Oh Lord, hear my Prayer!

From Rev Iain Baxter, All Saints Chiang Mai

Dear Friends,

Prayer is a mystical thing.  Sometimes our prayers are answered, sometimes they seem to go unanswered despite our deepest crying out to God.  But whatever we feel about prayer, it is how we reach out, how we connect with God, the infinite who is beyond all we can understand or comprehend.   We are commanded to pray by Jesus himself, and we are commanded to pray with persistence.  This week our Gospel reading tells the parable of the persistent widow who finally gets the justice she deserves from a reluctant judge, because she just won’t go away and won’t remain silent.

In our work to change the world we must never give up, and never remain silent.  So also in our dialogue with God who is our Father and our Mother, we need to pray with perseverance and dedication, knowing that our prayers are heard by the God of love!

This Sunday’s readings are Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, and Luke 18:1-8, and we will be singing the hymns Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun, Father Hear the Prayer we Offer, Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart, and Tell Out My Soul!  The readings can be found via this link!

Meanwhile, you have another chance to join in Zumba!!! All are welcome to join us in Zumba on Wednesday at 5 p.m. here in the church! It will last about an hour. No previous experience is needed and Andy Ong will be leading the class.  All ages and fitnesses welcome! Come and join the fun!

And slightly further ahead, “Theology on Tap” will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday 21st October.  Nate Tipton will be leading this event where a group of people, from All Saints and elsewhere, can discuss a theological issue over a pint of beer, or other beverage, in a relaxed setting. Initially it will meet once a month on a Friday night. If you might be interested, speak to Nate or me. Venue to be confirmed on Sunday!

Finally, All Saints Day is fast approaching.  This is the patronal festival of our church.  To celebrate, we will have a potluck lunch following our All Saints Day service on Sunday 30th October.  Get planning what you will bring!

God bless,

Iain