Prayer for the Week 10th August 2024
Read Philippians 2:12-16
Shining like Stars
As we venture into the new week thousands of ‘A’ Level students are anxiously awaiting their results, my eldest grandson amongst them. They will be hoping for a grade with a possible star, (or is that only in GCSE grades?), to wing them on their way to chosen university places and career paths. Years of study behind them and perhaps many more years of study ahead. May our prayers this week hold all those young people anxious about their exam results.
Also, on 15 August, we celebrate the feast day of the ‘Blessed Virgin Mary’. I spent my early secondary school years in Carlisle where I was taught by Sisters from the Sacred Heart Convent. They were very happy days and I still remember two young nuns who spent many hours nurturing me. It was there that I learned the prayer Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen. Sister Miriam had the most beautiful voice and played the guitar, she helped to develop my love of singing to the Lord, and Sister Carmel who befriended me when I was a little lost and lonely starting senior school. They both were positive bright stars in my life as I began my Christian journey, I have never forgotten either of them. I am sure you also have memories of bright Christian stars in your life.
Could you be a bright star proffering the word of life to friends and neighbours this week?
This week is marked in the calendar as “Afternoon Tea Week”, which gives us a good excuse to invite friends round to our church, homes or garden for a cuppa and a chat. Pray that God will give you the opportunity to extend that invitation to someone who needs a safe space and a warm smile and, who in time, might like to hear the Gospel message.
Here is a link to a video made by Garry McDuffy of a song called Shine like Stars which might inspire you.
May we be inspired and encouraged to be the light that shines in our little corner of the world wherever God has placed us, we can be shining stars encouraging others to His light and truth.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to shine like stars for you. Thank you for showing us each day new ways and opportunities to let your light shine. Thank you for this life, so we can shine brighter each day and give you the glory. For you are the Maker, Creator, and Ultimate Light of all the earth, heavens, and the universe beyond. Amen.
Debs Coggrave – Area Trustee for Darlington, Newcastle & Cumbria
