February 2021 Daily Prayer
''LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY''
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Reading & Prayer 27th Feb 2021
Message from Marisha
I wonder what kind of week you have had. Have you sailed through or has it been a week that seemed to never end? I think we all have those at times.Today’s reading, the end of a psalm of David, revealed so much of his character. He was a man under threat of his very life but whose trust in God showed through. Of course, he didn’t have to actually explain his situation to the Almighty but like many of us he did in detail! I don’t know how long he was under siege from those who wanted to kill him but somewhere deep within him he knew where he could put his trust. He sang out his praise to God who was his safe fortress. Did he use praise as an antidote for fear? If it was, it certainly seemed to work.
It has seemed an age since we have been able to sing out our praises but that time will come again. Until then we can praise him in our hearts whatever the circumstance, whether we feel surrounded by hard times and strife or plain sailing on quiet waters.
Reading & Prayer 25th Feb. 2021
Message from Marisha
I prefer to get up early if I can as I like the peacefulness of a day not yet begun. When I open the curtains and look to the heavens I'm amazed at their beauty and awesomeness.
How do we get to know the God of creation who made the heavens and the earth who also cares for and loves us?
How do we get to know his mind? Our scripture tells us that his thoughts and ways are higher than ours. That of course is true and it might seem impossible to ever really know the God who creates infinity. There are many things that get in the way of really being in real fellowship with him and getting to know him. If we want that closeness, we have to be prepared to let go of living a life not pleasing to him. Life can get very busy and so often the pursuit of being intimate with God gets lost in it all. For me I have to make a real commitment to being still in his presence, reading his Word and being honest with him and myself. The most wonderful thing is this; He knows us and loves us absolutely and waits patiently for us to seek his presence. He forgives us for all we do that is not worthy of being called a Christian.
Lent is a time for allowing him to come into our brokenness and restore us. The moment of that brokenness before him is not easy and for a time we may feel at a loss from being tethered to that which gave us security; confidence that our thinking and ways are correct. Our God is in the restoration, the making new business and he is good at it. Let's put our trust in Him and see where it leads.
Please continue to pray for Margaret, Petrina and Carol
Reading & Prayer 24th Feb 2021
Message from Marisha
For this Lenten season I have decided to follow the morning prayer Church of England readings. I was surprised to find today there is the telling of Peter's betrayal of Jesus. I always think of it much closer to Easter. My heart goes out to Peter; how much he must have suffered for saying those words of denial. Maybe we believe we would never do such a thing. I hope that moment won't ever come to us...... but in so many ways it is with us daily; the times we judge harshly, speak unwisely and love less than we ought. The good news is this; Jesus forgave Peter and in the same way he forgives us too. We grow as Christians when we start to recognise our failings and lapses and bring them to the feet of Jesus. Whilst we hold on to our 'rightness' we are stuck and fail to grow into all that He wants us to be. Jesus knows our hearts, he feels for us in our weakness, he wants us to know his forgiveness and he is there ready and waiting for us to be healed and set right again. It only takes a 'I am sorry Lord, forgive me'.
Reading & Prayer 23th Feb. 2021
Message from Marisha
he other day I received little cartoon picture of Jonah coming home to his wife. She stands at the door accusingly ...'and where have you been for the last three days and coming home all slimy and smelling of fish' she says. Well, the story of Jonah and the whale might be called a fishy story but the moral behind it is one I expect many of us would be familiar with.The Lord had spoken to Jonah quite directly but it wasn't something that he had wanted to hear. There are many times when God speaks to us and really, we just don't fancy going down that road, it all looks a bit too hard or even alarming. Poor Jonah had to learn his lesson in a very traumatic way, I for one do not to go down that road!God never forces us to do anything but he does compel us. Sometimes he wants us to act on his behalf as he did with Jonah but at other times, he is wanting to deal with our own heart. Whilst we may run away from problems and difficulties in life none of us can run away from ourselves and God who now resides with us. At some point we have to squarely face ourselves. I know God wants and desires our complete wholeness and healing and he is patiently and gently waiting for us to come to him for it. For all the times we just couldn't face things, all past mistakes, all unforgiveness and hurt that we have suffered or inflicted He is there. He says 'Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest'.
