How much can you squeeze from a single grape?

In preparation for our Sunday services, I was looking for a little inspiration on the prayer front. I was helped by a wonderful book "Prayers for Today" (compiled by Kurt Bjorklund). In one of the chapters, I found this delightful prayer.

"Lord, how much juice can you squeeze from a single grape?
How much water can you draw from a single well?
How great a fire you can kindle from a tiny spark?
How great a tree you can grow from a tiny seed?

My soul is so dry that by itself it cannot pray;

Yet you can squeeze from it the juice of a thousand prayers.

My soul is so parched that by itself it cannot love;

Yet you can draw from it boundless love for you and for my neighbour.

My soul is so cold that by itself it has not joy;

Yet you can light the fire of heavenly joy within me.

My soul is so feeble that by itself it has no faith;

Yet by your power my faith grows to a great height."

- Guigo the Carthusian (12th century monk)

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Set the world to rights

On this glorious day in the Church calendar, Ascension Day, we remember that God has called us to be his witnesses in a world gone mad. Here is a lovely prayer, written by John van de Laar, about our response to the call.

Set The World to Rights

Today, Jesus, we are faced with a wonderful truth to proclaim,
but also, an awesome and uncomfortable responsibility.
We praise you and celebrate you as Ascended Lord;
We recognise that you have authority over all things,
but we live in a world where greed and power and violence
seem to be in control.

And so, as you call us, we pray:
Come as Lord, Jesus, and set the world to rights.

We praise you and celebrate you as the Way, Truth & Life;
we recognise that in you our life is made whole and full;
but we live in a world where death, brokenness and need
appear to be everywhere.

And so, as you call us, we pray:
Come as Lord, Jesus, and set the world to rights.

We praise you and celebrate you as God among us;
we receive your invitation to live God’s dream;
but we live in a world where dreams and hearts
are broken daily, and hope seems all but lost.

And so, as you call us, we pray:
Come as Lord, Jesus, and set the world to rights."

by John van de Laar © 2007 Sacredise

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A genuine prayer to help us stay grounded in this mad world

Our world is a mad place and unfortunately it just seems to be getting worse. Social media doesn't seem to help either as it spreads more anger and bitterness than most of us can handle. 

Even amongst Christ-followers, we are fed a whole lot of 'fake' versions of what it means to follow Jesus. For this reason, I find the Prayer of Saint Francis to one of depth, truth and sincerity. These words are based on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) and in my opinion, are a Christ-like way of living.

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

Thought: If you have time, read through Matthew 5-7, and see the connections between the prayer and the words of Jesus.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A Christmas Prayer

Every year I try to find a Christmas prayer that will help in my preparations and there are a lot of lovely prayers out there. However, there is one that keeps on cropping up, and it comes from an unlikely source - it is from Robert Louis Stevenson. I offer it to you again and pray that you may have a blessed Christmas. 

“Loving God, 
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate
and open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing 
which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning 
make us happy to be your children,
and Christmas evening bring us to our beds
with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, 
in Jesus’ name.” – Robert Louis Stevenson 

John 8:12 - Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

To You

"To you, O Jesus, I direct my eyes;
to you my hands, 

to you my humble knees;
to you my heart shall offer sacrifice;
to you my thoughts, who my thoughts only see;
to you myself–myself and all I give;
to you I die; 

to you I only live." - Sir Walter Raleigh

May we strive to spend the remainder of this Advent season with our gaze only looking 'To Jesus.'

Job 22:26 - “Then you will take delight in the Almighty and look up to God."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Living in Wonder

While researching for our Advent services I came across a lovely prayer by Rebecca Barlow Jordan, 

"We confess that our hearts are too often filled with wonder of a different kind: wondering when the bills will be paid, wondering when the terror will stop, wondering when rest will come. We even wonder if the message of peace is still true."

These words really left an impression on me. We have entered the Christmas season, which many of us realise should invoke feelings of Divine Wonder, but if we are honest, we are still clouded by the wonders of the world. The wonderings of our temporary world - money, security, food, relationships, education, work etc. Of course these are all necessary for us to live, but I believe that our 'Wonder' should rather be focused on the God of all creation.

Exodus 15:11 - “Who is like you among the gods, O Lord— glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders?

Luke 5:26 - Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A prayer for Mental Wellbeing

A friend of mine wrote a brilliant article about Mental Health Awareness. If you would like to read Chris's full article, please check it out on this platform.

Here is a prayer that he also wrote.

"Dear Heavenly Father,

We come to you with an open heart and mind, seeking peace, calmness, and clarity. We pray for improved awareness and understanding of mental health, wellness, and wellbeing – and for the strength to navigate life’s challenges.

May we be gentle with ourselves, embracing our thoughts and emotions with kindness and compassion. May we find solace in the present moment, letting go of worries about the past or future.

We pray, Heavenly Father, that you will grant us resilience, hope, and courage to face each day with confidence and positivity, and that we are surrounded with love, support, and understanding from those around us.

