Sentence for the Week

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord.
1 Samuel 1:27-28

Collect for Reflection

God our parent, open our eyes that we might see the work you have set for us and that the power of your risen Son touch our daily lives;
May the peace and joy of your love reach our friends and family.
AMEN.

 Now also read these related verses:
Samuel 1: 20-28
Psalm 34                                                                    
Colossians 3:12-17            
John 19:25-27                     

Household Prayer​ :  Morning
Lord, You inclined your ear and heard my cry, and lifted me when I was low. Strengthen me for service as I carry your light to the world.
AMEN.

Household Prayer : Evening
Jesus, fill me with you peace, that I may be strengthened to the end and find my rest in you.
​AMEN.

Praying this week for....

• everyone in the parish of St Johns - for protection, strength and wisdom to follow God's will;
• our Bishop Steven and his wife Lorraine, our Vicar-General Gary Griffith-Smith,  and our Archdeacon Keith Gover. We lift to you the parishioners of Oamaru and their vicars;
• pray for the NZ Anglican Missions Board, the clergy of the Diocese of Polynesia  and for all throughout Polynesia who are called to share the gospel and deepen the discipleship in the Pacific, and especially the work of the House of Sarah in Fiji helping women and children of domestic violence and discrimination in their society ;
• we pray for peace and understanding in our nation as we face the anniversary of the Christchurch shootings, and the spread of Covid-19, may we support one another with kindness and a sense of togetherness;
• that we be always willing to share whatever we have with those less fortunate than ourselves in our community.

        Reflection question:  
Has there been a time when you have either Mothered or been Mothered by someone other than a blood relative?
Have did this make you feel?  What might it have been like for the other person?
What was your learning from this situation? Are these feelings the same knowing that we are cared for and loved by an Other?