For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

This is STILL the page that you write!

FOR A WHILE IT WAS DEVOTED TO

Family Worsfold

AND WHAT A BLESSING IT PROVED TO BE!

So it is with no little regret that I'm removing all the prayers and returning the page to it's original format - well nearly.

Prayer will still be a focus, but also comments, observations, writings or words that have spoken to you (as the following was for me) - whatever God gives you, will be posted here, unedited and initially unchallenged. But once your contribution is posted ...?

I've been following a daily reading from a two volume book entitled Letters Of Faith Through The Seasons. It was a gift from the Worsfolds who thought it might interest me. It did. Here is an extract from a letter by Jean-Jacques Olier, who lived from 1608 to 1657, written to a Church Prelate. It concerns the question of humility and poses ten questions. I found it quite challenging. perhaps you will also.

1 Do we constantly thank God for all His benefits in our lives?
2 Do we ask him constantly to keep us thankful?
3 Do we do all things in His love?
4 Do we avoid any longings that might not be of God?
5 Do we avoid correction, or subtly restrict the desires of our heart for God?
6 Do we avoid our own rebuke, by being over-critical of others?
7 Are we jealous of others, when they are praised?
8 Do we overlook the imperfections of others, to recognise our own?
9 Can we accept being overlooked by others, because we live a hidden life in Christ?
10 Or do we continue to fester with resentment against others, because God is forgotten?

On reflection, quite challenging for me was quite an understatement, and has given me much food for thought. Please let me know your thoughts.

On Sundays I am always amazed at the joy the children give me as they rush around performing and generally trying to get attention. Pay attention to them, they belong to Father.

“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’?” (Matthew 21;16)

And another little tidbit which ties in so well
with my general philophosy
of Christian life i.e. KISS

The more our life is wholly the LORD's, the simpler it becomes.

In respose to Michelle's request, the poem I read on Sunday is printed below.

He Leadeth Me
In pastures green? Not always; sometimes He
Who knoweth best, in kindess leadeth me
In many ways where heavy shadows be.
Out of the sunshine warm and soft and bright -
Out of the sunshine into the darkest night,
I oft would faint with sorrow and affright,
Only for this – I know He holds my hand;
So whether in the green or desert land
I trust although I may not understand.
And by still waters? No, not always so;
Ofttimes the heavy tempests round me blow,
And o’er my soul the waters and billows go.
But when the storms beat loudest and I cry
Aloud for help, the Master standeth by
And whispers to my soul, “Lo, it is I.”
Above the tempest wild I hear Him say,
“Beyond this darkness lies a perfect day.
In every path of thine I lead the way.”
So whether on the hilltops high and fair
I dwell, or in the sunless valleys where
The shadows lie – what matters? He is there.
So where He leads me, I can safely go,
And in the blest hereafter I shall know
Why, in His wisdom, He hath led me so.

I have found this lovely poem, based on the twenty-third Psalm, quoted partially or fully in many places and am unable to authenticate the author. Sorry. Comments on source or substance invited.