Reading & Prayer 22th Feb. 2021
Message from Marisha
I hope you have enjoyed the weekend. I am not sure where everyone is at regarding being able to attend church physically but I hope in some way you have been able to find spiritual nourishment.Today's scripture from the psalms is about spiritual nourishment and how the Lord has given us wonderful guidelines for life.There is much reading matter in the world today trying to show us how to get healthy, wealthy and possibly wise as well.I have read some of those books myself but there is something strangely lacking in them.The most sold copy of any book ever published is the bible. Why is that one might ask?We know that the bible was penned over generations by many different people who had encountered God in their life. I believe their words were inspired by Him who is the Word. They have been given to us as a way to getting to knowing the Lord, teaching us and enlarging our understanding of God's purpose for us.All the books in the world will never compare with the Bible, the book of life, because of who the author is.
Reading & Prayer 20th Feb 2021
Message from Marisha
I hope you are well and have had time to begin John’s Lent study. I know many people ‘give up things for Lent’ and that is good. It is also very beneficial to ‘do something more’.
Our scripture today is very black and white. God will judge our actions or our inactions. That is a very sobering thought. How easy to think I will do it tomorrow... maybe or what good can I alone do. We can find a myriad of excuses for not being Christ’s hands in the world. Sometimes it maybe just our own prejudices that need to be addressed first. We all hold them at times. The times I have walked past a beggar and just wondered, is he really without or is it a con? I am reminded of the scripture about entertaining angels unwarily.
If we can miss angels in our midst, we might well be missing our Lord in those on the pavement. Just a thought.
Reading & Prayer 18th Feb. 2021
Message from Marisha
When I first read today's scripture it struck me that we have a decision to make, we have a choice.
The choice on offer is between living and dying. Now that is quite a choice to make and I guess most would choose life. There is a condition to that though. The life on offer comes into its fullness as we are obedient to God and his commandments. That also involves a choice.
Do we blindly go through life, hoping for the best, just moseying along? or do we make a firm commitment to living to please God, obeying his word and having the abundant life that God promises.
So often it seems we get stuck in a half-life. We live in dissatisfaction, not completely happy, sometimes even fearfully but our Father calls us out of that, he is giving us the promised land. If you do anything this Lent why not decide to enjoy every last minute, every opportunity, every bit of life he gives us. Choose to live as he wants us to.
Thoughtfully checkout what is good and right in your life and what is not and then asking him to help make the necessary changes.
Reading & Prayer 17th Feb 2021
Message from Marisha
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. For those of you who are able, we have a service at San Eugenio at 10.15am.
Today's reading is interesting and one that resonates with me.
I think it was in 1970 that I began to do patchwork. I actually knew very little about it; none of the rules or techniques but naively I thought how hard can it be and began. Out came some of my old dresses which I cut up only to find I didn't have enough material (first mistake), off to the fabric shop to get additional material. I can't even tell you how many mistakes I made on that first quilt but the main one was trying to mix old material with new. You see they handled very differently and after the first wash it was obvious that they would not hold together well. You see the old, previously used, almost worn-out material and the new firm and resilient material were at odds with each other. One had strength and kept its shape and the other just did its own thing and pulled every which way. It was a disaster but a good lesson learned.
I believe it is the same principle which operates when we become Christians. What was once serviceable and useful can become a problem for us when we embark on our new life following the Lord. The old and the new do not mix well. Our old way of being and thinking no longer fits the bill for our new life. Now my first quilt survived for a while but inevitably in time it fell to pieces. Although we are completely made new as Christians the out working of that newness takes time. Gradually we must let our old lives fade away and take on board the new life we have been given, allowing the Holy Spirit to mould us, change our hearts, minds and attitudes. It is an exciting journey of discovery we are on with lessons to be learned just as it was for me with my first quilt.
Reading & Prayer 16th Feb. 2021
Message from Marisha
We are now fast approaching the beginning of Lent, a time of reflection, a time of looking within, to go deeper with God and a preparation for Easter.
