Letter from Wendy

The difference between ‘a word’ and ‘the Word’.

For months now, it is as if a dark cloud has loomed over nations, whilst world leaders and individuals have asked the question “is war inevitable?”

The word ‘inevitable’ has, in my opinion, seemed like an invasive poison in itself, seeping through our psyche. With such constant usage in media coverage and newspaper reporting, ‘presumably’ Jo Public will eventually accept war as ‘inevitable’!

What do you think? It seems to me, the questions I ask prompt many more questions than we have answers for, and I am left feeling uneasy and fearful for our future generations; humanity on both sides of the globe.

During March, the Christian calendar welcomes in the period of Lent, a time set aside, for individuals and community to walk ‘symbolically’ with Christ, to the Cross. It is a time to search deep into our hearts, to challenge our assumptions, to recognise our prejudices, to repent of our sins and then to act accordingly.

As we journey ‘in faith’, we are surrounded by humanity in all guises. Our walk is never totally solitary. The real ‘challenge of the day’ is ‘living the truth’ so that our actions are not simply ‘inevitable’ but charged with integrity, goodness, and direction. The source of that ‘direction’ as guided by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Look again at the prayer our Lord taught mankind and reconsider your decision as to what is ‘inevitable’?

The Lord’s Prayer, Our Father……….

I cannot pray Our, if my faith has no room for others and their need.

I cannot pray Who art in heaven, if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.

I cannot pray Hallowed be thy name, if I am not striving, with God’s help, to be holy.

I cannot pray Thy kingdom come, if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.

I cannot pray On earth as it is in heaven, unless I am truly ready to give myself to God’s service here and now.

I cannot pray Give us this day our daily bread, without expending honest effort for it, or if I would withhold from my neighbour the bread I receive.

I cannot pray Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, if I continue to harbour a grudge against anyone.

I cannot pray Lead us not into temptation, if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot pray Deliver us from evil, if I am not prepared to fight evil in my life and my prayer.

I cannot pray Thine is the kingdom, if I am unwilling to obey him.

I cannot pray Thine is the power and the glory, if I am seeking power for myself and my own glory first.

I cannot pray For ever and ever, if I am too anxious about each day’s affairs.

I cannot pray Amen, unless I honestly say ‘Cost what it may, this is my prayer’.

From ‘Wisdom of Words’

‘May God bless you’

Wendy Gourlay