The opportunities we miss?

"Christ of the pilgrim path,
and of every pilgrim heart,
thank you for revealing yourself
in situations we would prefer
to pass by." - Prayers from Iona (edited by Peter Millar)

This prayer reminded me of the man who was beaten up on the road to Jericho and then left to die. There were opportunities for both the priest and Levite to help the man and to open themselves up to someone they usually chose to ignore, but they never took the chance. Through his decision to stop and help, the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) shows us the way of mercy, and also reveals the heart of God to all of us.

Is it possible that Jesus could reveal something of himself in the situations we would rather avoid?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Prayer for Healing

If you find yourself in a place where you need healing, or someone you love, needs to know the love of Christ, then I invite you to pray this prayer.

"Spirit of the Living Christ,
we thirst for your presence;
the searchings of our mind,
the longings in our heart,
truly, our souls are restless.
Yet you are our healer, 
enlarging our vision
even when we cry in pain;
calming our hearts,
with your gift of inner peace."

Proverbs 3:8 - Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

This prayer is part of the worship service that takes place at the Iona chapel service every week. May God use it to bring light into our darkness.

Show us

"Show us, good Lord,
how to be frugal, till all are fed;
how to weep, till all can laugh;
how to be meek, till all can stand in pride;
how to mourn, till all are comforted;
how to be restless, till all live in peace;
how to claim less, till all find justice." - Iona Prayer Book

Matthew 5:3-10

 
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Living in Grace
D3LM3