Thought of The Week

Sunday, September 27, 2026

Spiritual Renewal

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

A few years ago, God challenged me in this wonderful verse. From now on and through all eternity, the goal of our lives is to please the Lord. This is the path of spiritual renewal whether for an individual or a church. How do we please him? By listening to what he tells us in his word, trusting it and obeying it. Have you noticed that so many people these days are seeking to find their own goal in life, based usually on where they think will find happiness? But true joy is to be found in the wholehearted service of the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s what really matters.

Question for thought: What is the goal of my life? What should it be?

Gracious Lord, we bring before you our sisters in Katanga in DR Congo where there is ongoing instability. Help members as they care for family and friends in their community and provide support, helping them to get the support they need. We ask that their faith in you will not grow weary in these times. May they continue to look to you their strength and shield. Amen

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Peace

Bear with one another and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’ (Colossians 3:13)

The place where we ought to see forgiveness on display especially is in the fellowship of Christians whether at church or in the home. The forgiveness of the Lord has been granted to us; thus, we should also forgive. It also means that we should be willing to apologise and show repentance when we have offended. It is strange to go to a church where the cross is the chief symbol, and the Holy Communion is the chief meal and to come across division and antagonism and even slander. The church ought to be a loving community, as God so loved the world.

Question for thought: Is my church a loving community?

Gracious heavenly Father, we pray for members in the Diocese of Aba Ngwa and Oyo Nigeria as they cope with many challenges. Thank you for their courage in the face of persecution. May the hope of the gospel strengthen them and help them to witness to their communities. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Reconciliation

'We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.’ (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Forgiveness can often be very difficult, especially when some deep wrong is done against us. It may even be that the other person has passed away. We need to decide to forgive and then practise forgiveness. But that is not the same as a restoration of relationship. That occurs when the other party repents and asks for forgiveness without demanding the status they once enjoyed. So it is with God. His forgiveness is not earned. But we enter into eternal relationship with him when we acknowledge our sins and crown Jesus as our Lord. This is called repentance, and it is what Jesus preached.

Question for thought: Am I forgiven? Have I made Jesus my Lord?

Loving Lord, we pray this week for members in the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough in Ireland. We thank you for the faithfulness of members and their commitment to the maternity and children’s hospitals and the Mission to Seafarers. May they honour you in all they do. Amen

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Forgiveness and Mercy

'Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.’ (Luke 4:4)

We need to be reminded that in the Lord’s Prayer (and in our Prayer Book) it is simply assumed that we sin. There has only been one perfect person. We need, then, to ask for forgiveness regularly and from the heart. And at the very centre of the good news there is forgiveness because of what Jesus has done for us. Our debts are paid; God will no longer judge us If we understand this, if we grasp the wonder of God’s mercy, then it will show itself in us forgiving also, not demanding the reparation which sin deserves. This is hard. But it is what the love of God has done for us.

Question for thought: Can I truly pray the Lord’s prayer?

Loving Lord, our hearts are heavy with the constant conflict in South Sudan. We give thanks that members continue to serve local families through prayer, outreach, marriage guidance counseling and immediate community assistance. Help them to persevere and to share your love in all they do. Amen.

Sunday, August 30, 2026

A time to be still

'He says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ (Psalm 46:10)

As fallen human beings, we often think that we are God. We try to fix everything, or we think that just by working harder our problems will be solved and our troubles disappear. Now, there is nothing against hard work and trying to fix the broken. But as we do, we are frequently reminded of the limitations of our power. After all, we need sleep each day, but the Lord never sleeps. There are special moments where we must stop. We must be still. We must admit our limitations and turn to the Lord for his Fatherly help. These moments and situations remind us that there is only one God and we are not him. Trust him to fulfil his great plans. Rest in him.

Question for thought: Do I trust God?

Gracious God, we bring before you members in Harare, Zimbabwe as they serve through love, prayer and community support. Help them as they seek to transform lives and build stable families based on the Christ’s teaching on marriage and family life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Sunday, August 23, 2026

A time to replenish

‘Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.’ (Psalm 119:105)

One of the most wonderful gifts I have ever received came when I was a teenager. I was taught by our leaders the value of beginning each day by reading God’s word and praying to him. What a blessing this has proved to be! The day begins with quietness, with listening to and speaking with our heavenly Father. Furthermore, we know that the Lord’s people around the whole world are also doing this. We know, too, that people are praying for us just as we are praying for them. This is one of the beauties of Mothers Union world-wide. And, always, the Lord Jesus and the Spirit are also praying for us. Romans 8:26, 34

Question for thought: Who do you pray for?

Father of All, we pray for our sisters in the Diocese of Yangon in Myanmar. Thank you for their steadfastness over many years of political difficulties and for their enthusiasm in studying the Bible. Bless their community support in many projects and may it be a way of sharing your love. We also bring before you the Diocese of Wangaratta and for Canon Maryann Leonard. May they continue to do the ‘good works you have prepared for them to walk in.’ Amen.

