister.  Born prematurely on 29 August 1917 she died the next day. I think she was baptised so by my reckoning she died blameless and went straight to Heaven.  (That’s another one of my quirks - I beam with pleasure at the Absolution because I believe that, at that point - for a split second - I, too, am blameless and my future is assured).  The dodgy bit comes in because  I truly believe in Guardian Angels and I like to think that Muriel is mine.  I cannot number the times I have dodged death and I thank God for her.  It may all be nonsense but it comforts me and I don’t think any harm is done by it: I even ask her to desert me from time to time in favour of someone I know whose need is greater. So RIP, dear sister, until we meet........

Christian Unity

Cardinal O’Brien [Scotland] ‘thought the unthinkable’ - that the Church of Rome should consider allowing priests to marry.  That set me thinking about the Articles of the Church of England.  In almost all of them, the Roman branch of our Church has now come up to scratch: that still leaves  Article XXV that "the Sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about, but that we should duly use Them.”.  The idea that you should worship the piece of bread taken by the priest was anathema to the Protestant reformers: the Roman doctrine that it was no longer a piece of bread because the priest had converted it to Christ Himself was just not credible - all one’s senses confirmed it was not so. Alas, the next Pope can do nothing about that. because it has been declared to be part of the infallible doctrine of his church  What he could do, though, would be to acknowledge that this need not be an obstacle to inter-communion - that all who believe that in the Eucharist they are replicating the Last Supper should be allowed to sup at the same table - which would give an enormous fillip to the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church which currently faces an enormous challenge from Satan. So we must all pray WITH CONFIDENCE that the Holy Spirit will guide the cardinals in their deliberations.  

Snow

Whenever we have snow I am reminded of my old headmaster. He took the lesson one day when our English teacher was away and spoke about  Essay Writing.   He suggested how to write an essay on “Snow” and began “When I wake up I know it has been snowing because the shadows on the ceiling are quite different.  Then I look out of the window - and there is a carpet of white!”.   He went on in that vein with a description of what he could see and I thought “This isn’t an essay - it’s a short story!  I can write short stories - I’ve even had one published.  If it’s short stories they want, that’s what they’ll get!”.
I cannot remember what the topic was for the next essay - perhaps “A shopping trip” - but I approached  it in quite a different way, bringing in my Mother, trams (that’s what we travelled on then, not horse & cart ), and all sorts of other things, hardly even mentioning shopping.
At the next English lesson our usual teacher scowled at me and said “Who wrote this for you, Foster?” and I said “No-one, Sir, it’s all my own work”.  “Rubbish”, he said “you’ve never written an essay like this before”.  So I explained about Mr Nordern and after making a sarcastic remark about how I must have been awake for once, he called me out and made me read the essay/short story to the whole class - and held it up as an  excellent example.
So that’s why all always think of my old headmaster when I see snow.  End of essay.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

INTERCESSIONS - 20 January 2013

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you promised through your Son, Jesus Christ, to hear us when we pray in faith.

We pray for ourselves, Father, Your church: we long for a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit  that we may  grow in our experience of your love, forgiveness and healing.   Challenge our contentment to stay as we are; renew our vision of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus that, through our words and the way we live, others may be drawn to Him. Keep us ever mindful of the task Your Son has set us - to spread your Gospel of love throughout the world.

At this time, Father, we pray for Christian Unity.  Take away all hatred and prejudice and anything that hinders Godly union and concord.  We come to you by many different paths but we are all one in Christ.

In our branch of the Catholic Church we pray for all Bishops, Priests and Deacons and in
this Benefice, we pray for Richard, Anne and all the Ministry Team.   We thank you that we can come to church openly and without fear; and we ask you to comfort and encourage Christians and those of other faiths in foreign lands who do not enjoy such luxury.

Strengthen those who serve Christ, that all who confess your name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer.

We thank you, Father, that you have been pleased to bless us with Elizabeth our Queen, and Philip her consort.  We pray that you will grant her peace and joy as she continues in faithful obedience to you and in devoted service to all her people.

Give wisdom to all in authority. Guide the leaders of all nations to pursue peace with renewed vigour and make wise and fair decisions.

Direct this and every nation in the ways of justice and of peace, that we may honour one another and seek the common good.

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer.

 We pray for our armed forces wherever they may be serving: we ask that you will watch over them and guide them that their awesome power and skill may always be used to safeguard justice and peace.

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer.

Father, give grace to us, our families and friends, and to all our neighbours, that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.

Here in Shrivenham we thank you for all those who take so much trouble and give so much time and money to the churches and village organisations, and who help to make it such a pleasant place in which to live.  You know, Father, how anxious we are about proposed developments in our village: grant that those who make decisions will be guided by what is best for all.  Encourage us to seek out and bring happiness to neighbours who are lonely or unhappy.  

Abroad, Father,  we are deeply aware of the tragic cycle of continuing violence around the world.. We pray for the troubled people of  Syria, Afghanistan...and wherever there is discord.   We pray for the hostages in Algeria and especially those who have died and the victims of the avalanche in Scotland.  Bless and guide the peacemakers.

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer

Father, we pray for the sick - those who are ill in mind, body or spirit, that knowledge of Your love will comfort them; and that You will bless and encourage all who care for them.   We think particularly of  those whose sickness or disability is regarded as incurable.  In our village family we pray for ...LIST...and others of whom we know.   Give them courage and hope in their troubles and bring them the joy of your salvation.

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer.

Hear us as we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ  ... LIST ... and other known to us. According to your promises grant us with them a share in your eternal kingdom.

Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer

In a moment of silence we bring our private joys and sorrows to you, our loving Father.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of  Mary & Joseph, Andrew and all your saints we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.

Merciful Father
accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Amen