A Bible Reading: Colossians 1:3-6
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God's people, the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God's grace.
A Thought
There is a saying ‘Develop an attitude of gratitude’. In our bible reading today St Paul demonstrates and attitude of gratitude for the Christians in Colossae. Interestingly Paul had never visited Colossae; his contact with the church there came from his time in prison in Rome when he was visited by Epaphras, a Christian convert from Ephesus who had probably established the church in Colossae. Never-the-less, Paul wrote to the Church in Colossae expressing his thanks to them for their faith, which was demonstrated through their love and based on the hope they had in heaven.
Yesterday there was a great outpouring of gratitude for the valiant work of all the NHS workers as they put their own lives at risk caring for the sick and working tirelessly to save lives. Like St Paul, these are people we have never met and have only heard of second hand as we are confined in, what for some, seems like the prison cells of our homes. As we live through this current crisis with all its uncertainties and restrictions, let us develop an attitude of gratitude, not just for NHS workers, but for all those who work in our essential services and for all the volunteers who are supporting the vulnerable and needy in our communities. Let us also give thanks for the love of God, for the good news of the gospel of Jesus, and for the hope we have in heaven.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for your love shown to us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and for the many blessings you give us each day. We thank you for all who serve us in this time of crisis and pray for their strength and protection.
Amen.
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