General Chat

Good morning :-)

Writing your prayers down.

In our busy lives, it can be tough to slow down and listen to God. Our thoughts can race; there are always distractions, and prayers may feel rushed or repetitive. Prayer journaling is a simple and powerful way to connect with God more personally and intentionally.

Some people may feel more comfortable writing their prayers rather than speaking them. It’s a form of written conversation with God, where you put your thoughts, feelings, questions, and praises into words on paper. It’s more than a diary; the journal can become a place of reflection and release and a help towards spiritual growth.
You can buy special journals for this, but really, any notebook would do. You can always set aside a time and place to settle down to write.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Something which may help those who are struggling with their prayer live are…….Prayer Acronyms. Simply choose a word which speaks to you and follow the letters.

ACTS - Adoration (show your love and respect for God)
Confession (admit the things you have done wrong)
Thanksgiving (give thanks for all the good in your life)
Supplication (talk to God about your life)

PRAY -- Praise (praising God)
Repent (honestly confessing sins)
Ask (asking God for help)
Yield (submitting to God’s will)

HEART - Honour God (praise for God’s awesomeness)
Examine your life (confession and repentance)
Ask for help (prayer requests for yourself)
Request for others
Thank God (gratitude for God’s blessings)

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I love daffodils!

One of the things advocated for Lent is Prayer. It sounds very easy but, for some people, praying is difficult. Maybe they are not sure how to pray (no experience needed). Some people only pray when something bad or sad happens. There are those who send ‘positive vibes’ rather than prayers.
Here’s an easy method to help those who struggle and to encourage those who already have a prayer life. It’s called
The Five Finger Prayer.

Look at one of your hands and touch each digit in sequence.

Thumb: Pray for those closest to you: your family and friends.

Pointer finger: Pray for those who point you in the right direction.
Teachers, guides, mentors. Pray for wisdom and support.

Third finger (tallest): Pray for those that lead us: those in government, in business, in church leadership.

Ring Finger
The fourth finger is the ring finger and it is the weakest finger. This reminds us to pray for those who are weak or in need. The sick, the lonely and the dying.

Pinky Finger
The last finger and the smallest finger is the pinky. This finger reminds us to pray for ourselves and our own needs last.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Happy St David's day to all our Welsh friends.

Thank you Cynthia for your weekly postings and Vera, your school assembly prayer seems very fitting for the state of the nation just now. Scary!

St David's prayer about the little things.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the life of St David. Thank you for giving him such wisdom. Help us to remember all the remarkable things that he did in his life, and help us to do the little things that really make a difference. Amen.

I have vases filled with bright daffodils in every room which help to cheer me up on dull days.

Good morning :-)

Thank you Vera, that is very apt for today............what a world!!!

Today is St. David's Day

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
into the fellowship of Christ’s religion,
that they may reject those things
that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen


In today's Gospel, we hear Nicodemus talking to Jesus and also, how God sent His only Son to save us.


Cx :-)

Thank you for another thought provoking week of posts Cynthia. In view of all that is going on in the world, and particularly the news that we woke up to this morning, this prayer that was said regularly in school assemblies when I was young seems appropriate.

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed, kindle we pray Thee in the hearts of all men the true love of peace, and guide with Thy pure and peaceable wisdom those that take counsel for the nations of this earth, that in tranquillity Thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth be filled with the knowledge of Thy love.

Good morning :-)

As Lent draws us closer to God, the Carbon Fast helps us examine any excesses in our lives, and how we live more gently with God on His earth.

Retreat from social media to reflect on the Cross and delight in creation.
There are those who put aside Facebook, X, Tik Tok etc. for the period of Lent. Would we have the strength of will to do that?

