{"id":449,"date":"2018-10-03T16:00:58","date_gmt":"2018-10-03T16:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hatfieldroadmethodist.org\/wptest\/?p=449"},"modified":"2018-10-03T16:56:09","modified_gmt":"2018-10-03T16:56:09","slug":"day-one-three-horse-chestnuts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.hatfieldroadmethodist.org\/?p=449","title":{"rendered":"Day One – Three Horse Chestnuts"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Royal<\/p>\n

As my Son, Stephen, asked me on our recent visit to Leeds – “Why on earth have you got three conkers in your pocket”?<\/p>\n

Well…. I carry three conkers which are very individual, very beautiful and useful for relieving stress. They are polished to a sheen both by being in my pocket and by my rolling them in the palm of my hand and between my fingers when I am thinking.<\/p>\n

Despite not being edible they also remind me of the fruitfulness of the earth and the generosity of God’s creation and so we pray for that creation and our use and misuse of it.<\/p>\n

Let us pray<\/b><\/h3>\n

Loving God, we thank you for the wonder and beauty of creation.
\nFor all of the gifts you give to us,
\nwhich provide for all of our needs.<\/i><\/p>\n

We remember those who do not have enough.
\nThrough the greed of others or from an unwillingness to share.
\nWhere basic necessities are used to control.
\nAnd where profit comes before humanity.<\/p>\n

We pray for all who bring help in those situations,
\neither locally or in distant places.
\nMay your loving hands rest upon them keeping them safe from harm.<\/p>\n

We pray for our own generosity
\nFor our support of local charities and groups
\nIn particular the Feed project and Centre 33 in St Albans.
\nWe pray for our financial support of national and international charities.
\nWe pray particularly for the Methodist charity “All We Can”.
\nFor our interest in politics and
\nour passsion for the fair sharing of your creation.<\/p>\n

We lift before you the politicians of the world.
\nAnd those in positions of power.
\nWe pray that they may strive to break down barriers, restore peace
\nand establish a world of love and care.<\/p>\n

Lord, we know these things are impossible through the action of people alone
\nand so we pray for your help.<\/p>\n

In Jesus name we offer this prayer. Amen<\/i><\/p>\n

Some resources which might be helpful in our times of devotion.<\/b><\/h3>\n

Hymn<\/b> – Singing the Faith 102 – For the beauty of the earth<\/h3>\n

Reading<\/b> – Psalm 104 – “The Lord takes care of his creation”.<\/h3>\n
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As my Son, Stephen, asked me on our recent visit to Leeds – “Why on earth have you got three conkers in your pocket”? Well…. I carry three conkers which are very individual, very...<\/p>\n

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