World Day of prayer

Friday 4th March - World Day of Prayer.

The subject chosen for this year is "Receive children, Receive Me." The women of Cuba were chosen to prepare the outline of the prayer meeting held all over the world.

Jesus said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

What we do to others, we do it unto the Lord and this certainly applies to children.

We may not be able to join others in a prayer meeting for certain reasons, but we all can join them in prayer even in our own homes.

Let me quote a prayer written in the Words of Life for today.

"Gracious Father, we come before you in prayer right now - on this World Day of Prayer. We have been asked to pray relating to our theme for this year. As we receive your children , love and care for them, we in fact receive you.

Give to us open minds, open hearts, open spirits. Take away any  prejudice we might have hidden in our heart. Give to us instead loving and receptive hearts, the desire to embrace  all of humanity. Help us to bless others as you blessed the children.

Help us never to be afraid in reaching out, and showing compassion to our brothers and sisters around the world, as well as those in our communities. And help us to give financially where we can, to help feed the poor and clothe the naked.

We love you, Jesus, and the way we can show you best is by loving one another - as you commanded us. Help us to do this well to the very best of our ability. All these things we ask in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen