“Do you mind if I take a photo for the blog?” I asked my house group this evening, as we settled with our cups of tea and pre-prayer chat. “I’ve never featured on your blog!” replied Pauline, second from the right. There’s a first time for everything!
I love my house group! I make no apologies for having said that before. We are a diverse group, and tonight there were ten of us, eight women and two men. Jane, on the far right, hosts us patiently week on week. She makes the tea and coffee, exactly the way each of us likes it, and keeps us vaguely on track!
Our initial conversation usually turns to a lull and then into prayer for each other and for others. We were aware tonight that many people in our church and community are struggling with all sorts of issues, some of which are sensitive and confidential, and we prayed over various joys and concerns.
I love the fact that our house group does not need to know detail – we simply pray, and hold people, whether named or anonymous, within the love of God. It is a safe space, where we offer people into the care of a heavenly parent who longs for the best for each child.
Tomorrow afternoon I shall set off for Swanwick, to prepare for arrivals at the MWiB residential on Friday. My house group prayed for us all tonight, as we travel and as we share the weekend together. Hazel and Margaret (on the left of the photo) will be at the weekend, too. Five of us from the Plymouth and Exeter District, and two from Cornwall, will travel from the Southwest to join with women from across the Connexion. I look forward to seeing those of you who will be there!