We start this season on Ash Wednesday with our service at San Eugenio Church (10.15)
Of course, it would be foolish to wait until any particular time or date to either get right with God, turn to his ways or allow God to move in our lives. Scripture says Today is the day of Salvation... or you might say... No time like the present.
When you look around, especially on the internet you see that there are an awful lot of clever, intelligent and knowledgeable people about. They are often the ones who are the influencers in the world. That is not to be despised but it has to be set against what God wants and requires of us which may not be the same at all. The scripture today quite clearly says His thoughts are not our thoughts nor His ways our ways. When we rely entirely on our own limited thinking, we are bound to fall short of what God thinks. Lenten time can also be a time for seeking forgiveness, a time of restoration, a humble coming back to the God who loves us.
Reading & Prayer 15th Feb 2021
Message from Marisha
I hope you all were blessed in some way yesterday. How quickly we sometime forget the good in our lives.
Yesterday one of the hymns we used was Lead, kindly Light by John Henry Newman.
It was one that I didn't really knew but I was very struck by the words especially of the first verse:
Lead, kindly Light,
amid the encircling gloom,
lead thou me on;
the night is dark,
and I am far from home;
lead thou me on.
Keep Thou my feet;
I do not ask to see the distant scene,
One step enough for me.
How often we can find ourselves worrying about tomorrow; all that does is rob us of today's joy. Our scripture today tells us that our Father knows our every need and he has got it in hand. Forget about tomorrow's cares just get on with what today brings. I know that some of us are worry warts and it is easy to fall into that frame of mind but when it does happen... repeat after me 'today I will be thankful for today and I will let God look after tomorrow'
Reading & Prayer 13th Feb. 2021
Message from Marisha
Yesterday was a bit of a day you might say. I won't bore you with a litany of the problems that came up but anyway. I survived! and I certainly hadn't had any of the trials that were set before Job of our scripture reading today, whatever I was facing paled into insignificance in comparison. If any of you feel a bit weighed down or that life is tough going, I recommend reading the story of Job.
Today in the world many Christians are facing real persecution, many nations and their people are under threat and certainly in these days, life can seem a little scary. It is during these times when we all need to look to God for our help and security.
We have not been promised a life without problems but are promised that the Lord will be with us through it.
Reading & Prayer 12th Feb 2021
Message from Marisha
Today's scripture is about God's provision to us and seeking after His righteousness. That word is rarely used these days except in a spiritual context; maybe we need to relook at it. In my understanding it is getting right with God and sticking to it. There is nothing from our own efforts that gives us righteousness, that is a gift from God through his Son.
Jesus himself said in the garden of Gethsemane 'not my will but yours' Perhaps that must be the call for us all, or in other words... not what I want but what you want Lord. That of course begs the question 'what is His will for us?'
Each of us must find the answer for themselves. I know it will always entail living to please God; that might mean it won't be exactly how we want life to go but following God's will always results in our peace and ultimate happiness.
What do you think?
Reading & Prayer 11th Feb. 2021
Message from Marisha
Yes, it is a good morning as every morning is although I, am along many others are starting to feel the pinch of not seeing family, friends and the places I love.
Sometimes we have to wait and learn to wait patiently. All things pass in time. The prophet Habakkuk became frustrated with what was happening around him and made his complaint to God, he had become impatient. So often we cannot see how or why God is working as He is. It is then we have to rely on his promises, that all will be well and worked out in his time not ours.
It is nothing new to mankind to have to wait; we wait for Winter to turn to Spring, we wait to recover from illness, for wars to end, we wait for children to be born, and now we wait for the end of the pandemic and all the restrictions it has brought with it.
Now is the time for us to dig deep into our faith, praise God in all things, pray without ceasing and continue to Live as he intended, full of hope and joy.
