BH Bulletin - Friday 24 July 2020

Thought for the Day by Simon James-Morse
​(Minister Goldstone Church)

Where and When God Hears Us
​“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
 
As a child, I remember being “caught” by my father for having my eyes open as my mother was praying for our family meal; it was just not done. Similarly, the thought of eating something before it was prayed for, well, don’t be surprised if that food got stuck in your throat! (OK, so that last bit is probably an exaggeration, but the idea of praying ‘properly’ was introduced to me very early on.)
It was such a relief and a freedom when I found out that it is OK to pray with our eyes open – or pray with our eyes closed. Actually, we can pray anywhere, in any position, and at any time. The main thing is to pray.

There may be times when we may feel that God hears our prayers more in a church building or in a ‘holy’ place. But the truth is that God is not in a place of worship any more than He is in another place. God is omnipresent, which means that He is present everywhere.
At the same time, when God’s people come together for worship and prayer, God shows His presence to us in a special way.
​
Psalm 22:3 says that God is “enthroned on the praises of Israel.”
The word ‘enthroned’ means to sit, inhabit and remain.
Jesus said,
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’” (Matthew 18:20)
When Christians pray together, there is power in that prayer.
God hears our prayers whenever and wherever we turn to Him. Daniel prayed in a lion’s den; David prayed in a field; Jonah prayed from the belly of a fish; Peter prayer on the water – and sinking into the water!
The main thing is to “be unceasing and persistent in prayer;” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 AMP).
God will hear us.
 
Thank you, Lord, that prayer is relevant, and makes a difference in our lives. May we pray at all times, not because we a forced to pray, but because we can’t help ourselves but to pray and include You in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
​Simon

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​Sunday 26 July 9.00am Service. Booking now open.

​As advised booking is open for next Sunday's service at Bishop Hannington. There has already been a good response but there are still plenty of places available.
You can book your place by either using MyChurchsuite, the website or if you don’t have internet access you can ring the office.  You will need to book a place for everyone in your group that is coming including anyone under 18.

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