 Dear friends,
New Year resolutions are so often a joke because we reflect on how often we have failed to persevere with them. Nevertheless it would be quite wrong to give up attempting to be better than we are just because we often fail. This is nowhere truer than with prayer which without doubt is the most vital thing in the world to do but probably the hardest thing in the world to do. To fail to pray is to invite disaster unfruitfulness vulnerability weakness and defeat into our lives and that of our church. To be consistent and faithful in prayer is to increase our sensitivity to the voice of God and to open the door to the "solid joys and lasting treasure" which are the inheritance of God's children.
Is it not strange that we can be so diligent in our pursuit of money and the temporal pleasures of this world which not only are temporary but even here and now are not designed to satisfy the deepest desires of the human heart.
If we needed any proof of the existence of the devil it is surely provided by the way we are duped with regard to the relative values of the things of time and the things of eternity.
The disciples requested of Jesus "teach us to pray". That must be our constant prayer also since prayer is far more than uttering a form of words, adopting a certain posture etc. it is a way of life, hence, "pray continually" (1 Thess. 5:17).
Although there is no substitute for the actual practice of prayer, a number of books have been written about prayer to help us. I am sure if you look in the church library or visit the GLO bookshop you will find such a book.
I would urge you, as I do myself, even if you make no other New Year resolution, to resolve this year to pray more and pray more effectively both privately and with others.
The response to the appeal for financial support for the partnership has been very promosing in respect of several large contributions and some smaller pledges to the extent that the venture is clearly going to be viable. This is very promising in view of the fact that the letter to every member has only just gone out.
It is to be hoped that this comprehensive appeal will result in a substantial addition to what we already have and allow Brian and Megan to have a significant input to work amongst the young folk and families of our congregation and parish.
Have a happy and blessed 2009.
Yours faithfully,
D. Cameron McPherson
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