Sunday, August 16, 2026

A time to rejoice

'I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.’ (Psalm 146:2)

We cannot manufacture joy or simply decide to be joyful. It does not come from within us, but from something or someone beyond us. Christian people are able to be joyful in a special way, since the cause of our greatest joy is God himself, who he is and what he has done and is doing. I love seeing trees and flowers and when I do, I praise the Lord for the wonder of his creation. I love to think about who God is, the fact that he has revealed himself to us in his word, the glory of his justice and his love, the joy at the thought of being with him forever, and especially the grace he showed in our salvation through Jesus. There is so much to praise him for; so much to rejoice about. I will praise the Lord all my life.

Question for thought: Do I rejoice in the Lord?

Almighty God, we give thanks for the opportunity to pray for our members across the world. We are humbled when we think of the struggles and opposition to many experience. Thank you for their faithfulness and steadfastness and for the love and care thy share in your Name with their communities. May your Spirit equip them for every good work for your glory. Amen

Sunday, August 9, 2026

A time to reflect

'Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.’ (Exodus 20:8)

One of the great gifts that the Bible gives us is the concept of a weekly rest, not only for ourselves but for all who work for us. We certainly need such a time for physical, mental and spiritual renewal and refreshment. It is wise, therefore, not to so fill it with things to do that we cannot think about the great works of God in creation and salvation and our own part in them. It is good also to consider how we can bless others, not least by meeting with our fellow believers to worship the living God and to love one another.

Question for thought: Is a weekly day of rest part of my schedule?

Loving Lord we bring before you members in the Diocese of Masindi Kitara in Uganda. As they care for families and communities in many ways may they share the comfort and hope of knowing you. We also pray for the Diocese of North Queensland and for Kristi Day as Diocesan President. May members grow in their love and knowledge of you. Amen.

Sunday, August 2, 2026

A time to rest

'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28)

Have you ever had trouble sleeping because of things that are happening in your life, or memories which will not let you go? The key to peace is our rest in Jesus. We can bring our struggles, our burdens, our regrets to him and give him our cares, share them with him. Especially, of course, we cast the burden of our sin at his feet and ask for his forgiveness and his peace. Our chief rest is found in him. We know that the Good Shepherd walks with us always.

Question for thought: How do you know that you are forgiven?

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the members in Papua New Guinea and pray for the literacy, health education, anti-violence and health education programs, that they will have an impact on the lives of women and children in their communities. We also pray for members in North West Australia and their outreach activities. May they put Christ at the centre all they do. Amen

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Finding the words to share our faith

'The woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”’ (John 4:29)

The Lord Jesus is such good news, that his story needs to be spread to all the world. There are various ways to do this, for example by inviting friends to join us at church, or to attend a meeting, or giving them a gospel to read, or perhaps doing what the woman of Samaria did, explaining the impact that Jesus has had on your life. Come what may, however, we need to pray for people around us, that they will become aware of the love of God and our need for forgiveness and turn to him.

Question for thought: Do I pray that my friends will experience the grace of God in Jesus?

Our Gracious God, we give thanks for members in the Dioceses of Melbourne and Sydney. Give wisdom to their planning for the future of Mothers Union and courage to try new things. We also pray that as members reach out in caring for people across their cities your name will be honoured and glorified. Amen

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Showing God’s Compassion to people in need

'remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”’ (Acts 20:35)

Jesus not only said these words, he acted upon them, supremely by coming into a world of lost sinners to save us. But as well, when he was with us he cared for the sick and the poor. What drove him was, of course, love. When we know we are loved it changes us and we become more loving ourselves. When we experience the love of God, we become more kind, more generous, more forgiving, especially to those in need. A friend of mine does exactly that. Overcoming the limitations of age and sickness, (she is ninety years old) she teaches English to newly arrived people. In doing so she is showing the compassion of Jesus to those in need.

Question for thought: How do I show compassion. Why?

Loving Lord, we pray for families in the Dioceses of Tonga in Polynesia and Jaffna in Southern India. In Tonga, we thank you for the enthusiasm of members as they support each other care and pray for each other. In Jaffna we pray as they support marriages and help families coping with hardships. May they know that you are with them as they serve you. Amen.

Sunday, July 12, 2026

Sharing Hope for a troubled world

'No, in all these things we are more than conquerors though him who loved us.’ (Romans 8:37)

In this world, being a Christian believer does not save you from trouble, sorrow, pain and distress. Indeed, in some places Christians are persecuted and even murdered for their faith. And yet, we are called ‘more than conquerors’. How is this true? Through Jesus and his promise that he will always be with us. How do we know that we can trust him? Because of his love. But notice that this verse says ‘loved’. It does not mean that he once loved and does so no more. It means that the greatest expression of his love is his death on the cross. In the midst of all our troubles, look to the cross and be assured of his love.

