DAILY PRAYER

Every day we share prayers on facebook and our website.  

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We would now like to extend this to sharing your prayer requests on Fridays. 

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So if anyone would like someone or something prayed for then please let us know. 

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Please email our vicar, Rev. John McDermott, at: 

vicar@stcuthbertsonline.com

PETER'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

October 6th

A subversive book?

William Tyndale wanted to translate the bible into English so all could access it for themselves. At the time It was only available in Latin and Greek. What people knew of it was through the teaching of the church. Tyndale faced so much opposition from the bishops that he left England never to return. In 1526 his first translation was smuggled into England where it was bitterly attacked as subversive by the ecclesiastical authorities. His pioneering work, though, went on to be one of the foundations of the King James Bible, what became known as the Authorised Version. Sadly he was arrested and put to death, in Brussels, on this day in 1536. His last words were ‘Lord, open the King of England’s eyes’

The bible remains a subversive book. Its stories provide an alternative narrative to the individualistic, consumerist, celebrity, selfish culture of today. It is not the religious authorities which seek to suppress it nowadays but the ‘powers and principalities’ of this world which seek to distort our vision.

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PRAYER

We give thanks for the bible which comforts the challenged and challenges the comfortable. We are grateful for the work of people like William Tyndale who not only translate the original Hebrew and Greek into modern languages but who also help us to understand and apply its message today. Renew our own approach to this God given resource. Give us openness and discernment as we read it alone and together.

MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

October 5th

In Luke Chapter 11 verses 1-4, the reading today is the first part of ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ that we are all familiar with where Jesus’ disciples asked for teaching about how to pray.

In life, there are some days when we feel secure and happy, and there are some where we feel like God isn’t there.

Prayer is something that should be done on both. Prayer is the acknowledgement that our need is not partial but total. When we pray, we strengthen our relationship with God. We can be open when it comes to talking to Him, and as we ask for forgiveness and  forgiving those who did us wrong.  What Jesus says in this gospel is more of a guide, so we know that we can be fully transparent upon confessing to God.

What is your prayer intention today?

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Holy Father, teach us to pray as you taught your disciples. We ask for your mercy and guidance. We thank you for the gift of prayer. May we pray when we are suffering, and when we are cheerful.  Let us pray for ourselves, for others and the world. Amen

SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

October 4th

St. Francis of Assisi (Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone; 1181/1182 – October 3, 1226) was a Catholic friar and preacher. He founded the Franciscan Order, assisted in founding the woman’s Order of St. Clare, and the lay Third Order of Saint Francis. St. Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in history.

On July 16, 1228, he was pronounced a saint by Pope Gregory IX. He is known as the patron saint of animals, the environment and one of the two patrons of Italy (with Catherine of Siena), and it is customary for Catholic and Anglican churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of 4 October.

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Part of St Francis’s Canticle to Brother Sun and Sister Moon.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
and fair and stormy, all weather's moods, by which You cherish all that You have made.

Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water, so useful, humble, precious and pure.

Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire, through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth who sustains and governs us, producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.

PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

October 3rd

Climate change.

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The COP 27 Climate Change Conference next month in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) will be a chance for international debate and planning for nations concerned with the condition and our treatment of our planet, the only one we have. Let’s pray for not only good plans but also for the political will to carry them out. Let’s pray for those representing our country now that the King, a world leader for decades in ecology, has been told he can’t attend. Let’s pray also that words will become deeds and care of the world God has given us may be advanced for the good of all but especially the poorest who usually suffer the most.

Lord, you have given a world of beauty and excitement into our care. Give us all the will to do our best to protect and care for it. Give those in power the encouragement to work for the good of all, but especially the poorest.  Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

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Photograph Charlie’s Garden. P. Horseman.  

JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

October 2nd

St Francis of Assisi

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Tuesday of this week will be St Francis day and in church we are keeping this festival on the Sunday. This prayer has Francis in mind.

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Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may, for love of you, delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 

SATURDAY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

October 1st

We continue to pray for the situation in Ukraine especially in the week that Putin declared the annexation of a part of the country.

We pray for all who are touched by the situation including the young men in Russia who do not want to fight.

We pray for families torn apart and for governments making decisions.

Lord of all we ask for you to look with mercy on the situation in Ukraine and all those caught up in the war. Guide, protect, strengthen and bless all who suffer in body, mind and spirit as a result of this conflict. Lord in your mercy hear our prayer. 

HUGH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 30th

We are often driven to ask how can a loving God allow such pain and suffering in the world. Did God conceive horror and tragedy as part of our everyday experiences? Such realities seem completely contradictory to the idea of a God who is infinitely merciful and loving.

