General Chat

Goodnight everyone......it suddenly dawned on me that I had missed posting on here today.

Almighty God,
You have warned us through your Son Jesus Christ that those who follow Him may be oppressed and abused because of their faith.
We ask that you comfort and give courage to all your children who fall victims to unjust imprisonment, physical harm and intimidation at the hands of their oppressors.

For those who have given their lives in the fight for freedom to openly share and live out their faith, may they be welcomed into your warm embrace.

For those who persecute our brothers and sisters, may their spirits be touched by the incredible faith of those who they attack. And may they turn away from sin and open their hearts to your love.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Thank you Cynthia, all your weeks postings have definitely made me think.

"When it comes to life the critical thing is
whether you take things for granted
or take them with gratitude."
(G.K.Chesterton)

Good morning :-)

It makes you think, doesn't it?

Makes you think, doesn’t it?

CHINA

The Chinese government sees Christianity as a security threat and has blocked Bible apps and thousands of Christian websites. Surveillance using artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology monitors the country's 135 million Christians.

Christian schools and programs for minors have been banned, causing some Christians to leave China. Finding churches in cities has become difficult, and the remaining churches have become less formal to avoid government oversight. China is also influencing other authoritarian regimes to adopt policies and technology that negatively affect Christian minorities.

Please pray for the Christians in China.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It makes you think, doesn't it?

North Korea remains the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian, topping the World Watch List for the twentieth time.

Open Doors believes that many of the country’s 400,000 believers “are being held in labour camps and prisons for their faith”.
“Meeting for worship is extremely dangerous and must be done in utmost secrecy – and at grave risk. In May 2023, five members of a family were arrested as they gathered for prayer and Bible study.”

One secret believer told the organisation: “The thing I give thanks for the most is that Father God uses me to work as His servant. I desire to dedicate my life, until death, to glorify Him.”

Now that’s faith. Please pray for Christians in North Korea.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It makes you think, doesn’t it?

Christians in Afghanistan have to make sure their faith isn’t discovered by the wrong people – but the church in the country is growing. They are part of a silent, worldwide group who don’t know each other’s names and may never see each other’s faces: the secret church.

More and more people are choosing to be part of the underground Afghan church. An Open Doors secret fieldworker in Afghanistan shares: “The Taliban enforce an extreme version of Islam, and they oppress the people who do not have the right to choose.

The people of Afghanistan are thirsty for love because, for decades, they have experienced war and misery. So when our servant leaders explain Christianity and the love of Jesus to them, it seems different to what they experience from the Taliban.

Would we have enough faith to be a ‘secret’ Christian in such circumstances? Please pray for these brave people.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It makes you think, doesn’t it?

A young Christian man in Pakistan has been sentenced to death for allegedly posting on TikTok a photograph of a damaged Quran following the devastating attack on Christians in Jaranwala last year. The ruling, made under the country’s notorious blasphemy laws, has drawn strong condemnation from Christian leaders.

Please pray………..

That the young Christian will be acquitted of the charge and kept from harm.
That the blasphemy laws in Pakistan will stop being used to target religious minorities.
For protection, courage and peace for all believers facing charges of blasphemy in Pakistan.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Definitely food for thought with your post Cynthia.

St Swithin's Day today, he was the Bishop of Winchester and he died in 1862, the old poem says;

"St Swithin's Day, if it does rain,
Full 40 days it will remain.

St Swithun's Day, if it be fair,
For 40 days, t'will rain no more."

Thankfully we have had no rain at all today!

Good morning :-)

Yesterday, every one of us was able to decide as to whether or not we went to church – either physically or online. Thousands would have chosen to go and, thousands would have chosen not to go. The point is, we had a choice and we have the freedom to make that choice.

The story of the beheading of St. John the Baptist which we heard yesterday, is a touch gruesome – but it happened.

2,000 years on and people are still being killed for believing in Jesus.

Open Doors is an organisation which monitors where these atrocities are happening and it makes for sobering reading.
More than 365 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.

4,998 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons last year

Makes you think, doesn’t it?

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Prayers for a more settled time for you Vera...... <3


Collect (special prayer) for today:
Lord of all power and might,
the author and giver of all good things:
graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish us with all goodness,
and of your great mercy keep us in the same;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen

Today we learn about the beheading of St. John the Baptist.


Cx :-)

A lovely week of daily prayers Cynthia. Thank you. Thursday’s “Help me remain patient and calm in the midst of life’s chaos” particularly resonated with me. We do have some wonderful days but sometimes our life can be quite chaotic and Thursday was definitely one of those days when I was in sore need of patience. During the afternoon I was gritting my teeth and trying not to scream when I remembered those lines I had read in the morning and it really did help.

I wish all who look in a calm and peaceful Sunday tomorrow.

Good morning :-)


Heavenly Father, as we embrace this Saturday morning, we pray for guidance, wisdom, and protection throughout the day. Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Psalm 118 v 24 reads...................

This is the day that the Lord has made: we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Happy Friday blessings to one and all.

Good morning :-)

So true kandj, so true! <3

Father, thank You for this Friday. Thank You for seeing us through another week and bringing us to the weekend. We pray this weekend will be filled with rest, refreshment, and quiet time with You. Our lives can seem overwhelming and confusing, but we know You are always there by our side. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Amen to this week's daily postings, Cynthia.

The words by Eleanore Roosevelt seem fitting.

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but
today is a gift, that's why it's called The Present."

Happy Thursday everyone.

Good morning :-)


Heavenly Father, as the world awakens this Thursday morning, grant me the peace that surpasses all understanding. Help me remain patient and calm in the midst of life’s chaos. Let Your presence be my refuge and fortress. I entrust my concerns and anxieties to You, knowing Your grace will sustain me. Amen,

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Lord Jesus, as I begin this Wednesday morning, I thank You for the gift of a new day. I pray for strength to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Renew my spirit and fill me with Your peace. Help me to be a source of encouragement to others, showing Your love through my actions and words. Grant me the resilience to persevere in my faith journey. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Father God, I thank you for this Tuesday. I pray Lord, that you would be with me and guide me throughout my day. Be with my family as well. Protect them and watch over them. Let this day be a blessed day in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


My God, as the sun rises on this fresh Monday morning, I step into the new week with gratitude and joy in my heart.

This is the day that You have made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it. The mercies of the Lord are new every morning, and so I am confident in Your provision and guidance for the week ahead. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Ah........the Boys' Brigade hymn. A great sing!


The Collect (special prayer for today)
Merciful God,
you have prepared for those who love you
such good things as pass our understanding:
pour into our hearts such love toward you
that we, loving you in all things and above all things,
may obtain your promises,
which exceed all that we can desire;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Another week of thought provoking posts, many thanks Cynthia. I don't know where you find them.

St Peter, the key holder of our Christian faith, reading him described as being sturdy and steadfast like a rock had me thinking of the Boys Brigade services that we sing in church....
Will Your Anchor Hold, the 2nd verse reads........

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.