Collect for Trinity 8
Romans 8: 26-39
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection
There are many different responses when people suffer disappointment, hardship or suffering.
‘Why me?” “Why did God allow this to happen?” “I prayed but God didn’t answer” “Why should I believe in God anymore?” “What has God done for me?”.
We hear a lot of complicated theologically-based responses to those questions, but frankly, they aren’t much help when you’re going through a bad time.
I prefer the more succinct approach of my Auntie Annie. “There’s always a reason” she would say – and then get on with her life of faith. (St. Paul says much the same thing in his letter to the Romans – although with more words). Like Paul, we are aware that living the Christian life may involve us having to face ‘trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword’
We’re not going to heal every wound or every pain. We’re not puppets and the price of our freedom is that our stories aren’t going to end happily every time. Not in this life, anyway. God isn’t always going to find us a parking place, neither will He vaccinate us from every hurt and consequence of a sinful world. His plan for us – which we don’t necessarily know in any detail – is of much greater eternal significance. He climbs a Cross as comprehensive punishment for our sin. It includes His participation in warfare – His prize being our place in His Heavenly Kingdom. He rides into battle as head of an army of Angels; the Satan and all his works are defeated, and we are set free.
The following beautiful piece of music was written by Jean Sibelius as part of a tone poem named ‘Finlandia’ – it wa actually a banned song of protest and encouragement in difficult times against the increasing threat posed by Imperialist Russia. In its thematic relevance to the Christian story of spiritual warfare, it has formed the accompaniment to many Christian Hymns, including ‘Be still my Soul’. But I don’t think we need the words for it to inspire us and bring peace in our hearts, whatever may befall. Just cling to the promise that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Lord, I have given up my pride and turned away from my arrogance. I am not concerned with great matters or with subjects too difficult for me.
Instead, I am content and at peace. As a child lies quietly in its mother’s arms, so my heart is quiet within me. Trust in the Lord now and for ever!
Praying Together 26 November 2023
They know what they should do. But they don’t do it. It is the ones who do God’s work, who serve without expecting any reward who will receive eternal life in the Kingdom.
Praying Together 19th November 2023
It might not be the trumpet. Or the Clarinet. A Trombone, Double Bass, a singing voice. It may not be music at all. If not, there are many other skills you may have been given that you are not yet aware of: artistic talent, hospitality, compassion, intercession, forgiveness, unconditional love. There will be some.
Praying Together 12th November 2023
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Praying Together 5th November 2023
“Do as I say, not as I do”. The mantra of hypocritical leaders through the ages. It is important to note that Jesus makes a clear distinction between the righteous observance of the Law and the self-important practice of the Pharisees.
Praying Together 29th October 2023
Hallowmas is a season we should not ignore, but instead celebrate as a festival of light, in the beauty of Autumn colours and enjoying a time for creation to rest in peace.
Praying Together 22nd October 2023
When the world lives in Christ, it’s laws are true and just. When it doesn’t, they are not, and we must reject them. There can be no compromise.
Praying Together 15th October 2023
Whoever we are – even unto this last -Jesus asks us to dine with Him. He has bought us the entrance fee. All He asks is that we accept Him as Lord.
Praying Together 8th October 2023
Throughout the centuries, God offers a gift being able to choose life and starting again, but when continually refused, He shakes the dust off His sandals and moves on. Could you blame Him, then, if He turns Hs blessing to the poor?
Praying Together 1st October 2023
The reward for accepting Him is the joy of knowing freedom, and then to accept His command to work in the vineyard, to feed His lambs – not with empty words, but with deeds.
Praying Together 24th September 2023
Heavenly Father, help us to work to accomplish your will for us according to our individual gifts without comparing ourselves to others. Help us to acknowledge our own failures and avoid condemning others for theirs.
Praying Together 17th September 2023
And when it comes down to it, I will always need forgiveness – as do we all. For all of us have sinned and fallen short.
Praying Together 10th September 2023
Yes of course we have a responsibility to address sin – but before we criticise others, we need to start with ourselves.