If we rely solely on Old Testament theology as our basis for faith in such a God we find no credible or comfortable answers to this. Fortunately as Christians we have Christ's teaching and example to guide us and ground us in our faith. Whatever else we might wish to believe, loving God and one-another, as fully as we can, is the only way we can be sure that our lives are not crippled or dominated by the bad things we experience or hear about.

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Father, help us to appreciate that it is only through selfless love and forgiveness that we can truly experience the heavenly life we all long for both now and forever. In Christ's name. Amen.

PETER'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 29th

Saint Michael and All Angels.

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Today the church celebrates angels; celestial beings who provide protection, strength and healing.

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Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are the three named biblical angels, depicted as the beloved messengers of God. Michael is described as protector of Israel and leader of the armies of God and is perhaps best known for his victory over the dragon, which is told in the Revelation to John. He is thus regarded as the protector of Christians from the devil, particularly those at the hour of death.

Gabriel, which means ‘the strength of God’, is the one who, in the Gospel according to Luke, is sent by God to Mary to announce the birth of Christ. Raphael, which means ‘the healing of God’, is depicted in the Book of Tobit as the one who restores sight to Tobit’s eyes.

A basilica near Rome was dedicated in the fifth century in honour of Michael on 30 September, beginning with celebrations on the eve of that day, and 29 September which became known as ‘Michaelmas’ is now kept in honour of Michael throughout the western Church.

The Church’s Prayer for ‘Michaelmas’

Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted  the ministries of angels and mortals in a wonderful order: grant that as your holy angels always serve you in heaven, so, at your command, they may help and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 28th

Generosity Week this year in the Church of England starts on 25 September.  It is designed to give the time and space to reflect on God’s generosity and to celebrate it within the church’s ministry and mission.  Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in his book, ‘God has a Dream’, says like humility, generosity comes from everything we have and everything we accomplish comes from God’s grace and God’s love for us. In the African understanding of Ubuntu, our humility and generosity also come from realising that we could not be alive, nor could we accomplish anything without the support, love and generosity of all the people who have helped us to become the people we are today. Certainly it is from experiencing this generosity of God and the generosity of those in our life that we learn gratitude and to be generous to others.

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Generous God, save us from the meanness that calculates its interest and hoards its earthy gain; as we have freely received, so may we freely give, in the grace of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 27th

Rich – or poor? Luke Chapter 19 verses 19-31

There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire. I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.

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The sin of the rich man was that he accepted the poor sick man as part of the landscape and simply thought it perfectly natural and inevitable that Lazarus should lie in pain and hunger while he wallowed in luxury. His sin was that he could look on the world’s suffering and need and feel no grief and pity in his heart; he looked at a fellow-man, hungry and in pain, and did nothing about it. He was punished for not seeing.

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Who are the people that we do not notice?

People who come from Ukraine as refugees?

The women in Pakistan who for hardly any salary sit in sweatshops to produce our luxury goods at low cost?

Divorced mums with kids who are living below the poverty level but are too proud to ask for help?

Families where the breadwinner is sick?

The poor in third world countries who are out of sight and out of mind?

People around you with no material needs but dying for some love, some attention?

Homeless people in Amble?

People in church who really need your help?

Do we even see these people, do we notice them as valuable humans who are entitled, to our love, help, support and take a decision – a decision to act.

The rich man had not realised that his wealth was really a blessing from God. His house, his money in the bank, his employees. It was a blessing from God. Wealth is not bad. After all, Abraham was wealthy. But wealth brings with it certain responsibilities, a certain stewardship. We are asked to account for how we handle the wealth God has given us. Our wealth is always, to some extent, the money we have. But it is also the time at our hand that we can spend with someone who needs attention. It is our dinner table for that person who needs some companionship. It is our car for someone who needs a lift, our connections, to help someone find a job.

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Let us love people as Jesus loved them and loves them now. If He loves us and cares for us,

 in spite of our many imperfections, how can we close our eyes, our hearts, our life, to those around us who need us? Amen.

PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 26th

We have now passed the Equinox and there is a distinct chill in the air.

We are reminded of the year turning with its seasons and of the words of the Book of Ecclesiastes “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”. Ecclesiastes Chapter 3: Verse 1.

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Dear Lord, as the seasons turn, help us to appreciate this moment - the now.  May we enjoy the colours of autumn as they gradually emerge.  As we watch the wild geese on the move, help us to feel a part of all that is. Lord, we bless your name today.

Amen.

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Photograph P. Horseman.

JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 25th

Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity.

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Jesus taught us that truth would set us free. Today we

pray for thus divine truth.

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Lord God,

defend your Church from all false teaching

and give to your people knowledge of your truth,

that we may enjoy eternal life

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 24th

Prayers for Conflict in Ukraine

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We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine.

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Holy God,

We hold before you all who live close to war and conflict;

and all who live close to the threat of war and violence. 

