Mark Carey writes

We read Psalm 46:1-7 during prayers this morning – do remember you can join in at 8.30-9am every Monday to Friday via Zoom or in-person at the Key Centre.

Words from this Psalm were displayed outside Christ Church throughout the most part of the lockdowns and restrictions of 2020/21. They were reminder words that God is our refuge and strength – a very present help in times of trouble. They remain good words for us still – the uproar amongst the nations eg Ukraine, the trouble close to us as we feel the effect of cost of living crisis and many individual experiences of trouble and difficulties. God is in the midst – he is within – God will help. So often we look for external things to help us – when actually it is the external where all the trouble and turmoil is. The Psalm reminds us that God is within us, his help is as close as close could be – in him is all we need. When we see the limits, less and loss of these times we are reminded to see that God is refuge, helper and He lifts his voice. Let’s listen.

Some specific areas for prayer:

Giving: please give in a planned way to the mission and ministry of Christ Church and all our Network Churches. Thank you for your generosity, however, we are finding it very difficult to fund our ministry and pay our utility bills etc at present. Please pray for a release of financial resources and consider raising your giving or starting to give.

Restore: for an increase in donations and funding.

Leaders: many of our key leaders are feeling the strain and effects of having led through some very difficult times.

Miriam Thurlow and Darius Traves: as they head towards ordination in June.

Oli Preston: as a new network church begins, under his leadership, called ‘Branches’.

Morning Prayer 8.30am-9am
Monday-Thursday in the Key Centre

Monday to Friday on Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/96391898886?pwd=NTlHcm12eGl2TXBMODA5eDJacmpVUT09
Meeting ID: 963 9189 8886
Passcode: 1234

Wednesday Evening Worship & Prayer continues - 7pm Christ Church