Have you ever thought about prayer? Maybe it feels like a list of things you want, a quick “thank you” before a meal, or perhaps something a bit formal and, well, one-sided. But what if prayer could be more? What if it could be a real connection, a genuine conversation? It’s natural to wonder if […]
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven Hallowed be thy name Thy kingdom come Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil For thine is […]
Anxious? Nah. Pray! Philippians 4:6 – Your Chill Pill
Life can get crazy, right? Exams, friendships, family drama, the future… It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. But guess what? There’s a better way to deal with all that stress. It’s time to ditch the worry and embrace the peace that comes from prayer. Philippians 4:6 says: “Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, […]
Who Were the Puritans?
When we hear the word “Puritan”, images of stern-faced individuals in sombre clothing may come to mind. But who were the Puritans really, and what did they believe? Let’s dive in and explore this fascinating group from history. Origins of the Puritans The Puritans were a group of English Protestants who emerged in the 16th […]
Genesis 18:16-33: A Courageous Conversation
This passage in Genesis isn’t just a story, it’s a powerful conversation between Abraham and God about justice, mercy, and the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. What’s Happening? God reveals to Abraham His intention to judge the notoriously wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. But Abraham, full of boldness and concern, starts bargaining with God. […]
17. Cultivating Your Spiritual Oasis: Personal Discipline for Sustained Ministry in Christian Detached Youth Work
Detached youth work is a demanding yet rewarding calling, but it can also be emotionally and spiritually draining. To thrive in this ministry, it’s essential for Christian youth workers to cultivate a strong personal spiritual discipline. This practice serves as a wellspring of strength, renewal, and guidance, enabling you to persevere and make a lasting […]
Mark 11:20-26: A Lesson on Faith, Forgiveness, and Prayer
In this passage, Jesus teaches his disciples a powerful lesson about the importance of faith, forgiveness, and prayer. The Withered Fig Tree and the Power of Faith The disciples are amazed when they see a fig tree that Jesus had cursed the day before has withered from its roots. Jesus uses this moment to teach […]
Mark 10:46-52: A Story of Bold Faith and Divine Healing
What Happened? In this passage, we encounter a blind beggar named Bartimaeus sitting by the roadside in Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples pass by, Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus, begging for mercy. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus persists, crying out even louder. Jesus hears Bartimaeus’ cries and stops. He calls for […]
Mark 9:14-29: Faith and Healing
This passage in Mark’s Gospel is a dramatic story about a father’s desperation, a boy’s suffering, and the power of faith in Jesus. The Scene Jesus comes down from a mountain with Peter, James, and John to find a commotion. A crowd surrounds his disciples, who are arguing with a man. The man’s son is […]
For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory…
These powerful words, often included in the Lord’s Prayer, encapsulate the essence of our faith and offer a profound reminder of God’s sovereignty and majesty. The Kingdom God’s reign is eternal and encompasses all creation. When we pray “Thy kingdom come,” we acknowledge that God’s will is ultimate and that we seek to align our […]
Lead Us Not into Temptation, But Deliver Us from Evil: A Reflection on the Lord’s Prayer
In the heart of the Lord’s Prayer lies a profound plea: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” This simple yet powerful request reveals the very human struggle against sin and the need for divine intervention in our lives. Understanding Temptation Temptation is not a sin in itself, but rather an enticement […]
“Forgive Us Our Sins, As We Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us”
In the heart of the Lord’s Prayer lies a profound truth about forgiveness. It’s a two-way street, a reciprocal act that binds us to both God and our fellow human beings. When we pray, “Forgive us our sins,” we acknowledge our own imperfections and our need for God’s mercy. We recognise that we fall short […]