Blaenau Gwent

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Take from us, O Lord, all sloth, love of power and idle talk. Of your mercy grant us clarity of mind, strength of purpose and humility of heart. Beholding our own faults let us not be the judge of others, for you alone are truly blessed, now and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Gentle God, I watched a small child playing with a toy, turning and twisting different parts to change it from a simple car to a mighty robot warrior. And I wonder if you sometimes watch us, twisting and turning your Word, our Saviour Jesus Christ, into a rescuing hero; forgetting that, through his transcendent love, he became what we are, that he might bring us to be even what he is himself. Help us to grow daily into the likeness of Christ, that the world may be transformed both within us and through us. Amen.

Luke 6:17-26Then he looked up at his disciples and said: 'Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.' (v. 20)

Matthew 6:16-18‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.' (v. 16)