[This reflection was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 14/Jun/2020]
‘In times past and in diverse manners’ – this traditional quotation from the start of the Biblical letter to the Hebrews could be used to describe the reflections that I have had the pleasure of preparing during this time of social distancing. Meanwhile, in his mid-week musings, Martin has been talking about our attitudes to prayer. But now, without any further comment from either of us, let us listen to the words of Jesus Himself:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one
I have revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.
Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am.
My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.
Amen
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
