January 2021 Daily Prayer
''LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY''
Go to the Bottom of the Page
Reading & Prayer 30th Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
As I woke this morning, I thought... Now what will today bring?
Of course, none of us can be sure about that even though we have plans for the day and maybe you have a set routine for Saturdays.
Our picture today looks a lot like a well-known walk in Jersey, one I have taken many times. It is pretty straight as it was once the track of a railway, hence its name, The Railway walk. It is a great walk and at the end is Corbiere lighthouse.
It reminds me that life can be like that... you know the way you should go, you can have faith that it is the right path and at the end is the light.
Whilst we remain earth bound, we must walk the straight path, keep our eyes on the light, until the day when we see the Lord face to face.
Reading & Prayer 29th Jan 2021
Message from Marisha
This time last year I was attending Synod with others from St. Francis in Spain. How different it will be this year as we sit in front of our computers on Tuesday and Wednesday to have Synod by Zoom.
Our scripture this morning is very well known and much loved. We are told that as followers of Jesus, we will, as an outcome of our faith produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit. One of them is faithfulness. Faithfulness is not a word much used in a general way these days in life. Maybe it was at one time; we heard of the faithful employee who worked for the same firm for 40 years, we heard of the faithful companion, the faithful couple married for years etc.
How are we called to be faithful these days?
We are called to be faithful to the Lord; our commitment to him and following his ways are lifelong and constant.
When we do that, we will automatically fulfil others ways of faithfulness; faithful to the Church, faithful in love for others, faithful in doing good and faithful in reading the scriptures. There will be times when we will not produce as much fruit as the Lord would want; perhaps we need pruning or feeding. Ask the Lord to do what he will with your life and he will without a doubt cause us to produce an abundance of fruit.
Reading & Prayer 28th Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
I have been thinking a bit about how life has such a lot of twists and turns. One day all seems well and the next there is a problem to get through.
We all want the well part, don't we? I am aware that there are some of us who will be reading this who are having some difficult times. God is with us in those times just as he is with us when life is all rosy and going well. We can trust his promise that we will not be overwhelmed or consumed. His mighty to save.
As he protected Daniel in the lion's den, David before Goliath and Moses from Pharoh so he will protect us from the trials we have to face in life. I don't think it is easy to just trust but that is what we called to do. As the hymn says 'trust and obey, there is no other way '... well not that leads to peace and happiness. Our journey in life is a journey of faith.
Today I hope you will join me in praying for those of us who are having a difficult time, are sick, afraid or confused.
Reading & Prayer 27th Jan 2021
Message from Marisha
I read a quote somewhere " If you have nothing but you have God, you have everything"
We are in times when it could be easy to be totally dissatisfied with life; no freedom of travel, no freedom of association, so much seems to have been taken away. It is true, in one year the world is a very different place and what we once took for granted is no more.
Now is the time to hold steady, dig deep, keep going and keep trusting God whatever our present circumstances.
In today's scripture reading the prophet Habakkuk commits to trusting and praising God regardless of his physical conditions, regardless of disaster around him. He knows that his real security is with the God of his salvation.
It is not easy always to take that attitude; when we are weak, sick, tired, frightened and life is not seemingly going well it all seems hard and God far away but God is still with us. The easiest way I know to change our mindset is to start remembering all God has done for us, our salvation, his goodness and to start praising him. Amazingly when you do that fear subsides, gratitude increases, peace comes and joy will lift your heart.
May be our own quote could be " I have God so what else do I need"
Reading & Prayer 26th Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
When I was a young teenager almost every Saturday, I could be found in my local library in the travel section. I dreamt of travelling the world.Well, I have seen some of it, but not all; every place I have visited is so different and wonderful and there is so much more to see. Truely only the God of the universe could have created it all. Especially now whilst the whole world seems to have come to a standstill, I am now an armchair traveller. The wonders of the internet! It is amazing that God's hand formed the world and us for a divine purpose.
Even in the remotest place on earth God is there waiting for those who would seek him. His desire is that none should be lost and that all should be at one with him (and of course each other) Did you know that St. Francis Church has followers on Facebook from around the globe? Somehow, they have found us and get benefit from our postings. The internet has made the world a much smaller place and we are now connected in ways I couldn't have imagined from my library days.It is easy to only look to our own horizon and forget those people and places far away but we are part of them and they are part of us. Let us keep the nations and peoples of the world in our prayers for they are our brothers and sisters.
