1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
This passage reminds us of the profound sense of hope that comes from trusting in God’s mercy and grace. Through Christ, we are given a source of strength and comfort that allows us to endure the trials and challenges that come our way. It encourages us to have faith in God’s love and compassion, knowing that He is always there to support us in our times of need. It is a reminder that our struggles on Earth are temporary, and our ultimate goal is to attain eternal life through our faith and perseverance, staying rooted in our trust in God’s mercy and grace.
Prayer – Lord, we thank you for your mercy and grace through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. We acknowledge that we will experience challenges on our spiritual path and have faith you will guide us through them as only you know our limits.
Prayer requests:
- Thanksgiving for the warmth of welcome on the streets of Harrow and for the work of HICC who offer food on Saturdays and the Welcome Centre at St John’s as it powerfully assists us to be able to steer people to something positive over the weekend
- For drinkers G, J and C that they may continue their friendship and enjoy each other’s differences and similarities
- For A who does not trust StreetLink and T who is willing to be referred, that they make all the appropriate contacts that might be able to help them
- For Y who has made many changes in his lifestyle, sees the benefits and is so grateful. It is rare to get such positive feedback after so many years so let us pray that we are empowered by our Lord Jesus Christ to continue our quiet witness on the streets of Harrow.
- We ask you to comfort and heal MD and Madam Mayor who despite best intentions were unable to patrol with us today and thank you for Peter’s faithful willingness to join our patrol at short notice.
- C – that they are safe wherever they are, and the relevant authorities will engage immediately.
- Harrow’s beggars and homeless who were evidently missing from their usual spots today, that they are safe and have found a more positive solution to their situation.
- For each other, that we see our challenges as opportunities for refining our faith as we have the assurance of an imperishable, and unfading inheritance kept for us in heaven.
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
- Praying so hard for everybody and everything in the Middle East praying that the situation in the world improves and leaders see peace would be so much better than war. Praying that the Lord will bring us back from the cusp by intervening. Praying with hope for peace.
- A married couple, M and M, who are both suffering from cancer. Praying especially for the gentleman who had an extremely painful procedure which has left him in considerable pain.
- P, A’s (PP) husband, who is making progress praying especially that his mobility improves. Praying for patience for A to care for him with love and humility.
- P’s (PP), son, D, who had a mental breakdown and is finding it difficult getting over it, praying the Lord will heal him and bring about recovery. Also asking prayers for his wife, E, who has not deteriorated as expected, praying that the Lord will bring about healing.
- O’s (SP), daughter, who has mental health issues.
- Those injured and the person who died in the bus accident in the Canary Islands remembering their families and friends.
- J (SP), who found an unconscious gentleman, S, outside Asda Wealdstone earlier in the day, praying that he is recovering well.
- M (SP), for the daughter-in-law, S, who is 7 months pregnant and experiencing difficulties with the pregnancy. Her parents are out of the country and M is going away soon. Concentrated prayer to calm apprehension as worry of possible need for early delivery. Praying that a plan will become clear and anxiety will be reduced. Praying for all the family.
- H (SP), asked for prayers for herself as she has been feeling unwell and had a blood test today.
- Wealdstone Baptist Church’s Alpha course that people will come after the break for Easter and have meaningful encounters with God, praying also for the leaders and organisers.
- For doctors on strike causing disruption – let justice will be done.
- The fly-tipping situation.
- Those mourning loved ones that space is given to remember times together and feel comforted.
PLEASE GIVE THANKS FOR:
- S, PP, gave thanks for her new granddaughter, M. Also giving thanks for daughter and son-in-law celebrating their second year of marriage.
- A, PP, gave thanks that their new great granddaughter is thriving and that Mum and Dad are settling down to the fact that she sleeps by day and is awake at night time. A, gave thanks for a very nice family Easter Sunday celebration.
- The large congregations at all services over Easter at Our Lady and St Thomas giving thanks and hope those attending benefitted. All the services, dramas and concerts in Harrow that helped us to prepare during Holy Week and Easter Sunday.
- P, gave thanks for a lovely Easter Sunday with family.
- C, SP, gave thanks as she met up with two school friends, not seen for a long time, who are both active in different ways showing that age is not a barrier.
- A new dementia monthly choir, REIGNITE, starting this Tuesday 11am to 1pm at the Old Lyonian Sports Ground, Pinner View for carers and people living with dementia.
- R (SP), who was celebrating his birthday as well as Prayer Pastoring, gave thanks for life and prayed for a good patrol.
- Families that they have had a good Easter break and give thanks the weather has been dry, praying also for teachers and support staff. Praying that everybody goes back to school feeling refreshed for the start of summer term.
- The Mayor of Harrow who has planned to join the Saturday afternoon HSP patrol tomorrow as an observer hoping she finds the experience beneficial.
- The opportunities HSPs have to share their outreach work with other Christian denominations. Praying for our visit to Rayners Lane Baptist Church this Sunday.
- O, (SP), who on behalf of HSPs spoke to a group of young adults who meet at HICC praying God will have planted a few seeds.
- That we were able to see picture of the moon sent from the recent Orion spacecraft. The description by a cosmonaut of the beauty of the earth and how we need to take care of it.
- V, gave thanks for the NHS service.