MU Thought for the Week - Downloads

Sunday, December 28, 2026

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.

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Suffering for Christ

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven’  (Matthew 5:10)

The very first martyr was Stephen. But as the New Testament continues its story, we see that there were others as well. In fact, the Apostle Peter refers to persecution as occurring ‘throughout the world’. You may not realise that it still occurs today and that each year there are many Christians who are discriminated against, cast out from families and friends, kidnapped and enslaved, or even killed for their faith. It would be good to find out about this and then to pray for those who are victims in this way.*  We can pray that they will be sustained and that where possible they may receive support from other Christians around the world.

Question for thought: How can I help those who are persecuted for their faith. 

Gracious Lord, we pray for the persecuted church throughout the world and particularly Mothers Union members.  Give them courage and steadfastness and an abiding trust in you. May they know your comfort and strength and that you are with them always.  Amen.

*  https://www.opendoors.org.au/persecuted-christians/ 

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Speaking our Language

'He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’  (Micah 6:18)

Have you ever thought how hard it must be to come from overseas and to settle in a  foreign land? This is especially the case if you don’t know the language of the people among whom you have chosen to live. Many of us are surrounded by people who have made just such a transition. One way to welcome the stranger in our midst is to do something that virtually all of us can do - help them to learn our language. As we do so, and it is good if it happens in connection with your church, you are also showing the love of God. Many newcomers would like to know about Jesus and when they are ready you could read the Bible together. What a blessing! And, almost certainly, you could do it.

Question for thought: How can I best help my neighbours who come from other places?

Loving Father, we ask for members in Tobago and Trinidad to continue to reach out within their local communities to deal with the needs of individuals, families and community groups. Guide them as they seek to address the many social issues facing families. We pray too for the Diocese of Bendigo in Victoria that they may have wisdom as they seek to reach out in your name to their neighbours and friends in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Finding our Way Forward

'For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them’  (Ephesians 2:10)

God has been so kind and gracious to his children through Jesus. We now want to live for him, not to win his grace, but because of his grace. I know a married couple who have been inspired by this verse to pray frequently that they will find and do the good works that God has prepared for them to walk in this day. Even if you pray it on your own, it is still worth asking for this special blessing. The wonderful thing is, too, that we can keep praying it and even if you are disabled, there are still other people to love and care for as you follow the way of Christ. 

Question for thought: Isn’t it wonderful that God prepares the way before us as we set out each day? 

Heavenly Father, we bring before you the Dioceses of Ottawa in Canada and Dunkwa-on-Offin in Ghana. We thank you that members in Ghana are committed in their communities and endeavour to have many activities that care for those in need and bring them your love. As they have opportunity may they share the comfort of the gospel to troubled hearts. We ask too for members in Ottawa that in spite of vast distances they will be united in prayer as ‘do the good works you have prepared for them to walk in.’  Amen.

Sunday, November 2, 2025

Walking as New Creatures

'But let justice roll on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream.’  (Amos 5:24)

The prophet Amos, who said these famous words, was speaking to a religious people. They gathered, they sang, they offered sacrifices. But they did not walk as godly men and women. They neglected the commandments of the Lord, especially that we love our neighbours, not least by showing justice and righteousness. God’s people need to live godly lives in our communities. In doing this we can be inspired by the saints, the godly people who have gone before us. Indeed, the New Testament indicates that all believers are saints, and we need to live as God’s holy and loving children. 

Question for thought: Am I one of God’s saints, or am I simply religious?

Father of All, we pray for members in Lebombow in Mozambique in Southern Africa as they seek to make a difference in their local area by caring for those who have HIV/AIDS as well campaigning against child marriage. Help them to keep trusting you in the many challenges they face. We pray too, for the Diocese of Riverina in NSW and Rev. Sue-Ellen Chilvers the Diocesan President as she encourages members who live vast distances from each other.  Amen.

Sunday, October 26, 2025

The New Creation

'Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone the new is here!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Jesus preached the coming kingdom of God. In his death, resurrection and ascension the kingdom arrived. It is not here in its fullness yet, as sin and evil still exist and even we who are new creations in him are not free from sin. But we can see the power of the new creation at work in the way in which Christians care for those around them, not least the most lowly. That is why prison ministry is so important, and we should pray and be interested in it. No-one is more vulnerable than those in gaol. It is one of the features of Mothers Union that we have a ministry to the sick and suffering. This reflects the character of the Lord Jesus himself and the work of his Spirit in our hearts.

 Question for thought: How do I love my neighbour as myself? 

Gracious God, we pray for our sisters in Glasgow and Galloway in Scotland as they offer support to prisoners and their families and to families affected by domestic abuse and human trafficking. May they have opportunities to share your love and care in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Calling the Sinners

'Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous but the sinners  to repentance”’  (Luke 5:31-32)

Jesus was often criticised by the morally righteous for eating with ‘tax collectors and sinners’, in other words people that they looked down upon because of their sinful lifestyle. But Jesus had come precisely for the ones who needed him and so he gladly mixed with the sinners and taught them the gospel of forgiveness. As part of his call, he summoned them to repentance, for we are forgiven when we turn to the Lord and commit our lives to him. This is modelled by Levi, who abandoned tax collecting, through which he was exploiting other people for gain, to follow Jesus (see Luke 5:27-28). Of course, the morally upright need to repent also, but they are the ones who often find it hardest.  