Question for thought: What does the cross of Jesus mean to me?

Gracious Lord, we pray for members in Toliara, Madagascar as they care and support those who have suffered through droughts and storms. May they encourage them to come to the weekly activities including Bible studies and learning practical skills to help them overcome adversity, poverty and very little education. Amen.

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Sharing our faith story

'In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do so with gentleness and respect.’ (1 Peter 3:15)

As believers, we know our future – it is to be with Jesus. Who better? This is our hope. It is not mere optimism or a vague feeling. It is as real as Jesus is real. Someone may ask you about your hope and Peter tells us to be ready to share our faith in Jesus with gentleness and respect. It is a wonderful thing when a Christian person is filled with assurance about their future, even when they are very ill. It is a great testimony, not to ourselves but to Jesus and a blessing to the person who can see Jesus in us and through us.

Question for thought: Am I ready to share the reason for my hope?

Almighty Heavenly Father, our hearts are stirred by the challenges faced in Butere in Kenya. We pray for the Lord’s wisdom as our members seek to help those facing unemployment, poverty, and food insecurity, and give them courage to continue to share the hope they have in Jesus. Amen.

Sunday, June 28, 2026

The Apostle Peter

'The Lord turned and looked straight at Jesus’ (Luke 22:61)

The name Peter means ‘rock’, the rock you can rely on. But when Peter is put to the test, he was weak. He had sworn to stay with Jesus. But now, three times, he disowns Jesus and refuses to stand by him. It must have been awful to be know that Jesus, fully aware of Peter’s sin, had turned to look at him. No wonder he went outside and wept. And yet, after the resurrection, Peter is forgiven and restored. It is not surprising that having been treated with such love, he becomes the one leading Apostles and even gives up his life for the sake of the Lord. This is the power of repentance and forgiveness, blessed by the Spirit of God.

Question for thought: How am I like Peter?

Almighty God, we thank you for the 150 years of Mothers Union. We especially give thanks for the vision of Mary Sumner in bringing women together who trust in you to support one another and strengthen marriage and Christian family life. Amen.

Sunday, June 21, 2026

A father’s love

'But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him’ (Luke 15:20).

The father in the parable of the prodigal son reveals what God is like. Jesus had been criticised for eating with the people whose lives were sinful. He was welcoming them. Welcoming them as repentant and people who received the forgiveness they needed. The son in his story makes a complete mess of his life because of sin. But as he comes home full of repentance, his father does something that no father in those days would do. He runs to him, embraces him, kissing him, welcomes him home and restores him as his son. That is the love of God in its grace and glory.

Question for thought: Do I know the love of God?

Loving Lord, sometimes it’s hard to keep trusting you when faced with constant strife and persecution. We pray for our sisters in the Dioceses of Kabba and Bukuru in Nigeria. Keep them faithful and steadfast as they support the communities in which they live. Protect them from danger we pray. We also pray for the Diocese of Adelaide and for Rev. Dr Gethzi Devasagayam as she leads members there. Amen.

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Refugees and displaced people

‘So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt’ (Matthew 2:13).

I have several friends who were refugees from terror. Their stories are heart- rending, not least because the way in which families are separated perhaps permanently. Children are denied education; families are denied security; individuals are lonely. As we remember that Jesus’ parents had to flee their homeland and go to Egypt, it is astonishing to know that the Son of God himself was a refugee. It is also a reminder to us that we should also love and care for those who are in camps and those who have come among us, far from home. This is part of our Christian compassion, after the likeness of Christ.

Question for thought: Do I know of a Christian agency which supports refugees? Am I willing to help?

Gracious heavenly Father, we give thanks for the many faithful members in the New Guinea Islands in Papua New Guinea. Members are involved in literacy programs, health education, anti-violence campaigns, prison and hospital visits, and marriage counselling. May they share your love and compassion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Environment and Creation

‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it’ (Genesis.2:15).

We were created as image bearers to rule the world under God. But this did not mean to abuse the world. The relationship was meant to be one of peace and productivity. After the human rebellion against God, the relationship changed, as sinful, self-centred people occupied the world, making up our own rules. The Bible says that the world is groaning as it also waits for the day when there will be a new heaven and earth. In the meantime, God’s people are to continue to respect and care for the creation, although we live in a world impacted by sin, and life can be very hard.

Question for thought: Do I see the hand of God in the creation?

God of all, our hearts are heavy when we think of the troubles in the world. Have mercy dear Lord and bring an end to the crises in the Middle East, Ukraine and Russia. Give our members in these areas courage and may they remember you are their comfort and strength and an ever-present help in trouble. We pray this week for members in Diocese of Mara, Tanzania and in Willochra, South Australia. May all they do bring in caring and supporting those in need bring honour and glory to you name. Amen.

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