Short but Sweet

‘Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you, Amen.’  Sometimes I find a prayer that is a marvel of conciseness, expressing so much in so few words, and the above prayer seems like that to me.  It was actually written by St Thomas Aquinas, and that does not surprise me, because the writings he has left us – notably his Summa Theologica - display a huge talent for this great virtue of conciseness.  And then again, If - as St John of the Cross said - ‘Silence is God’s first language’, then perhaps conciseness is likely to be his hallmark when he does actually use words.

Intercessions

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Fr Jon Bielowski (Plymouth Diocese), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Sister Daranee Teapthong, Theresa K

Ivy – sick child

Brian (recovering from Pneumonia)

Kevin (heart attack)

William Gove (recovering from stroke)

Illness:  Katy Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Mark – brain infection

Michael, Kira – vulnerable youngsters

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

We are asked to pray for the Diocese of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, as the Northern Mission celebrates its centenary. The process of selecting a new bishop continues.