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 March 29th 2026
These things are worth meditation and thought, as we enter this Holy Week – but the even more important question that we can only answer for ourselves, is embodied in twelve straightforward words written by Charles Wesley.
How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Praying Together 22 March 2026
“Lazarus, come out.” He calls Lazarus by name. Even death cannot triumph, and so it is with sin. There is no depth or distance to which human being can go that can prevent them from hearing that call. It is up to them to choose to accept or deny it.
Praying Together 15th March 2026
Simeon, though, didn’t just hear about the Messiah being incarnate in the child – he also knew that the child’s destiny would involve pain and suffering in order to fulfil His mission. And Mary knew too. The consolation of Israel – of the world – would cost her the life of her child.
Praying Together 8th March 2026
And in turn, we are challenged to become messengers ourselves, however unsuitable or ill-equipped we might feel.
Praying Together 22nd February 2026
If we are to appreciate the gentleness of a lamb, we need to know its opposite. If we are to understand what safety is, we need also to experience the possibility of danger.
Praying Together 15th February 2026
Perhaps, when we pray, we need to remember it is the Jesus on the Mountain to whom we address our prayers, the one whose face shines like the sun and transfigures our faces as we radiate in His light.
Praying Together February 8th 2026
Is Jesus suggesting, not to eat and drink? And is he saying we should not wear clothes but go naked?
How unrealistic is this, and how depressing – we need to eat and drink, and we need clothing.
Praying Together February 1st 2026
Christ’s words are given to all His people in the face of the difficulties we ourselves face in life. We claim them and are assured of Blessing. And that is all we need.
Praying Together January 25th 2026
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Praying Together 18th January 2026
In prayer, we ask: Who is God calling to come and use their specific individual gifts to continue to build His Kingdom in the future?
His reply is clear.
“You”, He says.
Praying Together 11 January 2026
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
Praying Together 21st December 2025
Joseph’s example is one of love, human reaction, vocation and ultimate obedience to his Creator. So we rightly celebrate both Mary and Joseph as the chosen parents of the Christ-child. But we must also remember that they were ordinary people with human emotions who lived extraordinary lives.