A letter of Encouragement

Here is some Scriptural Reflection entitled "A letter of Encouragement"

A letter of Encouragement

(Colossians 1:1-14)

Psalm 150

1.Alleluia!

Praise God in his Sanctuary;

Praise him, in the vault of heaven.

2.

Praise him, for his mighty deeds;

praise him, for his own greatness.

3.

Praise him with trumpet blast;

Praise him with lyre and harp.

4.

Praise him, with dance and tambourines;

Praise him with pipe and strings.

5.

Praise him with clashing cymbals;

Praise him with clanging cymbals.

6.

Let everything that breathes, sing praise to Yahweh.

Alleluia!

A Letter in the post!

Dear Neighbour,

Just a quick note to say a big ‘thank you’ for helping me out the other day. It was really appreciated. I am not that great at asking for help, or even admitting that I need it. I am so grateful to you for your act of kindness; it made a big difference.

Thanks again!

Reflection

Think of how it feels when someone does a simple act of kindness for you, the huge difference a phone call, receiving a text or an email, just to ask how you are doing or to tell them that you are thinking of them.

Even from a distance we can make a huge difference to those around us, never underestimate the warmth, strength and comfort that brings.

Prayer

Our loving, Heavenly Father,

Thank you for family, friends and neighbours.

Thank you for the joy of receiving a letter, phone call, text or email of greeting, encouragement or news.

Be with us now; fill us afresh with your Holy Spirit; and guide our thoughts and responses at this time of uncertainty,

In Jesus’ name, Amen

A reflection on the Our Father

As Pope Francis called all Christians to pray the Lord's prayer today here is a reflection on the prayer Jesus taught us written by Raymond Friel

Our Father

Our Father

Not a frightening God

But the loving father of all humanity

Who art in heaven

Not far away but very close

Heaven is where we find the presence of God

Hallowed be thy name

We place your name above all other names

We praise you, we honour you, we thank you

Thy kingdom come

May the world look like the kind of place

God wants it to be, just and compassionate

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

We all want different things

But it’s what you want for us and the whole world that matters

Give us this day our daily bread

Give everybody what they need to live, physically and spiritually,

Give us the grace to help them

And forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

If we don’t forgive other people

We won’t be able to feel forgiven

And lead us not into temptation

Protect us from the glamorous path

The world sets before us

But deliver us from evil

Spare us from the terrible things human beings are capable of and help us to stand against evil in our world when we can

Amen.

Let all this be so.