Why not send us a short prayer for publication
on our Prayers, Poems and Reflections Page.

Listed below is a selection of prayers, poems and thoughts submitted by members of our congregation.

March Winds

Blow away the cobwebs; clear my mind.
Fill my lungs; fix me in your purpose.
Give my heart wings that I may know joy in the morning.
Refresh my voice that I may sing your praise.

Contributed by one of our previous Ministers

Easter Holidays

Hot Cross buns and Easter eggs, Spring cleaning, gardening too.
Must go to the nursery to buy a plant or two.
Perhaps we'll visit Auntie Ann and if the day is sunny,
We'll travel to the seaside and spend our hard earned money.
We could decorate the bathroom and repair the second car,
And plan our Summer holiday. Will we go near or far?

But hark! Did I hear someone say that Christ was crucified?
Betrayed by one for money and by his friend denied?
They say he wore a crown of thorns upon his blessèd head
And a purple robe adorned him as a mocking notice said,
"King of the Jews" for all to see - such torture did he bear!
He died for us as in pain and grief he hung and suffered there.
And yet he rose triumphant as prophets once foretold,
That we might have eternal life - a treasure more than gold.
What love you've shown O giving Lord! Let us rejoice and sing.
And praise and honour you always, our Saviour and our King!

An Easter poem contributed by Eileen Pratt

Change

Lord, give us courage to accept change.
Let us not hide beneath the comfortable cloak of the familiar routine of our lives but accept with joy and anticipation any alterations and new experiences that may lie ahead.
May we be comforted and reassured knowing that we are forever guided and loved by you.

Amen

A Time To Wonder

Good Gracious! It's December and Christmas Day is near!
The time we all remember our friends and families dear.
There are gifts to wrap, cards to send and festive fare to plan
For Auntie Sue may like to stay and, as always, dear old Gran.
But O what joy as bells ring out their message true and strong
That Baby Jesus has been born to teach us right from wrong.
For him no decorations, no Christmas tree at night
No rich mince pies, roast turkey or tinsel shiny bright.
But angels flew above Him as kings came from afar
And shepherds marvelled as they saw that wondrous guiding star.
So celebrate this humble birth. Sing carols full of cheer.
Our Lord has shown his love for us for Jesus Christ is here!

Eileen Pratt December 2005

Contemplation

As Jesus died upon the cross, do we still contemplate our loss?
We sit and scoff our Hot Cross buns and defend ourselves with bombs and guns.
We munch our Easter eggs with joy, unthinking of sweet Mary's boy
who suffered much that we might live.
What greater gift could our Lord give?!

Eileen Pratt April 2006

Thoughts

Father, whenever you speak, you act in your own time.
Grant us a spirit of meekness and humility for your work.
For Jesus' sake,  Amen.

Remember that as we go about our daily lives, God's Holy Spirit should be dwelling is us, active, alive and at work.

Blessings

It's only wet when it's raining
It's only hot when it's sunny
You'll only live on bread and marge when you're broke and have no money
You're only tired when you cannot sleep
For this troubled world disturbs you
And you're only late for that special date when TFL perturbs you.

But without sadness there's no joy
And without the rain, no flowers
And without God's love we'd not survive so many fruitful hours.
So celebrate our Saviour's birth
And marvel at his giving.
Then gather strength to help us find the gift of peaceful living.

Eileen Pratt December 2007

A Spring Birthday

From hard dark earth fresh shoots appear
As Winter bids farewell
Soon daffodils and tulips sway
As though they long to tell us
"All is new today -
Come live and share this joy.
This miracle of loveliness
For every girl and boy!".

The catkins on the hazel,
Pussy willow, silver soft,
And blackbirds sweetly singing
As they build their nests aloft.
The bustle and music of Springtime
All merge in a glory of green.
And harmony, beauty and sunshine
Bring warmth after Winter so mean.

And all is a prelude to Easter
When the cross held our Saviour so dear.
He who rose from the cold grave in triumph
To teach us we've nothing to fear.
We thank you Lord God for this wonderful world
Ever changing but always alive.
Let us treasure and nurture it wisely
As for its protection we strive.

An Easter poem contributed by Eileen Pratt March 2008

The Blackbird

I can't recall the spoken word
Or who was by my side
When the Holy Spirit filled my heart
And God became my guide.
"All in the April evening"
The choir so sweetly sang.
And a shaft of sunlight pierced the gloom
As distant churchbells rang.
And as the last note faded
All was quiet and still
Save the trembling call of a blackbird
As he perched on the windowsill.

'Twas forty years ago I felt the wonder of that night
Yet still the memory moves me
And fills me with delight.
Now when daffodils and tulips dance
And I know my Lord is near
I hear that joyful blackbird
As in my sixteenth year.

Eileen Pratt March 2008