Peace in Confusing Times

The God who we say we serve is the God of all peace. As we prepare our hearts before receiving communion we should also prepare our attitudes before rushing off to church. When this first half of St Francis’ prayer should becomes our own then the God of all peace will meet us there and do what only He can do!

Prayer of St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

Living Connection

Our real connection to Jesus Christ must always lead to our true connection to one another. Division points to a brokenness in some aspect of our relationship with God.

Division in our hearts or in our relationships is a signpost pointing to a break in our connection to our Heavenly Father. But He is always standing by with His door open for our return and ready to receive us into His presence. We must be prepared then to leave our own doors open for restored relationships to those around us. An open door means no demands or expectations but rather a reflection of the grace by which Jesus Himself has accepted us.

Who is the author?

Remember that while God’s church must always be free for all it is never meant to be a free-for-all. God has a clear and simple biblical order and each of us will find ourselves most fully blessed when we find our place in it. If there is a story of confusion and unsubstantiated rumors swirling around at church we ought to stop and ask ourselves. Who is the author?