Prayer Works

The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, Sir Peter Fahy, has spoken openly of the ways his Christian faith, and his habits of regular prayer, have made a difference in recent days. Many people have also found different ways to show their response and support, following the deaths of the two police officers,  Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes. Some by joining vigils, and while others have laid wreaths of flowers. But many have prayed.

Yesterday's BBC Songs of Praise, obviously planned long before last week's terrible events, provided an opportunity for Sir Peter to speak again of his prayer-filled life. There was also a piece about the 'Reaching our Commnuties' (ROC) organisation, whose Christian involvement with local Councils and the police is highly respected in the Manchester area. Their youth and community work is rooted in prayer and sacrificial service. 

When any of find ourselves moved to pray, it is often because we encounter something that deeply moves us, or a person for whom we care faces trouble of one sort or another. Then, we turn to pray, calling on God's mercy & blessing for the people or their situation. Learning to follow St. Peter's advice makes such a difference.  'Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.' (1 Peter 5.7)

We pray because we care, and as we give all our concerns and worries to the Lord, we discover that He cares for us too.

Part of our Bible reading yesterday, in church, focused on the praying of Jesus for us.  'Therefore Jesus is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.' (Hebrews 7.25) As we reflect on the constant praying of Jesus, it is amazing to know that he is praying for us, because he cares about us. I find that an astonishing thought. My cares, which in the scheme of things are pretty small, are enough to stir Jesus to pray for me. And what he longs for as an outcome will be much better for me and everyone else than my small-minded and often self-absorbed dreams. So today, I shall thank Jesus for praying for me, and ask that my will and life fits in line with his best will and purpose. That would be good!

Best wishes,

Richard