Michaelmas Community: March 2014

Day 11 - Instruments of Peace

Prayer of St Francis of Assisi

Gather support, develop new friendships. We all like to be liked and want to be wanted.

But not everyone will want to. They will judge you, they will reject you. They may not listen, they may prefer violence but it is important to deliver them.

Deliver the messages of love and peace.

Make us instruments of your peace wherever we go.

Day 10 - Shining light

When things appear dark or difficult, He appears as a shining light.

Listen to Him

Show us your glory and give us ears to listen to what you have to say.

Day 9 - Celebrate New Life

The words of this song from Be Be and Ce Ce Winans (featuring Whitney Houston) say it all.

Help us to celebrate new life with gratitude and love

Day 8 - Lack of faith

There are times when we all suffer a lack of faith.

Loss of a loved one
Suffering from a debilitating illness
Searching endless lists to find a job
Loneliness
...

We listen to the storm that is going around our head.

STOP!

Notice the light. There is always a light, we just have to be aware of it. Then calm.

Help us to follow you, whatever the questions, wherever you lead.

Day 7 - Bear Fruit

Life would be a lot simpler if we could tell true people apart from false people but all we have is this tree.

False people are those that would try and tempt you to stray
True people are trees planted by water, so that they can bear fruit.

When will you be like a tree that bears fruit?
Apply yourself to being a discerning person and doing what is true.

Let us drink water, so we may grow strong to bear good fruit

Day 6 - Prayer

Make time to listen to yourself.
Make time to reflect on the day.
Make time to reflect on your anger.
Make time to ask for help.
Make time to ask for forgiveness.
Make time to forgive others.
Make time to say sorry.
Make time to pray.

Teach us to pray, to forgive and make us your people, as Yours is the kingdom , the power and the glory. For ever and ever.

Day 5 - The Challenge

What will make us listen to someone who is always there?

What will make us accept the challenges we are given?

What can we do to encourage others to follow suit?

Help us to hear your voice, accept your challenge and follow you.

Day 4 - Marshmallows

Imagine you are sitting in that chair, with a marshmallow on the plate and you have to sit there for 20 minutes without eating it, in order to have a second. Could you succeed?

Can you be patient all that time, knowing it is staring at you? EAT ME!

Can you ignore it for all that time? EAT ME!

Do you feel weak? EAT ME!

Are you really hungry? EAT ME!

What is your reward going to be? EAT ME NOW!

By being patient and waiting, your reward will be infinitely greater.

Give us wisdom to recognise temptation and the strength to resist.

Day 3 - Spectator or Worker?

How do you feel from seeing that clip?

Are these the type of stories you like to hear about?

Or are these the type of actions you would do?

Should we be the ones responsible for ensuring the homeless, those in poverty or those less fortunate than ourselves are looked after? In a way it is our responsibility, we elected the individuals who have the power to put things right.

But in the mean time, lets help to put them all back on the correct path and ensure that they are loved.

Help us to be ready when you call us to work with you.

Day 2 - Story of My Life

#WorldBookDay We are all characters within this story.

The story of my life is about how I came to be who I am.

To understand this I need to look into my family history... my siblings, my parents, my grandparents and great grandparents. Looking at characteristics of others and how I am so like them and finding out stories and secrets, once forgotten.

When was the last time that you looked at your life?
Who are you most like in your family?

Today we learn about stories, memories even, that point towards one person.

Are you ready to listen and hear them?
Are you ready to be a part of this amazing family?
Are you ready to share yourself?

Gracious Lord, as your heavenly rule extends on earth, help us to know your story and live as your family.