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09/01/2021
A reflection and prayer to start the day with The Rt Revd Dr David Bruce, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Last on
Sat 9 Jan 2021
05:43
±«Óătv Radio 4
PRAYER FOR THE DAY - Script - 9th January 2021
Good morning.Â
Weddings are usually times of great joy and celebration, but families being what they are, wedding days can be complicated – and as a minister I have seen my fair share. These ceremonies bring into the same room a group of people who may not choose to gather unless for this very reason. Add a sumptuous meal, a few toasts with sparkling wine and perhaps an unguarded comment in a speech, and things can become tense.Â
The Bible contains lots of references to weddings – including the well-known time when Jesus provided some excellent wine at a wedding feast in Cana, when the supplies had run out. There is a strong thought in the Bible which takes the metaphor of a wedding and uses it to sketch in some detail in our relationship with God. In the second-last chapter of Revelation, believers in Jesus are described as like a Bride beautifully dressed for her husband. It’s as if the years of life we have been living now are like a long engagement, a time of waiting and anticipation for what is to come.Â
I suppose this picture begs a question of us, asking if we really do seek the commitment to this relationship such as a solid marriage requires. Entering in to a marriage without being determined that it will succeed will certainly diminish its chances. By using this picture of a wedding God appears to say to us, “I love you, and I want you to be mine”. With such a commitment to us from him, a matching response from us is awaited.Â
Lord, in your mercy, show us the true nature of your love and commitment to us in Christ, so that our heartfelt response to you may match yours to us. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Weddings are usually times of great joy and celebration, but families being what they are, wedding days can be complicated – and as a minister I have seen my fair share. These ceremonies bring into the same room a group of people who may not choose to gather unless for this very reason. Add a sumptuous meal, a few toasts with sparkling wine and perhaps an unguarded comment in a speech, and things can become tense.Â
The Bible contains lots of references to weddings – including the well-known time when Jesus provided some excellent wine at a wedding feast in Cana, when the supplies had run out. There is a strong thought in the Bible which takes the metaphor of a wedding and uses it to sketch in some detail in our relationship with God. In the second-last chapter of Revelation, believers in Jesus are described as like a Bride beautifully dressed for her husband. It’s as if the years of life we have been living now are like a long engagement, a time of waiting and anticipation for what is to come.Â
I suppose this picture begs a question of us, asking if we really do seek the commitment to this relationship such as a solid marriage requires. Entering in to a marriage without being determined that it will succeed will certainly diminish its chances. By using this picture of a wedding God appears to say to us, “I love you, and I want you to be mine”. With such a commitment to us from him, a matching response from us is awaited.Â
Lord, in your mercy, show us the true nature of your love and commitment to us in Christ, so that our heartfelt response to you may match yours to us. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Broadcast
- Sat 9 Jan 2021 05:43±«Óătv Radio 4
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