Heavenly Father,
I come before You with an open heart, longing for Your presence above all else.
So often, my mind is pulled toward endless scrolling, likes, and notifications,
but I know my soul finds true peace only in You.
Lord, help me to lay down the distractions that steal my time and attention.
Teach me to use my moments wisely—
to seek Your Word, to listen for Your voice, and to walk in Your ways.
Fill the spaces once occupied by noise with Your truth and love.
Let my thoughts be fixed on what is pure, noble, and eternal.
Draw me into deeper prayer, worship, and service,
so that my life reflects Your light more than any screen ever could.
I surrender my habits to You,
trusting that in Your strength, I can choose what nourishes my spirit.
Be my focus, my joy, and my greatest desire.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)

As Lent draws us closer to God, the Carbon Fast helps us examine any excesses in our lives, and how we live more gently with God on His earth.

Does anyone else go round the house turning off lights? Do we have our heating up too high? How many times do we charge our phones? It's time we had a re-think on our habits.

Creator of light and life,
We thank You for the gift of energy that brightens our homes, powers our work,
and connects us to one another.
Teach us to use it wisely,
to switch off when we do not need,
and to choose ways that protect the earth You entrusted to us.
May every flick of a switch remind us of our responsibility
to care for creation and for those who have less.
Guide our hearts toward habits that save,
so that future generations may live in a world still full of light and life.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

As Lent draws us closer to God, the Carbon Fast helps us examine any excesses in our lives, and how we live more gently with God on His earth.
Do we use the car even for short distances? Do we ever choose different modes of transport which have a lighter impact on creation eg. Cycling, coach, train etc.

Today’s challenge: Fast from non-essential driving.

Loving Creator,
Thank You for the gift of transportation and the freedom it brings.
Help me to use my car wisely and sparingly, choosing paths that care for my health, my community, and the earth.
Guide me toward patience when walking, cycling, or taking public transport.
Remind me that slowing down can be a blessing,
and that each step I take is a chance to notice the beauty around me.
Give me the discipline to plan well,
and the courage to change habits that no longer serve my well-being or the world.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


As Lent draws us closer to God, the Carbon Fast helps us examine any excesses in our lives, and how we live more gently with God on His earth. Do we waste money? Fritter it away? Or are we greedy and always wanting more and more?

Today’s challenge: To be good stewards of our money.

Heavenly Father,
You are the giver of every good gift, and all that I have is entrusted to me by Your grace.
Teach me to handle my money with wisdom, discipline, and gratitude.
Guard my heart from greed and fear and help me to see resources as tools for good, not measures of worth.
Show me how to budget faithfully, give generously, and invest in things that bring lasting value.
May every financial decision I make reflect integrity, kindness, and trust in Your provision.
Guide my hands and heart so that I may honour You in all I do.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)

As Lent draws us closer to God, the Carbon Fast helps us examine any excesses in our lives, and how we live more gently with God on His earth.
Today’s challenge. Over consuming. Do we buy too much food? Do we buy too many new clothes? What do we buy too much of?


Heavenly Father,
You know my heart and the struggles I face when I’m tempted to spend beyond my needs.
Help me pause before I purchase, to seek wisdom over impulse, and gratitude over greed.
Fill me with contentment for what I already have, and remind me that true joy is not found in possessions.
Guide my thoughts, steady my emotions, and strengthen my will to choose wisely.
May my spending reflect good stewardship, peace, and purpose.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thank you Vera <3

My church is taking the Church of England’s efforts to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 very seriously. As Lent draws us closer to God, the Carbon Fast helps us examine any excesses in our lives, and how we live more gently with God on His earth.

During Lent, Carbon Fast Climate Stewards have set some challenges for us which we will look at this week. Today, the challenge is to wonder at Creation and get practical in caring for it!

Why care for creation this Lent? Our natural world is in crisis. We are now consuming 1.8 times faster than our planet can regenerate. If we consumed within our planetary boundaries, nature would have space to replenish. Earth Overshoot Day 2025 fell on 24 July— meaning humanity exhausted Earth's yearly renewable resources in just seven months. For the remaining five months of 2025, we lived on borrowed resources from future generations. To sustain our current lifestyle year-round would require 1.8 Earths—but we only have one.

Are we doing our bit? More to think about.........

