You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:11 NRSV
As we end our weeks lent reflections on the significance to God of our human relationships it is good to remind ourselves that God is a great reconciler and likes us to be people of peace. I was a hospital chaplain for many years and I met so many people who lacked peace, or had no one visit because they had fallen out with family and friends. Peace is precious! And in many ways counter our culture which is often critical and devisive. So let's be counter cultural and ask God to help us value our relationships, making time for others and peace.
7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone's way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. 8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice. 9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. 10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice.
Proverbs 16: 7-10
One of the ways we can bring peace is by praying. Regularly praying blessing over yourself and others is powerful and has the potential to change atmospheres and relations. I like to pray for people who are strangers to me, those I pass when walking or who I see when I am out and about. It is sad to think that with the diminishing teaching on prayer in schools, and falling church attendance that so many people have no one who knows how to pray for God's favour and blessing upon them. As a church community we pray our LOVE NANTWICH prayer as well as other prayers like this traditional Celtic prayer below. Let's take a little time to pray today for others that they would know the blessings God alone can bring.
"May God give you, for every storm, a rainbow, for every tear, a smile, for every care, a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sign a sweet song, and an answer for each prayer."