Reading & Prayer 10th Feb 2021
Message from Marisha
This morning we have a lovely bright start to the day. Recently I have had two conversations with different people about talents. The first one went along the lines of 'I haven't got much to offer God now' and the second well......To the first conversation, I wondered if that were true and decided it was not. Undoubtably life situations change and with it what the Lord requires of us. Maybe we once were actively going out into the world proclaiming the Gospel or physically working hard for the Lord and now not.That doesn't mean that the new situation you find yourself in any less valuable than the old one. Perhaps it is time to be more reflective, prayerful or encouraging to others . All are important and valuable to God.The second conversation went along the lines of ' look what more you will be able to do, see how many more strings you will have to your bow'At this point I almost fell off my chair in hysterics! Was it that I actually didn't want any more strings, thank you very much or was it more a case of is that the right string for me? We all are given different gifts or talents; each are important in God's work and to which we must be faithful servants. For us all we need to discern what the Lord requires of us. It might well be an entirely new thing, a change of direction or perhaps just carrying on with what you are called to now.Let us all be obedient to whatever our individual calling is and be known by God as 'A good and faithful servant
Reading & Prayer 9th Feb. 2021
Message from Marisha
How fortunate we are to live in a safe part of the world. Over the last few days, we have heard of the unrest in Burma and the threat that Christians are coming under. That is not by any means the only place in the world where there is a very real danger. I hope you will remember those fellow Christians in your prayers.
There is an Easter hymn that says ‘he sees the meanest sparrow fall unnumbered in the street’ I have always from a young child been touched by those words. It is comforting when we hear as in today’s scripture that our Father loves us more than sparrows which he cares for too. We need have no fear of what might come to pass in the future, our God is with us. Actually, however much anxiety we have it will make no difference to what comes to pass. So, let’s be anxious for nothing and bring our prayers and supplications to Him who casts out all fear.
Please pray too for our charity shop and the volunteers and not forgetting Margaret
Reading & Prayer 8th Feb 2021
Message from Marisha
Have you read the story of Gideon? It is always worth a reread.
I was thinking how much we learn over a life time and the challenges we have.
We are all born helpless and with no knowledge of how the world works and yet we survive.
Speaking for myself and the challenges I have faced I can’t really remember a time when I have felt fully equipped and capable to go forward and complete a task.
Same with Gideon... he was young and in his own words the least of his family and certainly did not believe he could deliver Israel. God’s response... but I will be with you. Enough said, the fact that Gideon was the least of his clan mattered not. His own capabilities did not come into the equation. God was with him and would be to him all that he needed to win the battle.
It is the same for us. Whatever we lack God can supply, we just need to put our hand in the hand of Him who can do all things. When faced with a mountain of challenge do not be dismayed, if the Lord requires it of you he will be with you and will supply all that is needful.
Reading & Prayer 6th Feb. 2021
Message from Marisha
Today I am feeling grateful. Yesterday and last night it was unseasonably cold but fortunately I had clothes to wear, a home and warm bed to sleep in.
Even though many of us are aliens in a foreign land we are privileged and do not suffer the hard realities of most aliens in the world. We, by and large are treated equally and fairly by our host country and its people. If the problem of refugees and immigration seem too large for us to think about and deal with, that is understandable. The problem is complex.
It would indicate from our scripture reading from Leviticus this morning, that the problem has been around a long time, certainly people have been moving around for a long time. Whilst we might hold various views about what is now a world problem, we are given a reminder what our attitude must be. Treating others whatever their circumstances and from wherever they come from must stem from the second commandment, to love thy neighbour as thyself.
It is reiterated again in today's verses... to love them, be even handed, fair and treat them as equal citizens. Although it isn't always easy calling, we have the Lord to help us, to give us compassion and eyes to see as He sees and to love as He does.
Reading & Prayer 5th Feb 2021
Message from Marisha
Here I am being surprised that it is Friday again.
Yesterday I had a little message from one of you about being able to stand and stare. I think we all need that in our lives; a time to look at the beauty of the world but also a time to look within and see where we are in our spiritual lives. Rev. Jeffery John led the bible study at our zoom synod this year; he advocated having a spiritual M0T, a time to look honestly at our lives, see where we are really at. When I went to New Zealand, we visited Lake Matheson in the South Island. The surface of the lake is so still that it allows the surrounding mountains to be reflected so beautifully and clearly. I wonder how well our lives reflect Jesus in the way we live and act. Does God's Word go in one ear and out the other, never settling and transforming us? We are short changing ourselves and God when we allow that to happen.