We remember especially at this time, people in Ukraine and Russia.

We pray for nonviolence and peaceful resolutions of conflict.

Forgive us all our hostility and hatred.

Bless all who live lives for the peace and wellbeing of others,

and make their service fruitful.

Amen.

LINDA'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 23rd

Dear Lord be with us as we face our various challenges.  Help us to find the strength and inspiration to turn them into opportunities and to know that you are with us at every point. 

Amen.

MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 21st

St. Matthew, who we remember today, was traditionally recognised to be the writer of the first Gospel, a tax collector from Capernaum. The phrase ‘tax collectors and sinners’ was used to describe those who were despised by respectable Jewish society. To some extent they deserved this treatment: they worked for the Roman occupying power and often took more than the Government demanded in order to line their own pockets. When Jesus chose to eat at Matthew’s home the religious leaders saw it as a questionable thing to do, but Jesus expressed his mercy for Matthew and those like him. He shared the story of Jesus amongst the Hebrew people many years before spreading the good news in other countries, and may have been martyred for his faith.

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Lord, you showed your mercy to Matthew calling him to be an apostle. He left behind his life of selfishness and greed, learning how to trust and share. May we answer your call following his example, and with the Spirit’s help, serving this world in the name of Christ. Amen.

SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 20th

For many of us Queen Elizabeth II has been a constant presence throughout our lives, across multiple generations. She has provided a sense of stability and continuity, which has spanned many events and enormous societal change during our shared history.

As Head of State she has represented our national identity, as well as providing a sense of unity and pride for our country. As well as being a public figure, more personally she has simply been a much-loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, representing love, duty and devotion – not only to her family, but to our country.

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In light of her recent passing, as a society many of us are experiencing a ‘collective grief’, in which not only do we go through our own personal experience of loss, but we also feel in tune and connected to the experience of grief of those around us.

We have all witnessed how her son Charles, our new King has both shown his grief for his mother and how determined he is to continue her work in his way. He will need our prayers of support as he begins his life of service.

A Prayer for our new King, Charles III

Everlasting God, we pray for our new King. Bless his reign and the life of our nation. Help us to work together so that truth and justice, harmony and fairness flourish among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 19th

The day of the Queen’s funeral.

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As in our nation, Commonwealth and throughout the world people remember the passing of the Queen and the closing of an era, let our prayers look to the future as well as asking for comfort for all who mourn wherever they may be and whatever the cause of their loss.

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Prayer from the Church of Scotland.

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 For our nation at this time we pray,

Asking for comfort in our loss,

And hopefulness as we step forward into the days ahead.

As our thankfulness mingles with our sadness,

May we support each other

And be, together, communities of tenderness and kindness.

Sustain us with the strong memories of the past,

And prepare us for joyfulness in the days before us.

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JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 18th

Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity

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Today we pray that we know the saving grace given to us by God.

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Merciful God,

your Son came to save us

and bore our sins on the cross:

may we trust in your mercy

and know your love,

rejoicing in the righteousness

that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 17th

Prayers for Conflict in Ukraine

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We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine.

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Holy and Gracious God

We pray for the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia;

for their countries and their leaders. 

We pray for all those who are afraid;

that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear. 

We pray for all those who have the power over life and death;

that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness.

Amen.

ROBERT'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 16th

As we continue to remember the late Queen and all who mourn the lost of their own loved ones.

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Heavenly Father,

As we continue to reflect on the passing of our late Queen, we give thanks for her example of duty, service and faithfulness.

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We remember her presence as a force for good.

In this turbulent world, where so many face grief and hardship, we look to the stillness and calm only you can provide, whatever change and challenges we face.

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Photograph Linda Williams.

St Cuthbert's book of condolence is open each day in the church for you to add your own words.

PETER'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 15th

Democracy Day

Apparently today is International Day of Democracy. We take for granted that we are free to express ourselves and bring about democratic change through casting a vote. We can criticise wrongful or corrupt authority without being arrested and imprisoned. This is not the case in many countries. We are aware of the courage, for example, of Russians who speak out against their president’s invasion of Ukraine. Democracy has its faults, as we have seen, but it’s the least worst form of government. Winston Churchill said in 1947, “Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government - except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.…’

Prayer

We give thanks for the freedom to express ourselves and bring about democratic change. May we exercise our right responsibly, mindful of the challenges to, and of, democracy. May we remember those who fought for our rights and pray for those who live in undemocratic countries. 

MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 14th

Today, Holy Cross Day is a day to remember the day God died; the passion, the weeping, the wailing,…Jesus on a cross, in misery and agony.  Holy Cross day calls for reflection on suffering, courage and transforming love. Whether Queen, nation or citizen we are all acquainted with suffering in life for many reasons. Jesus life was truly a silent sacrifice rooted in his understanding of service to God and others.  He communicated loving directness, meeting with all kinds of people. Despite what life may give us we must remember Jesus’ life as an example to follow, for his love and spirit to shine through in words and service to those with whom we come into contact. 

