Sinead Mcleod shares a prayer and reflection for April
Vibrant tulips and joyous Easter egg hunts are on the horizon as the last flurry of winter passes. New life fills the air with hope, and there’s a sense of freshness and renewal around spring. Easter time gives us an opportunity to reflect on our spiritual journeys and ask the risen Lord to guide us towards deeper faith and comfort us with his unwavering presence in our lives.
I firmly believe that God listens to us with true tenderness that brings peace. However, it is important to recognise that not everyone shares our beliefs. As we grow and learn, we may gain the strength to speak our truth more clearly and accept others as they are, not how we’d like them to be. The truth is a powerful force that nourishes our souls and helps us become stronger. During Easter, let us strive to be true to ourselves, for it is in our authenticity that God’s presence shines through us.
Jesus is the rock on which we may place our fears, loneliness and distress. His love is endless, and his resurrection is at the heart of Christianity. The good news in Mark 16:5-6 is heartening: “As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen!’”
Throughout Lent, we contemplate and repent but also recommit to helping those in need. It’s a time to reflect on what draws us closer to God and, in turn, what drives us away from him. In times of uncertainty, I turn to prayer. My faith in God and trust in his grace brings me comfort. By acknowledging his eternal light and accepting his unconditional love, we can let go of everything else.
As Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). Let us hold onto this hope and renewal. Each Easter offers a clean slate, a God-given gift – that good things await us beyond what we can see on the surface.
Lord God and heavenly Father,
Settle us gently towards
hope and renewal,
That we may cherish the strength you bring into our lives.
Everlasting God,
our merciful Father,
Please fortify our hearts
with honesty and truth,
May we speak with confidence, fluency and faith.
In difficult moments,
may your miracles sing out,
Helping us to know you, trust in you and be held by you.
Thank you, Lord, for your
sacrifice and unwavering love,
May your great example bring a message of hope with renewed faith
To all those who seek it.
The world without end.
Amen.
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