Reading, Reflection and Prayer

Ruth talks about how she prepares her heart to be ready for Jesus. We discuss how tricky making space for attentiveness to God was when we had small children and think about the example of Suzanne Wesley. Our reading in Luke concerns the raising of the widow's son from the dead. Jesus' compassion is on full display.

Richard and Ben think about the various themes of Advent and about the attention to scripture that helps us be grounded in the season. We read about the extraordinary faith of the Centurion who has complete confidence in Jesus' authority over sickness.

Ruth talks about her love of the Advent season. What it looks like to build a good spiritual foundation for our lives.

Our Thanksgiving Episode of Reading, Reflection and Prayer. We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and pray for God's presence to be with you. In our gospel passage, we think about not judging or condemning each other, and the wisdom to look for the plank in our own eyes before trying to take specks out of the eyes of our brothers and sisters.

The only problem with the command to love our enemies and to do good to those who hate us is putting it into practice. The command is really easy to understand. We just might not like it; but even if we accept this as God's way it's easier said than done.

Ruth talks about the presence of the Holy Spirit in the middle of mourning. It's a deep, rich and new experience that exemplifies Jesus' teaching in Luke's gospel.

Ruth shares a word that she had about rumble strips and the encouragement of the Spirit in her life. We think about the way that Jesus goes beyond the letter of the Sabbath laws, to live into their true intent.

Ben and Richard talk about stewardship and our upcoming pledge Sunday. The Pharisees note that Jesus' disciples don't fast and pray like the disciples of John. Jesus says that they won't while the bridegroom is with them; but that later they will. We think about the rhythm of the Spirit and how it is more complicated to navigate than simple rules.

Richard and Ruth discuss the struggle to relate to Psalms which express really nasty thoughts and wishes to our enemies. We think about the fact that Jesus only came for sinners (not the righteous) and what that means for us if we want to turn to Jesus.

The difficulties of parenting, especially during Covid-19; a recommendation of 'The Glass Castle' and a reflection on the Power of God being present so that Jesus was able to heal.