Thought of The Week

Sunday, March 29, 2026

We Will Worship

'They took palm branches and went forth to meet him, shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!”’ (John 12:13).

We have reached Palm Sunday and Holy Week. It begins and ends with the same truth, but not in a way that could ever have been guessed. The crowds recognised the truth about Jesus, that he was indeed the king of Israel, the King of God’s Kingdom. They rightly greeted him with shouts of praise. At the end of the week, the same king is crucified, having been crowned with thorns and enthroned on a cross. But, as we now know, even the cross was the mark of his Kingship and the coming of God’s Kingdom. For by the cross the Saviour brings the forgiveness which saves. God’s way and God’s might are astonishing and we cannot help but bow in worship and give him all glory. ‘In the cross of Christ I glory…’

Question for thought: How do I worship my Saviour?

Loving Lord, we thank you for members in the Dioceses of Ikwerre and Ife East in Nigeria and for their resilience as they face persecution. Give them courage and steadfastness. We pray as they care for the vulnerable in their communities, they will have opportunity to share the hope they have in you. Amen.

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Continually Learning

'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul’ (Matthew 11:28-29)

Jesus’ followers are called ‘disciples’ a word which has the sense of a student. Jesus is the master teacher, and just as he promises us rest when we come to him by faith, he also makes us disciples. As believers, then, we have a life-long task of learning from the Master, studying the word of God and trusting its promises as we also obey its commands. And this is not burdensome. Yoked to Jesus as our teacher, we have true rest.

Question for thought: Am I learning every day by listening to the word of God?

Almighty God, we pray for the small group of Mothers Union members in Peru and pray that there will be a stable government that will free from corruption. Please bring an end to the severe poverty which many experience. We pray for Brisbane Diocese and Jenny Bullock, the President and thank you for its enthusiastic members and ask that they will continue to serve and reach out to their communities in your name. Amen

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Building Community

'Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate’ (Proverbs 31:31).

There are some remarkable women in the Bible, women such as Ruth, Esther and Mary and the woman described in Proverbs 31. Both men and women are meant to build community, to care for families, neighbours and those in need. Good community is a way in which God sustains us. Our worldwide Mothers Union is one such community. It is especially important that we pray for each other and care for one another. So much good is done in this way, and the essential role of women in building community is strengthened. We are so grateful to celebrate the 150th year since Mary Sumner initiated such an important work.

Question for thought: How do I help Mothers Union world-wide?

Heavenly Father, we pray for the Diocese of Antisiranana in Madagascar and thank you for members’ enthusiasm as they serve in a country with much poverty. May they be assured of your presence with them as serve you through prayer, social action and community development. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Working for Change

'For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ (Ephesians 2:10)

What Adam destroyed, God is re-creating through Jesus. Adam and Eve were meant to serve God every day and to walk in fellowship with him. Instead, they chose to run their own lives, to sin against God. But Jesus is the one called the Last Adam, the Man from Heaven and we are being made in his image. This verse has had a big impact on my life. Every day I pray that the Lord will show me the good works which he has prepared for me to walk in, so that I will be more like Jesus. What a blessing!

Question for thought: Do I work for God each day?

Almighty God, we bring before you Dioceses of Rupert’s Land in Canada and Worcester in England. We pray as they face the challenge of the population being less and less Christian. We pray that as they reach out to the needs in their communities, they will have opportunities to share your love and their faith in Jesus. Amen.

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Unceasing Prayer

‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus’ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Unceasing prayer seems like a task too hard. But I was greatly helped by the example of an older Christian. He seized every moment to pray. He would listen to you and then pray before he left (he even prayed for me in a lift once in front of other people!). He prayed at mealtimes, which meant that grace could be quite long. He prayed when he made tea in the morning. He prayed (silently) for strangers in the street who betrayed pain and in their faces. He prayed as he travelled in the car. Such was his faith in the Lord. He prayed without ceasing and I can testify that his prayers were answered.

Question for thought: How often do I pray?

