Reflection 1 – Christian Leaders - Persevere
Good morning; may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
There’s a lot of rubbish going on in our world, and sometimes it can seem overwhelming.
-How do you feel about it?
We read in the book of James chapter 1, verse 12,
‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.’
Christians are called to persevere and keep going even in the toughest times. Christian Leaders can be a great example for us in this, and Justin Welby has been very open about wanting to make a difference in our world because of his faith. Christians believe God is with us wherever we go, and we can take confidence and courage in this!
-How might God help us keep going?
-How could you make a difference locally, nationally or in the wider world??
Prayer 1
Let us pray,
Father God,
Help us keep us motivated when we are struggling. Give us the strength and courage we need when we feel like we can’t carry on. Pick us up when we need your help and be with us, giving us your strength each day. Amen.
Reflection 2 – Christian Leaders - Serve
Good morning; may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
-When did you last serve someone – by putting their interests/needs/worries before yours? How did it make you feel? What was the result?
In Philippians chapter 2 verses 3+4 Paul writes,
‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.’
Christian leaders are called to put others first, serving them, and this can make a huge difference in people’s lives. They are an example to us in this.
-If we were all less selfish, and put others first, what difference could it make?
-How can you make a positive difference in someone’s life this week?
Prayer 2
Let us pray,
Father God,
We pray for anyone who is facing struggles or hardship at the moment. Help us to know how we can best help and serve them and give us the opportunities to do so this week. Amen.
Reflection Day 3 – Christian Leaders – Make a difference.
Good morning; may the Lord be with you.
(Response) And also with you.
-Look at our world today? What are you passionate about changing? Why?
In Proverbs chapter 31, verses 8-9 it says,
‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.’
Justin Welby has taken this verse to heart, as have many Christian leaders. He wants to speak up for those who are unable to do it for themselves. We’ll see one way in which he does this in the collective worship this week.
-What difference could you make for someone who doesn’t have all that we do in Chorley today?
-How could we even make a difference at St Michael’s?
-Why not choose to make a positive difference this week?
Prayer Day 3
Let us pray,
Loving God,
We are one family in you. Fill our hearts with your love for this world and give us the passion you have for justice. Help us better serve our brothers and sisters throughout the world and give us wisdom to know how we can best make a difference. Thank you for the inspiration of many of our Christian leaders; keep them faithful and help us to follow their lead. Amen.