We ask this in Your name, Amen." - Dr Chris Luman

Please pass this onto someone who may need this today. I believe it is so important to speak about our Mental Health. Thank you. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Making plans

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps" - Proverbs 16:9

I came across a lovely prayer, inviting God to guide our lives through honest prayer and submission.

"Lord, do you work in me so I may do your work in the world.
Help me to accept all results of prayer, including disappointments,
with trust and love for you.
Help me to live in your peace, in your Spirit. Amen."

“Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.” – Alice Morse Earle

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Am I leading a Rebellion?

When Jesus was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane, he challenged the mob that had gathered with swords and clubs: "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?" (Matthew 26:55). 

Jesus also pointed out to them that he had been peacefully teaching in the Temple Courts for days on end, and no one came to arrest him them. Jesus was unarmed while teaching, just as he was in Gethsemane, yet the mob chose to violently arrest him at night. It shows the state of their minds and hearts, that they actually believed that Jesus was a rebel and an outlaw. 

Of course, the answer to Jesus' question is: "No!" He had not been leading a rebellion against the Roman authorities, nor a rebellion against the religious leaders. Jesus had definitely come to reveal the truth of his Father's kingdom and to invite everyone to turn back to God. This was seen as being subversive and this agitated the people.  

Thought. Jesus was not leading an armed rebellion, but he was calling for a Revolution. This revolution was for love, peace and grace to change our hearts and the world around us.

Living in grace

D3LM3

An authentic prayer by Thomas Merton

Prayers can be contrived at times, but they can also be deeply authentic. Take this famous prayer by Thomas Merton as an example. There is so much heart and honesty in his words, that I feel we all can relate to his thoughts.

"My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore, will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone." - Thomas Merton

Hebrews 5:7 - While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The Covenant Prayer in different words

In the Methodist tradition we share in an annual Covenant Service, where we renew our commitment to Jesus and remember our conversion, baptism and call to follow Christ. The original prayer, introduced by John Wesley is a little confusing, as our English language has changed over the past 270 years. However, I have found this modern version equally meaningful. and refreshing. 

I pray that you will wrestle with these sentiments too. Which line in the prayer hits home for you today?

"I am no longer my own but yours.
Your will, not mine, be done in all things,
wherever you may place me,
in all that I do
and in all that I may endure;
when there is work for me
and when there is none;
when I am troubled
and when I am at peace.
Your will be done
when I am valued
and when I am disregarded;
when I find fulfilment
and when it is lacking;
when I have all things,
and when I have nothing.
 
I willingly offer
all I have and am
to serve you,
as and where you choose.

Glorious and blessèd God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours.
May it be so for ever.
Let this covenant now made on earth
be fulfilled in heaven. Amen." - adapted from John Wesley's original prayer

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A short Christmas blessing for you all

As we welcome the gift of Jesus, I know that everyone responds to this miracle in different ways. Regardless of how you celebrate Christmas, please receive this short blessing as my prayer for you. Thank you once again for your support in taking the time to read these reflections.

"May you be filled with the indescribable JOY of Christ,
The unshakeable HOPE that comes from knowing Jesus,
The PEACE that passes all understanding,
and the unconditional LOVE of God, that shakes the whole world. Amen."

Luke 2:9 - "Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Holding you in my heart

"It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me." - Philippians 1:7

Paul certainly had a way with words. I can picture the early Christian community gathering together in a small room to worship, excitedly waiting for the elders to read the letter from Paul. And what a joy it must have been to hear these words: "...I have you in my heart!"

These words transcend boundaries, geography and perhaps even logic. They speak to us of having a connection with someone special, even though we are not physically in the same space as that person. 

For Paul, it was knowing that he still loved and prayed for the Christians in Philippi despite him being captive in prison. For you and me it could be holding a loved one in our hearts, even though we don't see them any longer or may not see them for years to come. The unique bond we have with these people is kept sacred in our hearts.

Mary's response to the prophecy of Jesus' birth was similar in some ways. She pondered the words of the angel in her heart, keeping them safe until Jesus had been born (Luke 2:19).

Thought: Who do you hold in your heart at the moment?

Living in grace

D3LM3

Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees

In sharing on Hebrews 12 this week, I definitely feel that verse 12and 13 are my highlights. I offer them to you and pray that they may be a blessing to you.

"Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. (NIV)

"So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. (NLT)

"So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!" (The Message)

I pray that God would strength your tired hands and shaky knees. May you know his strength as you walk forward in faith. 

If you would like to listen to the audio podcast of the Bible Study, you are welcome to click here.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A prayer for a friend

Have you ever wondered what prayer you could offer up for a friend going through a tough time. Well, you don't have to wonder any more :)

Here are some beautiful, life-giving words, that would be appreciated by anyone needing some encouragement. They are from Ephesians 3:16-17: 

"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong."

Isn't this fantastic? We are asking God to share from his bountiful, unlimited resources, empowering our loved ones with the Holy Spirit. And that Christ would make his home in their hearts, as they trust in God to guide them through these challenges. 