Loving Lord, we thank you for the ministry of Mothers Union in the Diocese of Luweero in Uganda as they focus on strengthening families, marriage and faith through prayer, social outreach and community support. We pray as they address issues like poverty and domestic abuse with faith-based principles. We also pray for our members in Grafton Diocese in NSW, as they serve you and encourage each other in the walk with you. Amen

Sunday, February 22, 2026

The Sacrificial love of Christ

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Mark 10:45).

In a sense, when we forgive, we take the burden of wrongdoing on ourselves. When Jesus came into the world to save sinners, he paid the cost of forgiveness; he ransomed us; he bore the penalty of sin. Why would God thus send his Son, knowing that the ransom would involve his terrible death upon the cross? It was love. It was the love of Jesus which meant that he accepted this death to save the unworthy. It is no wonder that the cross is the enduring symbol of the Christian faith. It was the greatest moment in human history. He died for you. He died for me.

Question for thought: Am I filled with gratitude to Jesus?

Gracious Heavenly Father, we thank you for members in the Diocese of St David’s in Wales as they help provide holiday breaks for families in need as well as toys for children in hospital and support seamen. As they meet together may they be encouraged by your Word and prayer. Amen.

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Forgiving Love of Christ

'The son said, “Father I have sinned against Heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the Father said, “Let’s celebrate. This son of mine was dead and is alive again; was lost and is found”’ (Luke 15:21&24)

Sometimes it’s hard to forgive, especially when the offence is bad. Hence when we see ourselves for who we are, rather like the prodigal son of the parable of Jesus, finding the forgiveness of God when we turn to him is the most joyous experience possible. The son is completely restored into his family, such is the forgiveness he finds. But, you do know that there were two sons in the story. The second son relies on his own goodness to have a standing with his father. He scorns his brother rather than welcoming him. Often, we are like that, proud of our achievements and goodness. Unaware that we too are sinners in need of forgiveness.

Question for thought: Which brother am I most like?

Heavenly Father our hearts are heavy with the ongoing troubles in South Sudan. We pray for our members in the Diocese of Benitu as they serve you by caring for those who have basic needs like food, seeds and tools but also those directly affected by the conflict. We thank you for their commitment and perseverance and their deep trust in you. Amen

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Generous Love of Christ

'For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty may become rich’ (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Generosity and grace go hand in hand. The truly generous person gives in abundance beyond any obligation. And generosity does not have to be in money. The generous person forgives when they are sinned against. Why should Christians be generous? Because of the supreme act of generosity to us, when Jesus left the untold glory of heaven to enter this world ‘to seek and to save the lost’ It is the supreme act of generosity.

Question for thought: Do I understand who Jesus is and what he has done?

God Almighty, we are greatly encouraged to see how vibrant Mothers Union is in Tanzania. We pray for the Diocese of Morogoro and pray that members will be strengthened in their faith and trust in you. Give them wisdom in facing challenges of poverty and unemployment. We thank you for the support they give to those struggling. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Unconditional Love of Christ

'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.’(Galatians 6:18)

‘Grace’ is a wonderful word. It means God’s love, but not just his love. It is his love towards the ungodly, towards the sinner, towards the unlovely. Until we see that this is who we are, we cannot understand the grace of the Lord Jesus. John Newton’s famous hymn captures it, ‘Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.’ The Prayer Book of 1662 gives us the words to say as those who do not deserve the love of God, his grace: ‘We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table’. It is only when we understand grace that we begin to love fully the Lord who loves us unworthy as we are.

Question for thought: Do I truly see myself for who I am?

Lord of all nations, we pray for the Dioceses of Kerala in North India and Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India. Members are affiliated through the Women’s fellowship for Christian service. We ask as they reach out to vulnerable women through vocational training, health awareness and marriage preparation, that they will have opportunity to share your love. We also pray for the Diocese of Ballarat and for Jillian Gale as President. We ask that all their activities will show your love and mercy. Amen.

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Being open to possibility and purpose

‘But seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’ (Matthew 6:33)

Jesus has just made a contrast between the unbelievers of this world and his disciples. The aim of the unbelievers is to seek the things of this life, beginning with clothes, food and drink. Jesus knows that we need such things. But he wants us to put God’s kingdom first. God’s kingdom is his reign, his rule. Our first duty as human beings is to enter the kingdom, by submitting to the rule of God through repentance and faith. The aim of our life is then to just him and to please him. The contrast with the aims of this world is striking. We are surrounded by people who have this-worldly goals, aims which can only disappoint. God’s kingdom gives true hope.

