FROM THE PASTOR

how about this?

It’s a familiar scene: a child pointing to something in a shop and asking their parent to get them this, or that. The parent says “No, but how about this?”. Pointing to something more appropriate to the child’s age; something safer; something better. Parents are far from perfect, but they do usually want what’s best for their children.
 
As we heard in a scripture verse a few Sundays ago, where Jesus’ disciples ask him, Lord teach us to pray; we know what happened. Jesus said, when  you pray, pray this way, “Our Father in Heaven…” and we know this as the Lord’s prayer, (Luke 11:1-6). Jesus also went on to say, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more then, will your father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (Luke 11:11-13).
 
God not only makes sinful humans his own children through faith in Jesus Christ, He also invites us to ask him for what we need and want; at times we may think we know what we need and want, but, is there something more appropriate? God knows best. So here, Jesus encourages us to ask for the best gift of all, the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that opens God’s word to us; draws us ever closer to Jesus our friend and saviour, and what’s more, equips us to live as God’s own children.
 

We Pray For:
† The church, that by its words and conduct God’s name may be kept holy throughout the world.
† The world, that God’s kingdom would come to bring relief from suffering and salvation for all people.
† Ourselves, that we would have all we need from day to day.
† Those who have sinned against God, and those who have sinned against us, that they may be forgiven.
† Those who are being tested by hardship or temptation, that they would be saved from their hour of trial.
† Parents and children, that they would grow in love and trust for one another.
† All Christians, that we may be granted the gift of the Holy Spirit.