Lastly, we are asking that all of our roots would settle into God's great love and keep us strong in the midst of the storms.

Action: Why don't you pray this prayer for a loved one or friend today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Pushed to my knees!

When Paul proclaimed that he was okay about his weaknesses, because they allowed God's strength to be revealed (2 Corinthians 12), I wondered how I could get to that same place. To be content in all situations is a hard journey to take.

However, as I re-read these words, from Eugene Peterson's paraphrase (The Message), I began to understand more of what this would require from me. And in truth, it is the simple knowledge, that when I am pushed down by my weaknesses and struggles, then I am moved into the best pose for honest prayer!

^7-10 Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first, I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:1-12

Action: If you would like to listen to my 20-minute podcast reflection on this passage, you are welcome to follow this link. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

P.S. Please let me know if the link works for the podcast. Thanks so much 

Saint Benedict - words of wisdom and a prayer

Saint Benedict was an Italian monk who had a profound influence on the Christian faith in the 5th Century, and his legacy lives on through the 'Rule of St. Benedict' and the monasteries founded in his name. 

Two of his famous quotes give us some insight into his soul. 

"He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands."

"Prefer nothing, absolutely nothing, to the love of Christ."

In reflecting on his feast day, Malcolm Guite, wrote a beautiful poem/prayer to remember the life and work of this godly man. Here is part of his writing.

"You call us all to live, and see good days,

Centre in Christ and enter in his peace,
To seek his Way amidst our many ways,
Find blessedness in blessing, peace in praise,
To clear and keep for Love a sacred space
That we might be beginners in God's grace." - Malcolm Guite

Living in grace

D3LM3

A prayer for the start of a new week

As you begin the new week, I wanted to offer you a beautiful prayer to help you in your plans and preparations. May it be a blessing to you.

“O Lord, who has mercy upon all, take away from me my sins,

and mercifully kindle in me the fire of Your Holy Spirit.

Take away from me the heart of stone,

and give me a heart of flesh,

a heart to love and adore You,

a heart to delight in You,

to follow and to enjoy You,

for Christ’s sake.” - St Ambrose of Milan, 337-397 AD

"I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh." - Ezekiel 11:19

Living in grace

D3LM3

Prayers for post-Election deliberations

As we contemplate the outcome of the elections in South Africa and as we nervously seek a way forward, we have been asked to hold these deliberations in prayer. Here is a prayer that was given to us by the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. Even if you are currently living in another country, I believe the prayer is appropriate for all of us to use. Let us believe in miracles. God bless you. 

"Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts full of hope and faith, seeking Your divine intervention in the formation of a government of national unity in South Africa. We acknowledge Your sovereignty and wisdom over all nations and leaders.

Lord, we came together and petitioned You for peaceful elections and You answered our prayers. We seek Your face once again Lord and ask for Your guidance and wisdom to be upon our leaders as they navigate the complexities of governance. Grant them the humility to set aside personal ambitions and partisan interests for the greater good of our nation. May they be inspired by a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, recognizing the value of each contribution towards a unified and prosperous future.

Instill in them a deep sense of justice, compassion, and integrity, so that they may serve with a heart for the people, especially the marginalized and vulnerable. Help them to listen to one another, to seek common ground, and to forge a path that promotes peace, stability, and shared prosperity.

We pray for the people of our nation, that we may support and encourage our leaders in their endeavors. Unite us in purpose and resolve, so that we may all work together towards a future where harmony, equality, and opportunity abound for everyone.

In Jesus name, we place our trust and hope. Amen."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A prayer for the Elections in South Africa

 

As we embark upon another National Election, this is what is on my heart at the moment. These are just a few words that express my prayers for South Africa.

Lord, we pray for our elections in South Africa, and for all involved in monitoring that they are undertaken in a free and fair manner.

We pray that peace would prevail in our beloved land, despite the short-sighted people that seek to be disruptive and divisive.

We pray for all who will vote, believing that our individual vote can make a difference.  

We step forward in hope, trusting that our voices will be heard and that political parties will start to make good on their promises.

Our deepest longing is for trustworthy leadership in South Africa. For men and women who would not bribe us for our votes and then take advantage of their positions for the next 4 years.

We pray for servant leaders, who are willing to roll up their sleeves and help us provide solutions to the myriad of problems we face. (At the moment, it seems that most leaders rather want to roll down their sleeves to protect their Rolex’s and expensive jewellery.)

We pray for a miraculous outpouring of love, grace and unity in our communities. Where people with divergent opinions and political viewpoints, can use our collective humanity to change our world.

We pray for a reawakening in the spiritual lives of all South Africans, so that we would see how Your hand can guide us and lead us into the future.

We pray that Faith, Hope and Love, would permeate the breadth of our land and that we would experience Your peace.

Lord, in your mercy,

Please hear our prayers. Amen.

Living in Grace

D3LM3