St. Thomas Aquinas, who lived in the 14th century, always looked to the cross throughout his life and gave this simple prayer to remind him of it. It can be easily memorised and said both in moments to have courage,  to accept our road of trial and joy and adventure… 

The Cross is my sure salvation.
The Cross I ever adore.
The Cross of my Lord is with me.
The Cross is my refuge.

SARAH'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 13th

As summer draws to a close, there are many signs that nature is already gearing up for the next season, and what a spectacular season it is. Autumn is nature’s last hurrah before the cold, bleak winter months, and it celebrates in a blaze of golden glory, but when does autumn really start, and what are the key signs to look for? This week I was given a HUGE bag of apples. The scent was wonderful and I was stewing them up, making crumbles, grating them into coleslaw and making apple cake from recipes of my late mother in law. I felt a great connection with the season of “mists and mellow fruitfulness” and the need to prepare for the season to come.

Many of us will be concerned and worried by the thought of winter this year and will feel this need to be prepared. Let us be aware of each other’s needs and reach out to those around us.

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Jesus, light of the world you promised to be always with us. Be with our sisters and brothers now, dispelling the darkness of this crisis. Compel us to be with them too in thought, prayer and solidarity, responding to their suffering with the same compassion you have shown us. We make this prayer in the firm faith that your light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it. Amen

PENNY'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 5th

At whatever time you are reading this why, not pause and give thanks for a new day. 'Today a new life begins.'

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New every morning...

Is the love our waking and uprising prove;

through sleep and darkness safely brought,

restored to life and power and thought.

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Photograph P. Horseman.

JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 4th

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity

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Today we give thanks to God for rescuing us form the ravages of sin.

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God of constant mercy,

who sent your Son to save us:

remind us of your goodness,

increase your grace within us,

that our thankfulness may grow,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

JOHN'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 3rd 

Prayers for Conflict in Ukraine

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We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine.

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In your mercy Lord, we pray for peace in Ukraine.

Lord God Almighty, please, let there be peace in Ukraine.

Lord glorify yourself in the lives of the people of Ukraine,

and let your peace and love reign over them in Jesus' name.

Amen.

MARGARET'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 2nd 

Very often in life people are disgruntled. They are not happy with their situation or with their leaders, and this bitterness is often expressed in complaints and murmuring and can soon destroy a person's or a community's well being. 

Prayer

Lord,take away all bitterness and complaining from our lives. 

Take away all grumbling about our community and our neighbours. 

Help us to appreciate all that is done for us and refresh our souls with your peace. AMEN 

PETER'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

September 1st 

Listen to the voice of Creation

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Today, as we move into Autumn, the Church begins a new season. It is ‘Creation Time’ and it runs through to 4th October. The theme this year is Listen to the Voice of Creation. We recognise that many voices about climate change and the ethics of ‘earth keeping’ have perhaps been heard (by some) but not listened to  - although recent events are changing that.

These are voices of those who suffer the impacts of climate change. These are voices of people who hold traditional wisdom about how to live gratefully and sustainably within the limits of the land. These are voices of a diminishing diversity of more-than-human species. It is the voice of the Earth.   Let us listen.

‘Creator God, you made the goodness of the land, the riches of the sea and the rhythm of the seasons; as we thank you for your gracious providing, my we cherish, respect and above all listen to this planet and its peoples, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Photograph Peter Mander.

MARI'S PRAYER AND THOUGHT

August 31st 

Saint Aidan, who we celebrate today, lived from about 590 until 651. He was an Irish monk and missionary who restored Christianity to Northumbria.  Aidan came to Lindisfarne from Iona in 635 at the request of King Oswald. A bishop named Cormán was previously sent but he alienated many people by his harshness, and returned to Iona reporting that the Northumbrians were too stubborn to be converted. Aidan criticised Cormán's methods and was sent as his replacement. As its first bishop he founded a monastic settlement on Lindisfarne. He was a man of deep prayer who meditated on the words of Scripture, equipping himself in quiet for an active and highly effective ministry.  One story tells that the king gave him a horse but Aidan gave it away to a beggar. He wanted to walk, to be on the same level as the people he met discovering something of their background and attitudes. He remained at Lindisfarne for 16 years. 

St. Aidan's prayer

Leave me alone with God as much as may be.

As the tide draws the waters close in upon the shore,

Make me an island, set apart,

alone with you, God, holy to you.

Then with the turning of the tide

prepare me to carry your presence to the busy world beyond,

the world that rushes in on me

till the waters come again and fold me back to you.