Whilst we are sometimes able to kid ourselves about our spiritual life, we can't really fool others. They see. As we read God's Word and it is allowed to reside there, we will become a more accurate reflection of God's love.
Carry the Word of God in your heart and see what happens, you won't be disappointed.
Reading & Prayer 04th Feb. 2021
Message from Marisha
Last night I saw the weather forecast for today, it wasn't good. A yellow warning for rain, high winds, cold and even snow in the mountains. I got up this morning and yes, a little chilly but so far none of the other predictions. I took a photo of the lovely skies. There were dark clouds with blue behind with the sun coming through. It made me think that our lives can be a bit like that. We have a background of blue skies because we have the Lord, there are clouds which we have to deal with and we have the sun always shining through lighting the way. Our scripture today from the story Hannah reminds us that of our own selves we have nothing to boast about. God sees our hearts and knows our motives. The world applauds self-achievement and determination so it seems to go against the grain not to be proud of our work and efforts but for us as Christians when we examine ourselves, we know that it is God, not us who brings about good. Our reliance must be on him, all else will eventually crumble, I think.
A message from Margaret.
Margaret sends her grateful thanks for all of your prayers and good wishes. She is still at home and awaiting admission into hospital for explorative surgery. Please continue you to pray for her.
Reading & Prayer 3rd Feb 2021
Message from Marisha
The world is a wonderful place and is a never-ending source of delight and yet so often I get too busy to contemplate and appreciate it enough. What amazes me is that it changes every day. From sunrise to night fall each day the view is different. The clouds move, the seas rise and fall. The stars move in the sky and the plants grow.
In the land next to our home is a little finca which has been developed over the last year. The owner has worked very hard, clearing the land, digging the soil and planting the seeds. You might say it is her work and creation but actually the seeds weren't made by her, nor the sun and rain which caused the plants to grow, they were all part of the creative work of God. The owner has joined forces, so to speak with our creator God and caused the land to grow and produce crops. Each day that little patch of land changes. It is such a little part of the work of God yet there is so much to see and take notice of.
Our scripture today tells of the heavens being made and us too and how much God loves us....more than all the wonderful things he made for our enjoyment and that are to be cared for by us. He loves us that much; that is quite a lot to take in isn't it?
Reading & Prayer 2nd Feb. 2021
Message from Marisha
It is an early start for those who will be attending by Zoom our Archdeaconry Synod. Do please pray for those attending and of course our own Gwen, who as treasurer will be making a presentation.
Life is a strange thing don't you think?So often just when you believe all is going smoothly there is an unexpected problem or mishap. It is just at that moment when we are weak and confused that the Lord can and will help us. It is said that there is nothing uncommon to mankind... or it can happen to anyone and that is so. It was not uncommon for Jesus; he walked the hard road that led to a cross but in all things trusted his Father. So as life sends us a challenge let us hold fast ; even as we are weak, He who loves us is strong.
Have a good day and do remember Margaret in your prayers.
Reading & Prayer 1st Feb 2021
Message from Marisha
Good morning everyone, A new month began for me this morning looking at the beautiful pinky blue skies over La Gomera and I realised how blessed I am to be able to do that... to just sit, watch and give thanks to God.
Last night at Los Gigantes service directly in my eyeline is a statue of Jesus, actually his feet. I took a photo afterwards. Overnight I have thought quite a bit about sitting at the feet of Jesus.
How wonderful for those like Mary and the Samaritan Leper who actually, physically sat at His feet. That privilege is not lost to us though. We can become aware of his presence in the blink of an eye. Often our lives become busy and there seems no time to quietly read his word, pray or just be with him.
I have come to know that those quiet times are precious but actually in all we do and are Jesus is with us... in all our strivings, our busyness, our thoughts He is there. As we go about our day, perhaps not sitting let us be aware of his loving presence with us, guiding our every step.
Please continue in your prayers for those who are sick and also for Archdeaconry Synod this week
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