LENT IS A GOOD TIME TO REFLECT ON THE QUALITY & mechanics of our prayer life. All too often we neglect the easier bits, the Thank Yous', because we are too busy or caught up to notice and so fail to stop, pause and reflect. Then we funk the difficult bits that need more time and perseverance, because we do not allow the time.

Let us therefore look a little more closely at our Lord's prayer life because prayers do not always avert the inevitable, but they do give the strength to endure it. Casting out demons by prayer and fastings maybe beyond the capabilities of many us, however we may find that the long sleepless watches of the night begin to turn us a little in that direction. Unless the Lord is really there we cannot expect to be strong enough to command miracle cures as much as we may dream of it. So let us focus on what is more within our grasp. Expect to wrestle a bit as that old hymn tells us! Somewhat Pauline in thought Charles Wesley's hymn "Soldiers of Christ arise" is based on Ephesians 6, 10-18, and reflects a little of Cranmer's vision of the Church Militant in action.

Sometimes the demands of people on our time and energy should force us to draw aside a little and retreat from such pressure. Often our Lord withdrew to a lonely or quiet place or escaped up a mountain from the press of people and their needs. Remember his compassion frequently forced him to more than yet another mile. At other times he took an inner group of his disciples to get away and recharge their batteries. Sometime we might organize a couple of day retreats to Jarrow and Bishopthorpe for just that.

Then there are the uncomfortable and hard prayers, often caught up with grief as some of my sculptures seek to portray. This is the Gethsemane experience where our Lord agonized over the inevitable and unavoidable before him. The cup will not pass from us but we can seek the strength to drink it……."Nevertheless not my will but thine be done."

Because certain parishioners across the parishes have family contacts with certain Regiments serving in or just back from Iraq or Afghanistan I hope you will all join in in adopting those regiments and echoing their needs in prayer, besides praying for their safety and giving thanks for their safe return. With modern communications some of those needs may be only minutes old or shared at other times down a telephone prayer chain. If nothing else it will bleed some of the agony out of waiting.

Thus:

Kirby Knowle adopts 2 Royal Tank Regiment

Felixkirk adopts the Royal Green Jackets.

Leake adopts The Light Infantry.

You will find we will make space in the service for prayer and an update. Even as I write I can think of more links so perhaps you can add some too. Be fruitful. Be positive, be resolute.