Time waits for no man, so I’ve been reliably informed and for every passing moment there is something new to consider in prayer or a new perspective to look at through the lens of our requests to the Lord. So this week it was not straightforward what would be considered in prayer, but here are the requests I’d appreciate you remembering in your prayers.
- Zoë Dryden
Last Sunday the youngest member of the Dryden household celebrated her first birthday. It has been an incredible first year of her life where she has undergone a house move and seeing her mother recover from the physical effects of bringing her into the world. Yet by God’s grace alone she has grown well and is in good health.
Following in the steps of her two older sisters, Zozoz (as she is affectionately known in the Dryden crib) was finally blessed in church last Sunday – the ol’ killing two birds with one stone by having her blessing on the same day as her birthday! The day was rip-roaring success and I was so glad to see some special people in our lives over this last year there to celebrate. The words of the commitment in the church were hugely significant and I was full of joy and gratitude for our youngest to safely see her first year.
We dare not take life for granted and so as Zozoz goes on from day to day please remember her in your prayers that she will grow in the fear and knowledge of God and that she will continue to be loved and supported by her parents, siblings, faith family and regular family.
- Northampton
When I moved down to live in Milton Keynes last July I got a job in Northampton doing the tutor job I had done up in Wigan. It was almost a case of coming full circle as I come from Wellingborough which isn’t that far from Northampton. Although I never got a chance to get ingratiated too much in the life of the town, I was there long enough to get a measure of the town centre. My love for the town grew and my heart especially became heavy for those who are unemployed in the area.
As I consider the plight of the town as it goes through its financial challenges as others are with the cuts, I continue to hope that those on the periphery who can be so often ignored and neglected in these things are not left behind. Northampton is a pleasant town and has a lot going for it potential-wise.
I am moving on from Northampton being relocated closer to home in Milton Keynes itself, but as I move on I will not forget the town and its people. Please remember the town itself, its leadership and especially those on the margins in your prayers.
- Chris Bell
For the last few months I’ve been frequenting Spurgeon Baptist Church in Bletchley near my home. The man usually responsible for delivering the sermon at SBC goes is called Chris Bell. I don’t know the guy intimately well, but he’s approachable and I’ve been able to have a few conversations with him, and it is good to know that bit more about him. Through the time I’ve been hearing him preach I have been challenged more than at virtually any time I’ve been walking with Jesus. Chris is gifted with a passionate and measured way of preaching that demands a response, not to him, but to the God He is declaring and the truths that Christ has shared with us through His Word. It has been absolutely brilliant and I’ve loved all of it.
Last Sunday he preached at the blessing of Zoë what was also significant about that was it was the last time he would preach at SBC for at least three months as now he goes off on a sabbatical. So I hope that his time away will be a refreshing, reinvigorating and renewing tim. There is so much to consider about this man Chris Bell, but for his sabbatical in particular, please remember him in your prayers.
People need the Lord. Not just a great song by Steve Green a fact that is more real than you can ever possibly imagine. Whether they are vulnerable babies or wizened older men, from the town or the city, rich or poor they share that one incontrovertible fact – they need Jesus. We are called to go out there and as we go we go in the strength of the Lord to display God’s love in front of others and lead us into those moments where we can share this good news and see lives changed. Underpinning this and running through every element of this is the reality that it is prayer that leads us to and through these opportunities. Few things give me a greater thrill than engaging with people on matters of faith, Jesus, the church and how that fits in life and not just engaging with it but being challenged and growing in their knowledge of Jesus which again comes through prayer. So as we continue to make disciples for His name’s sake, please do not stop praying. Thank you.
Have a great weekend.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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