Cx :-)

Thank you for the recent posts Cynthia. Lots to think about in the last week or two.

Good morning :-)


Ooops! missed a day - sorry.


Collect (special prayer) for today:
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
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.
Amen.

In the Gospel today, we hear of Jesus being in the desert and the temptations put before him.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Something different to give up for Lent.....
Buying Non-Essential Items
Best for: Impulse and online shoppers.
Spiritual benefits: Promotes detachment from material goods and a simpler lifestyle.
Difficulty: Saying no to small, tempting purchases requires discipline.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Matthew 6:19-20

-or-

Driving Impatiently
Best for: Daily commuters or those who get a little frustrated in traffic.
Spiritual benefits: Develops patience and self-control.
Difficulty: 2
A practical and tangible way to grow in virtue.
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:32


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Thank you so much Elizabeth, that prayer is beautiful and it is always good to hear from you. <3

Taking the ashes onto the streets is becoming a popular thing to do these days. We haven't tried it yet, but no doubt the time will come.

Traditionally, Christians choose something to give up for the 40 days of Lent, usually things like chocolate, biscuits, and sweets. We Christians should know that choosing what to give up should not only challenge us to become better but ultimately bring us closer to Christ.
In the spirit of creativity AND growth, here are a couple of different ideas. How about giving up………………

Complaining
Best for: Those who struggle to see the good in situations or people.
Spiritual benefits: Cultivates gratitude and a positive outlook, helping you focus on God’s blessings.
Difficulty: Complaining is often a subconscious habit, so it requires vigilance and prayerful awareness.
“Do everything without complaining and arguing.” Philippians 2:14

- or -

Doom Scrolling
Best for: Those who spend a little too much time on social media.
Spiritual benefits: Frees up time for prayer, Scripture reading, and meaningful connections.
Difficulty: The constant habit of checking your phone can make this surprisingly tough.
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Proverbs 25:28



Cc :-)

Dear All

Hello

Hope you are keeping well.

I managed to go to Church earlier this morning.

The priests and helpers stood outside the church to offer Ashes to passers by.

Some ignored us; but a lot wanted to receive the blessing of the Little Cross
on their forehead and take the leaflets about church services.

Here is a small prayer for Ash Wednesday:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prayer for Spiritual Renewal

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

O Father, on this Ash Wednesday, we humbly seek


our grace for spiritual renewal.


Cleanse our hearts and minds, rekindle our faith, and draw us closer to You.


May this season of reflection and repentance transform our spirits,


guiding us to live in Your light and love.


Strengthen our resolve to grow in holiness and serve others with compassion.


Amen.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Take gentle care
Very best wishes
EOS, xx

Good morning :-)

Throughout the world, many people who attend a service today will be marked with the sign of the cross in ash on their forehead. The ash used is from burnt palm crosses.

Ashes are an ancient sign of penitence; from the Middle Ages, it became the custom to begin Lent by being marked with ash and the sign of the cross. Words often used by the priest as they make the mark………..” Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ”. These words serve to remind us of our mortality and our need for repentance.

Don’t rub it off or try to hide it, but carry this mark as a visible reminder of your faith both for yourself and for others.


Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)

Lemon and sugar? Ice cream? Strawberries and cream? How do you like yours? Yes, it’s Pancake Day once again. Frying pans are being prepared, flour, eggs and milk are waiting to be mixed and off we go!


Pancake Day, also called Shrove Tuesday, is part of the Christian tradition leading up to Easter. It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. To honour this, Christians often give up their favourite foods, such as chocolate or crisps, during Lent. Originally, the rules were stricter, and people avoided eating meat, eggs, fish, fat, and milk for the entire period. To prepare for Lent, families would remove these foods from their homes before Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins each year.


One popular way to do this was to make pancakes, which would use ingredients like eggs, butter, milk and sugar - and so, the tradition of Pancake Day was born.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer for today)

Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

In today's Gospel we hear about the Transfiguration of Jesus.

Cx :-)