Question for thought: What do I want for my children and grandchildren?

Loving Lord, we pray for the Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist in Southern Africa. As many families continue to face significant challenges, including poverty, HIV/AIDS, unemployment, crime, and domestic violence may members be strengthened by the prayer and fellowship they share. Help them to encourage others to have faith in you. Amen.

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Journeying Together

'Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace’ (Ephesians 4:2-3)

Church Unity always seems above us, a matter for the church authorities to negotiate. But actually, as the word of God says here, it begins with the local church. That means that it is the responsibility of us all. We are to be humble, gentle, patient, and loving towards the people we see Sunday by Sunday and at other times. Too many churches are scenes of criticism and quarrels and even division. Even if we need to disagree with one another, it needs to be done with love, forgiveness and every effort to ‘keep the unity of the Spirit’. This is God’s plan for us.

Questions for thought: Does my church live in unity? Do I make every effort to foster love and care for one another? Am I habitually critical?

God of mercy and grace, we give thanks that the nation of Rwanda has been able to rebuild from the genocide 12 years ago. We pray for members in the Dioceses of Butare and Gazebo as they endeavour to help those in need spiritually and in their daily lives through programs on health and nutrition, parenting, literacy and vocational training. We also pray for members in Bathurst Diocese and for Lorraine Mitchell the Diocesan President, as they encourage Christian family life in their churches. In Jesus name, Amen.

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Setting Intentions

'So we make it our aim to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it’ (2 Corinthians 5:9)

In this life we are at home in the body. But our real goal is to find our home with the Lord Jesus. When we die, we will be awaiting the resurrection of the body. But one thing is the same, whether in this life or in the life to come: we make it our aim to please the Lord Jesus. That is the goal of our lives, now and always. We know what pleases him because he has taught us the truth. Amen and we need to be his disciples, his students. This means that at the heart of our lives there is something we cannot live without – an unbreakable relationship with someone who can be trusted in all circumstances.

Question for thought: If someone asked me what is my aim in life, what would I say?

Gracious Lord, we bring before you the Dioceses of Mauritius and the Seychelles. Pray for members that they have opportunity to share their hope of trusting in you as they care for blind people, unwanted children, the elderly and for all in times of disaster. Amen.

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Recognising Growth

'And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with every increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit’ (2 Corinthians 3:18)

As we grow older, we feel that we are on a downhill slide physically and even mentally. But the Christian has something else occurring – we are growing, we are maturing, we are on the way to becoming what we will be in the life to come. This process is a transformation in which, as we gaze at the Christ we read about in Scripture, we are changed to become like him. This is not a psychological trick – it is the work of the Holy Spirit. And who else would we rather be like?

Question for thought: Do I long to be like Jesus?

Almighty Heavenly Father, at the beginning of this new year we pray for Kathleen Snow, our Zone trustee Dorothy Siep and all the trustees and staff throughout the world. Grant them your wisdom as they guide and care for members. We also pray for the Diocese of Ruaha in Tanzania. Please pray for a government who will establish justice and foster an environment where Tanzanians can thrive, and Jesus can be proclaimed freely. Amen

Saturday, December 27, 2025

The Passing Days

'From everlasting to everlasting you are God’ (Psalm 90:2)

The end of a year is a special time of reflection and planning. It is also a reminder that as time goes, we age and will eventually pass away. Human beings are frail, fragile creatures. But the Christian message gives us hope. Our hope is in the majestic God, the maker and sustainer of all things. He is not the victim of time. Indeed, he invented time for us to live in, but as the Psalmist says, he is eternal, everlasting, never the victim of time and its passing days. It is wonderful to know this, because in the midst of the ocean of time, there is sure and certain ground on which we may stand. There is One in whom we can put all our plans and hopes. He deals with our past, he sustains our present and he guarantees our future.