Reading & Prayer 25th Jan 2021
Message from Marisha
I hope this weekend has brought you joy. I understand that for most of you there will not have been an opportunity for worshipping physically together but hopefully you will have been able to log in to a virtual service.
Today's scripture is interesting in that it addresses attitudes regarding how we look at each other. We all I think have some prejudices and may be not even aware of. How do we look at the stranger , the different , the other that is not quite like us?
I know how God looks at them. He loves them, as he loves us.
We are required to love others too as in the second commandment... love thy neighbour as thyself. We probably have rarely measured up to that but the Lord as changed us and given us a new heart to do just that. We will never attain that perfectly but it is that we should be aiming for. We have God rooting for us, cheering us on and what's more he has given us his Holy Spirit to empower us.
Please dear friends be faithful in your prayers for those who are sick, bereaved, afraid or lonely. Your prayer is taking them to the feet of our Lord.
Reading & Prayer 23th Jan 2021
Message from Marisha
I think everyone actually wants peace in their hearts and in life but sadly we often live our lives in a way that doesn't bring it.
Job was a man who was constantly seeking to understand God. His friends had a very different understanding than him and did much to persuade him into their way of thinking. No one can completely understand the mind of God, we will have to wait for that, but the scriptures (God' dealings with humanity) give us a pretty good view of God and the relationship He wants us to have with him.
It is only in coming into line with God's purposes and yes submitting to them, that we can find the peace we all need. There are many distractions I know and I expect we have all got tangled up in those from time to time. The world tells us to look for prosperity in material things and it will give us all we need but that is not so. There are many who from a world's point of view have it all but they are not happy and have no peace.
For us as Christians the more we seek his face and walk according to his direction the more we will find contentment. Our happiness will not be dependent on what we have or the amount of money we have in the bank. Job's friends did not understand and many will not understand us but God will and that in the end is all that will matter.
Reading & Prayer 22th Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
Yesterday, I heard from Mary Vellacott that her beloved Graham had passed away peacefully that morning. Graham and Mary lived in San Blas during the Winter time and Graham was a locum to us and regularly officiated at San Blas Church before he became unwell. He was a very gentle priest and had a lovely quiet sense of humour. One day when I was preaching at San Blas, I spotted Graham in the congregation. My heart took a little jump; I was going to preach on chickens and there was the man who knew all about chickens! (He was a farmer and a priest)I saw a wry smile on his face at my first mention of chickens and I carried on. Later Graham was to increase my knowledge at least by 100% which wasn't that hard as I knew very little actually about chickens and we had a little laugh together. His generosity of spirit, kindness and encouragement meant a lot to me.
Whilst there is always sadness when a beloved person leaves us, we can rejoice too. Graham walked faithfully with the Lord, his work is done and now is his time to enjoy the rich rewards promised to those who have loved and served the Lord.
Do please keep Mary and the family in your prayers at this time.
Reading & Prayer 21th Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
Perhaps I have mentioned to you before, I can't quite remember now but when I was growing up over the back door of our house was a sign 'United we stand, divided we fall'.
Of course that was all about my uncle's affiliation with his works union. There is some truth in it but not all.
As believers we should be standing together in unity and I don't think we can ultimately fall, for God is with us and for us and His plans for the world will be supreme. However, our behaviour as Christians can either be a hindrance or a help.
The situation is very different now from when the Holy Spirit descended on the first believers and caused them to develop a community of sharing and love. We are still called to love; we are still called to have unity amongst us and we are still called to be generous in our giving and care for others. Of our own human nature and failings, we might be quite selfish but when the Holy Spirit speaks into our heart, we know that is an attitude which cannot belong to us.
This week we continue in our prayers for Christian Unity. As much as we need to see and understand others' views, we also should be aware of the very practical and spiritual needs around us.
Let us do everything in the power of the Holy Spirit to keep the bond of peace and love between us all.
Reading & Prayer 20th Jan 2021
Message from Marisha
Although the world situation is very different from previous years, it is heartening to know that many things continue as before albeit in a slightly different form; the Week of prayer for Christian Unity for one. Many churches will be praying around the world for a unity between all Christians and denominations.
Some may think it is not really possible, after all there has been separations, differences and arguments for hundreds of years.
When one looks at the big picture it seems impossible but we know that all is possible with God. What can we as individuals do when most decisions are outside of our direct influence?... Everything always starts with us.
