Thoughts for the Day

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. For God has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence,

‘The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?’.....

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

For anyone in despair this passage from Hebrews must surely bring some comfort. But even at our lowest we are reminded to care for others, to show a welcome to strangers, and to remember those in prison. Unfortunately, at this point we can often, only think of ourself. I'm sure this was so for me the day my lovely husband of almost 50 years turned to me and said "Who are you?" At this point I could think of nothing else but that my world had collapsed as he entered his final phase of dementia.

As things get more difficult we need to hold on to two things:

1. God said "I will never leave you or forsake you."
2. 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.'

If when our world is crashing around us we can remember these two things, that God is with us always and that the promises made by Jesus are eternal, that is all we need. As for the rest of us we need to pray continually for all who cannot pray for themselves at such a time. Our prayer lists for them (just headings will do) should be very long!

Almighty God,
Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
we pray for all in despair,
who cannot pray for themselves:
for those who are sick unto death;
for those with children who are dying;
for those terrified of the future;
for those suffering torture;
for those caught up in war;
for those who have lost everything;
and for all whose loved ones have died.
May Your presence comfort them this day.
Amen.