Question for thought: What will be my thoughts and prayers on New Year’s Eve?

Gracious Lord, we bring before you Mothers Union worldwide asking that we never lose sight of upholding Christ’s teaching on marriage and Christian family life. We thank you that over these past 150 years members in your name have served you faithfully bringing hope and your love to their communities. Bless Kathleen Snow as she encourages members and as she looks to the future of Mothers Union in an increasingly secular world. May your name be hallowed throughout the world. Amen.

Sunday, December 21, 2025

He came to save

'She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins’ (Matthew 1:21)

In the Old Testament language of Hebrew, ‘Jesus’ was ‘Joshua’, a word meaning ‘Saviour’ and reminiscent, of course, of the great leader called Joshua and described in the book that bears his name. Thus, Jesus is the Lord who is the Saviour. But his task was even more important than that of leading the people into the Promised Land. It was ‘to save his people from their sins’. We deserve nothing but condemnation and judgement on our sins. But in his mercy and grace, though Jesus and his death on the cross, the Lord brought about the forgiveness of our sins and eternal safety. We can never cease to be grateful for what he has done for us.

Question for thought: Is Jesus my Lord and my Saviour?

Almighty God, we pray for the Anglican Church worldwide and particularly the Archbishops, Bishops and Clergy that they will uphold your Word and lead with faithfulness, justice and mercy. We particularly pray for those nations where there is conflict and persecution of believers that you will give them courage and steadfastness. Amen.

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Naming a child

‘and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”)’ (Matthew 1:21)

It is not always easy for parents to find the right name for a new-born. There are many mistakes made, where a strange name difficult to spell is given, or a name with the same initial as a close sibling, to take two examples. As we know, names also have meanings, and sometimes such a meaning is unwelcome. Jesus received the name ‘Immanuel’, following the prophecy in the book of Isaiah. But the name seems not to have been used. It was recorded so that we would remember from the meaning of the name who he is, namely ‘God with us’. For that is the truly astonishing and wonderful thing about Christmas – it reminds us that we are not alone, but that God himself has entered human history by becoming one of us. And from then on, Immanuel will never leave us.

Question for thought: What comfort do you draw from the name Immanuel applied to Jesus?

Father of All, we pray for the Diocese of Banks and Torres in Vanuatu where they face many challenges to family life including adultery, family breakdown, widespread drug and alcohol abuse and gender-based violence. As members seek to care for those suffering may they share the hope which you alone can give. We also pray for members in The Diocese of the Murray, for the Families Equip program and for the way members in Mt Barker record Mia Mia for the visually impaired. Amen.

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Two Comings

'The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…’ (Isaiah 9:2a)

Walking in darkness can be nerve wracking. All the more so in the world before electric light and good torches. To see the light was a wonderful, breath-taking moment. Jesus tells us that he is the Light of the World. He brings the light of his message and work into a world made gloomy by sin and evil. When we think of this, we are reminded that many people around us know little or nothing of the true Light and we have an obligation to share that light with them. Christmas can be a good opportunity to do this. The first step is to pray constantly for our friends and neighbours.

Question for thought: How do I love my close neighbours?

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for members in Namibia in Southern Africa who have become a vibrant organisation, keen to reach out and support family life especially those affected by HIV/AIDS. May they share the hope and comfort of knowing you. Amen.

Sunday, November 30, 2025

The Return of Jesus

'‘They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead – Jesus who saves us from the coming wrath’ (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

As the season of Advent reminds us, we are waiting for the return of Jesus in all his glory to judge the world. We can be confident in his mercy, as we trust what he did in his first appearing – he saved us and so he will save us. Judgement sounds frightening, and it is. But we are glad that a just God will deal with sin and evil once and for all. As well, in the midst of the turmoil of the end, we will see Jesus, the one was sent into the world to be our Saviour. There is an old hymn which runs ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus’, look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace. Good advice!

Question for thought: Are the eyes of your heart fixed on Jesus?

Almighty God, we pray for all those throughout the world who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse. May there be an end to this terrible suffering. Please heal, renew and guard them. We ask that they will bring their cares to you and that they will know the peace that passes all understanding. Amen.

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