Prayer, forgiveness, repentance, love and understanding can only happen corporately when we as individuals take it on board and allow it to happen in our own lives.
Every believer from which ever denomination is the Church and have equal standing before God. A Church divided is not how it is supposed to be. How the Church behaves and is seen really is down to us.
Those on the outside watch and judge. When they see us, as individual Christians behaving badly towards one another, the whole Church is judged. When we do not get on together, showing the Grace and love of God within a fellowship it is not a good witness to the world and sometimes not surprising that people are reluctant to become part of it. Jesus asks us to love another. There are no conditions to that; we cannot wait until the other person loves, behaves better, or is more generous. It has to begin with us, regardless of the behaviour of others. As we are transformed in love, it will be I think entirely possible for the Church universal to have unity. Let us pray for it, let it begin with us.
Reading & Prayer 19th Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
It is always a good day to remember what we have in life. We in the western world live in freedom. We can generally say what we wish, normally go where we want and live the way we choose. There are many in the world which don't enjoy those freedoms.
Our scripture reading this morning speaks of a different kind of freedom. At the time Jesus was speaking to the Jews who had come to believe in him but it can apply to us too. Often, we do not understand exactly what freedom has been gained for us by Jesus.
Someone once said 'we are all free within our own cages'... that is, limited by our own understanding. I think that can be true. The longer we go on in the Christian life the more we see and understand what it is all about. The freedom was always there from the moment we first believed and trusted in the Lord but for many of us we just roamed around our cages, not opening the cage door to the complete freedom on offer. It is not a freedom that says 'do as you wish but rather become in tune with the Christ within us, live the life He has planned for us.
The door is open, just a case of trusting and walking through it.
Reading & Prayer 18th Jan 2021
Message from Marisha
I hope you all had a blessed Sunday.
I have read that today is often called Blue Monday. Now that just has to be a state of mind doesn't it?
Apparently, it is enough time for the euphoria of Christmas and New Year to have worn off, credit card bills are coming in and winter is still with us. I can see that for some that would not be a good reason for joy but as Christians our joy is not centred on our earthly and material surroundings but what we are in Christ. I think it is important to remind ourselves constantly of the goodness of the Lord and of course count our blessings.
We all think all the time; that is natural. What we think about and let our mind dwell on is decided by us. It is easy to go down the road of 'I haven't got, poor me, life is unfair, why me? That is a road going nowhere but depression and unhappiness.
Let's be careful about our thoughts and also our words. Often what we say, the words we speak become fixed in our spirit, so if we constantly speak negatively that is what we become. I think I will rename this Monday to Happy Monday, Great Monday, all is Well Monday and any colour of the rainbow Monday that brings joy.
Many of you from Los Gigantes will know Keith, Greta's brother-in-Law. He is quite poorly at the moment and in Candelaria Hospital. Can I ask that you prayer for him and his family?
Reading & Prayer 16th Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
I hope you are all well. If you are not, do tell us and we will pray for you.
I think it is true that each generation believes themselves to know more than the last ones and will be the ones to put past failures right.
Winston Churchill famously quoted from the philosopher George Santayana ' those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it'
In the book of Judges 21. 25 (not today's scripture) it says 'as there was no king in Israel everyone did what was right in their own eyes' and similar in Proverbs 21.2 There I think is the problem.
There is a kind of arrogance to those positions which are almost certain to lead to failure or even disaster.
We are privileged to have the Scriptures which can guide our thinking; we have the Holy Spirit to teach us. The bible is full of God's people seeking the right way, making mistakes, failing and being restored by God. We can learn a lot from their lives.
The actions of Godly and ungodly people are well recorded in history; there is much we can learn and even learn to avoid from both.
For our part we have to ask the Lord for his wisdom and agree to be led and taught by the Holy Spirit.
The world needs leaders who are humble and seekers of God's ways; for that we must pray or surely history and its many failures will be repeated.
Reading & Prayer 15th Jan 2021
Message from Marisha
A week seems to go by very quickly, possibly because we have so much access to world news. Each day brings the events around the world into our own house. Sometimes that is helpful, if we can then become aware of the things the Lord would have us pray about.
Just this morning I heard of a large earth quake in Indonesia with loss of life, injuries, missing people and the threat of a tsunami to come. I hope you will pray for the people caught up in that.It is not helpful to hear continuing bad news if it makes us fearful. Many spiritual leaders advise us to limit what we watch on the news and social media. We actually don't need to be fearful of things to come if we belong to God, he has said He is with us always.Our scripture reading, so well-known from the letter to the Ephesians encourages them (and us) to put on the whole armour of God.