Question for thought: Who does Jesus call upon to repent?

Loving Lord, we pray this week for the Dioceses of  Nambale and Kitui in Kenya with the many challenges they face to family life which include high unemployment, crime, poverty and food insecurity. Give the members wisdom and grace with the many initiatives they have. May they continue to bring God’s word of comfort in these struggles. We also pray for the members in Armidale who are all online and thank you for their faithfulness in upholding Christian marriage and family life.  Amen.

Sunday, October 12, 2025

A Father to the Fatherless

'Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world’.  (James 1:27)

We are surrounded by people in need, but sometimes we do not see them. When someone is widowed, they need the care of their friends, not only in the first week, but in the months and perhaps years that follow. This may involve practical care such as meals and advice and even housing and financial support. People who are connected to the prison system are also especially vulnerable, whether they are prisoners, or the family of those in gaol. I had a friend who looked after people in the weeks after their release, when they were trying to re-establish their lives. This was an important ministry. The care of ‘orphans and widows’ reflects the nature of the God we worship who cares for the fatherless and the orphaned (Psalm 68:5).

Question for thought: Do I have the eyes of love for those in special need?

Heavenly Father, we bring before you the Mothers Union family in the Union of Episcopal Anglican Women of Brazil. Give them wisdom as they reach out to others in  your name and help to transform communities, giving practical support to victims of domestic violence, immigrants and the elderly.  Amen.

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Keys of the Kingdom

'Jesus said to Peter, ‘I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven…’ (Matthew 16:18)

Keys are interesting objects. Locks protect us and our belongings. Keys open up our doors and let us in. To give someone your key is to express faith in them. Peter fulfilled this role as we can see in the Acts of the Apostles, when he preached about Jesus to the Jewish people on the Day of Pentecost  (Acts 2)  and to the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10). They entered the kingdom of heaven when they repented and turned to Jesus for forgiveness. Our prayer must be that he will use us too, to bring the good news to people around us, not forgetting the poor, the disabled, the sick and those in prison. 

Question for thought:  Do I pray for friends and neighbours that they will enter God’s kingdom?

Almighty God, we give you thanks that the good news of Jesus Christ has spread throughout the world. We pray this week for the Dioceses of Mbhashe in South Africa, Kitgum in Uganda, Ukewa and Ilesa in South Nigeria, Central Melanesia in the Solomon Islands and our members in Tasmania as they care for those in their communities who are in need. May they share your great love that they will know the peace of God which passes all understanding.  Amen.

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Love

'The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love’ Psalm 103:8

In some of the most wonderful words ever written, the Apostle John tells us, ‘God is love’ 1 John 4:8. We use ‘love’ to refer to romantic relationships only. But Jesus taught us that love is far bigger than that. He tells us why we can be so sure that God loves us: ‘This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (4:10). And that is why love for others is an indispensable mark of the Christian life: ‘Whoever does not love, does not know God’ (4:8). Of course, we are to love family and also our Christian family. But, like the Good Samaritan we must also love those we do not know and those who may not like us. 

Question for thought: What habits do we have that get in the way of Christian love?

Lord of all, we give thanks for the way members in the Diocese of Meath and Kildare in Ireland show faith in action and serving in your name. Pray as they seek through many activities to provide help to families in need. May their fellowship be deepened as they meet together in prayer.  Amen.

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Reconciliation

'Therefore, if you are offering your gift on the altar and there remember your brother or sister has something against, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift’ Matthew 5:32-24

‘Reconciliation’ has become a popular word. It often describes the desired relationship between two people groups. But it is also an important element in personal relationships. A man I knew once wronged his wife. In the end he repented and sought the forgiveness, which she gave. Their marriage could not resume, and he accepted that. But they were friends and worked together as much as possible for the sake of their children. In other words, they were reconciled. Repentance  and forgiveness led to peace between them.  This is something God offers us and that we should seek ourselves in our human relations.

Question for thought: Am I reconciled to God and to others?

Almighty God, again we bring before you members in South Sudan in the Diocese of Rumbek as they care and support  widows, orphans and people with disability. May they continue to grow in their love and knowledge of the Lord Jesus so they can stand against persecution and not be overwhelmed by Islamic militants.  Amen.

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Forgiveness

‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you’ Ephesians 4 32

The forgiveness we have received from God through Christ, changes our lives. As Jesus taught us, when we have been forgiven so much, we will forgive others for their sins against us. This means that we will not seek to take revenge against another person. Sometimes a person who has offended us is dead. We forgive them also. It can be hard and might take some time. But, inspired by the forgiveness we have received from God, we can decide to forgive and then practise forgiveness. How many families have been torn apart  because members will not be forgiving? Forgiveness is the path to peace. 

Question for thought: Has the forgiveness of Jesus changed me?

Loving Lord, we bring before you the nation of Uganda and especially our members in the Dioceses of Namirembe and Sebei as they seek to uphold Biblical family values and encourage families to be in loving, respectful relationships. We pray as they address many social injustices such as female genital mutilation and gender-based violence that they will look to you for your wisdom by your Spirit.  Amen.