‘Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.’ 1 Timothy 6:17

MONDAY
Your word is a lamp to my feet, where I am standing now, and the step just before me that I need not hesitate over.Your word is a light to my path, shining a little way ahead, giving me glimpses of direction to reassure me and give me purpose. You shine faithfully upon my life, but you cannot and will not take the steps for me – it is I who must walk in your way and become the expression of your will. O Lord, give me wisdom. I dare not take a step without you. When I cannot see all of the way forward, help me to trust that you will whisper in my heart or in my ear calling me back when I might step to right or left of what you intend for me. When there are snares for my feet, help me to find the way through, and continue with a rejoicing heart to the end.
When we do not know what to do, let us ask you Lord, that we may find out.
We dare to ask for light upon only one step at a time.
We would rather walk with you than jump by ourselves.
Uphold me that I may live and not be ashamed of my hope.
Hold me up and I shall be safe.
Peter Marshall

TUESDAY
Is it enough? Face to face we sit –
the silence, like a stone wall,
separating us.
It is not enough
to sit in proximity
if we have no trust.

Give us hearts of flesh
to grieve our hostility:
then grant us laughter
and let us reach out.
Even if we do not see
eye to eye clearly
dare us to open up
our hands, be hospitable:
bare us, soul to soul.
Kate Compston

WEDNESDAY
Why do you say, O Jacob,
and complain, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my God"?
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
The Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:27-31

THURSDAY
In the beginning,
the Word called creation into being.
Darkness was called to see the light,
light was called to know the darkness.
Chaos was called to order,
order was called to acknowledge chaos.
Life was called to live in the face of death,
death was called to know the reality of life.
Beauty was called to be there in ugliness,
ugliness was called to know real beauty.
Hope and potential were called to see pain and despair,
despair and pain were called to dare to embrace hope and potential.
And the creator saw what had been made,
and said,
‘This is good’.
Anne Sardeson

FRIDAY
Roller of Stones
Roller of Stones,
creator of mists
and mystery
open me
to your life,
letting your story shine out
to the world.
Give me hope.
Living God.
Hope in my hands
to open doors.
Hope in my eyes
to see possibilities.
Hope in my heart
to live by faith:
for it is hope
that rolls away stones.
Janet Lees

BLESSING
Joy be with us to take to those in sorrow.
Peace be with us to take to those in trouble.
Love be with us to take to those whose lives are empty.
God be with us to take our hands
and guide us in his work. Amen
Marjorie Dobson

- Prayers provided by The Mothers' Union