The first verse says reminds us to 'be strong in the Lord' It is not about somehow drumming up strength from within but accepting the strength and power which comes from the Lord. That is entirely of a different magnitude from any inbuilt strength of heart, mind, or muscle of our own.
Yesterday, John, Rosemary and I visited Margaret. She is in good spirit and sends her love and thanks for your continuing prayer for her.
Reading & Prayer 14th Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
Yesterday Richard and I went for ride into the hills on the road to Teide. There is something so refreshing about being amongst the trees and rocks. It is amazing that trees can even grow on such little soil but they do and flourish too.
I was reminded being there that God is our rock and causes our feet not to slip. The silence is also beautiful, a place where God can speak quietly into our hearts and be heard.
Our psalm today reminds us too that God is our protector whatever comes at us. There certainly seems to be a lot of anguish and concern around the world at the moment. What of us though? are we to be worried?
We are told not to worry or be anxious; even though yes, there are problems and concerns. Now is the time for us to pray. Our Father hears us, we are not thumping on a closed door. The prayers of the faithful are a powerful thing; let us not forsake praying just because the problems are as big as mountains. God is an expert on mountains!
Please also continue in your prayers for those who are sick at the moment ; Margaret Rainton, Petrina Thompson and Carol Hart.
Reading & Prayer 13th Jan 2021
Message from Marisha
It is an amazing thing that in one small island (though not as small as the last island I lived in) that there can be snow and cold in the mountains and at the same time heat and sun on the coast. It made me think that whether we are on the mountain top of faith or in the depth of worry and despair we have a God who is with us in all circumstances and situations.
Our scripture this morning tells of an act of faith. Somehow the woman knew that if she could near enough to touch Jesus, even just touch the hem of his tunic she would be healed and she was.
The Lord knows and understands our every need. He wants our healing and wholeness. He wants us to draw near to him.
We have all I am sure prayed for our own healing and for others and sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't.
I am not sure why that is but I do know that the Lord has the situation in hand; he loves and cares for us. I have seen both the sudden and miraculous healing and the slow gradual healing. Sometimes our physical healing will only come about when we are in Glory with him.
Whatever it is to be for us as individuals the Lord knows best, He is with us in both our joys and afflictions.
We are reminded to pray without ceasing, put our trust in him and have faith... With his help we can.
Reading & Prayer 12th Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
It is good feeling to know that each day is new with the Lord. Each day we have opportunities to live as he would wish us to. I have just written the daily prayer concluding with, as always Amen.
What comes after Amen? Usually Amen is used for the end of a prayer, a 'and so be it', a confirmation of your prayer, but I was thinking that maybe it is just the start.
My prayers often go something like... I'm sorry... thank you... will you... help me... keep me going and growing etc. Amen.
The important thing is after the prayer, after the Amen. Do we continue as if before the prayer, duty done, prayer said ?
As part of our time of prayer it is good to have some silence, a listening for God to speak into our hearts, maybe discipline us , showing us the next steps. The Amen will mean nothing at all if we open our eyes and continue on as if it weren't said.
God is so gracious to us and even after our endless mistakes and falling down, He is there to pick us up and put us back on the path. If He disciplines us it will be for our good.
We have an exciting life as His disciples, there is always so much more to know and learn.
Reading & Prayer 11th Jan 2021
Message from Marisha
I hope you have been blessed this weekend. Sunday can often be a busy day but perhaps not so much now with current restrictions. Sometimes we can get very busy and sometimes that can squeeze out the Lord from our thinking and actively worshipping. He always calls us back though in one way or another to what we are designed to do and be. I know for myself I have to be watchful for what He is saying to me. I want to leave you with this...
A quiet Whisper
Come He says,
Come by my side,
Come, let me be allI
Come... He is
Reading & Prayer 9th Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
In the last few days an awful lot of rain has fallen in the Canary Islands which mainly we are not used to.
I was reminded by a friend yesterday that we can all look at the same event, see and respond differently to it.
I had found the rain rather depressing but she said 'My husband, like almost every Canarian in the south of Tenerife, loves the rain: we go out to the window to watch the raindrops... and people send happy messages it's raining, it's raining...'
So really it is a matter of perception and attitude. Rain is necessary for the land and life will send us trials; they are the training ground of our faith.
