Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said to his disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you - you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying.'

(New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

We have been unable to go into our churches for some months now, but I heard last week from someone about the state of the churchyard in Manorbier. She said, the orchids were making a comeback, although a little weak after all the grass-cutting that it usually gets. As well as this there were clumps of daisies wafting in the breeze and toadflax and clover among other things. There had also been some delightful star-like white flowers last month, and the birdsong this year had been fantastic. We might not have been there, but nature and God were working well, without our interference.

Our reading today, looks at nature to remind us that we should stop worrying because God cares for even the humble flower. Worrying is pointless, and can't achieve anything positive! However, those faced with no income or work, or whose business has failed, or who work in hospitals or care homes, can be excused from worrying I feel at this time.

So today, the rest of us will concentrate on those who need our support, and we pray that God will resolve their worries. As the flowers have flourished in the churchyard without our attention but with God's help, so we ask that God will accept our petitions for those who need His help.

Wednesday 17th June, follow up thoughts

Heavenly Father,
You know the worries and concerns of Your people at this time.
We ask You to fill those who worry
with Your peace and Heavenly blessing,
and answer our prayers for their relief.
May they may approach each day
sure in the confidence that You are with them,
and supporting them at this time.
Amen