We have choices in our responses; let us choose to trust God in life which gives us peace. Whether the winds blow or rain falls our Lord is still in control and for that alone we can be thankful.
Today we now have a new section on our website. Sing along to some of the hymns we will be using in our services.
Reading & Prayer 8th Jan 2021
Message from Marisha
I saw yesterday a little quip... 'please cancel my subscription for 2021, I have seen the last week and I don't want it now'
Well, it certainly hasn't been the easiest starts to another year. I was reading a little from Lamentations this morning, sometimes called the book of sorrows written by Jeramiah. He certainly lamented over Israel but reminded himself to remember the goodness of the Lord and have hope in Him. Our reading today from Isaiah offers us comfort that we have God's protection whatever comes against us. Our hope and vindication are in him, not in what we may do in our own strength which would never be enough anyway.
Whilst others may choose to have their subscription for 2021 cancelled let us look forward in faith, if God is with us who can be against us.
Reading & Prayer 7th Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
I hope is that you are all keeping well.
Last night after seeing the reports of civil unrest in the United States and the seriousness of it all I began to wonder where is the Lord in all this. It seems wherever you look in the world there are major problems.
It brought me to thinking that we have everything at our disposal through him to live good lives, where there is food for all, community spirit and peace amongst nations.
The great promise of God that he gives wisdom to those who ask for it. Clearly there are many communities who are not seeking that and have an agenda of self-interest. It is our duty as God's children and his ambassadors to pray for those in power and have authority in the world. It is right for us to pass on Godly wisdom as best we can. Let us keep up our prayers for the world.
Reading & Prayer 6th Jan 2021
Message from Marisha
Today is a public holiday here, Epiphany being a very important feast day for Spanish people. Last night there were cavalcades around the towns of the Three Kings, not on camels but in open top cars. Children looked on from their balconies and eagerly awaited this morning when their presents will have arrived from the Kings -Reyes in spanish-.
The story of the Magi (Kings) is not altogether clear but what it does say is God directed them by a star.
It will have been an encounter which changed their lives. The journey would not have been easy and certainly not quick. No one got anywhere very fast in those days. It was a journey of faith, never undertaken before and not without some difficulties. They didn't give up and their journey is now firmly embedded in the story of God and his relationship with humanity.
I believe that the Lord wants all people to have the encounter of meeting Jesus. We all are on a journey, some have come to meet and know him as their friend and Saviour, some are still on the path of discovery. For those who know and love him we can be part of the journey of others to find him. That is a privilege.
As we start this new year let us pray that more will be drawn to Him and that we will fulfil our part in that story. Happy Epiphany and Feliz Día de Reyes...
Reading & Prayer 5th Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
I think I am correct in thinking that most of you who will read this are retired. What I mean is retired from paid employment. It is a position that many who are still working would envy. Actually, though the scriptures tell us that we find happiness in working and more than that the Lord gives us work till the end of our days. I have been told many times... Oh I am retired but when our lives belong to the Lord, we are in His service always. In that service we will find joy and happiness. Each of us has a different part to play; it may be in praying, in encouragement, in supporting others or maybe a hands-on task. We can no longer separate our lives into the compartments of mine or God, all we do and are belong to the Lord. We each need to seek out what our part is. God's blessing is upon us when we work in accord with Him.
Please continue in your prayers for each other and those who are sick.
Reading & Prayer 4th Jan 2021
Message from Marisha
This morning when I awoke, immediately came into my mind the hymn "Great is thy faithfulness".
I have never given much thought to that hymn; it has just been one of those hymns that I seem to have always known and not really even a favourite. It is worth looking at the words carefully: it encapsulates so much of our faith.
In our scripture passage this morning Jesus is preparing the disciples for a future without his physical presence. He is giving them hope and reassurance that all will be well and so it is for us too. Whatever this coming year brings He will give us strength and courage to face.
Indeed, as Julian of Norwich said " all will be well, all manner of thing will be well".
Reading & Prayer 2nd Jan. 2021
Message from Marisha
We have arrived into another year which I am sure for most of us will be pleased about . There are times for us all when feel that ‘locusts’ have eaten away at our lives but we know that over all God is still with us and wanting the very best for us. Even in hard and difficult times the Lord is there with us and we can learn as much from the difficult times as from the easy and carefree times. Let us move forward in faith trusting God who is our Father.
Go to the Top of the Page