Lord Teach us to Pray
Prayer is a challenge for all of us, but in our current circumstances, we need more than ever to turn our focus to God, who is our strength, and our hope.
As our lives are turned upside down, and our hearts and minds churn with the consequences of COVID-19, perhaps a solid and reassuring starting place for our prayer is to begin with what we do know and can do.
Jesus’ response to the disciples’ cry, “Lord, teach us to pray” was to give them the words and model of the Lord’s Prayer.
So, take a moment. Take a calming breath. And pray what you know.
Pray the familiar words alone or together with others in your home. Pray it over the phone as you connect with wider family and friends. Recite it, read it out, write it down, and reflect on its meaning. It is meaningful, not meaningless. So say what you mean and mean what you pray!
Then try another step, expanding with specific concerns. For example, add your personal petitions after each phrase. Or try modelling your own words on Jesus’ pattern as we see Eugene Petersen has done here in The Message:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
The Lord’s Prayer “can be like a Christmas tree, on which we hang our own “decorations”, our own prayers.
Or it can be like a map: The directions are there, but we must take the trouble to travel, to pray them. (Peter Kreeft, Fundamentals of Faith. Ignatius Press 1988)
Blessings, Karen
Rev Stephen Schultz
Assistant Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand
‘When will it end? Will it ever end?’ These questions are asked by countless people worldwide for various reasons.
It is asked by those experiencing the latest conflict in their lands, those living under oppressive rule, those experiencing violence in the home, those finding it hard to make ends meet, those suffering from injury or disease or grief, and those who are struggling with addiction.
So many are wondering: When will it end? Will it ever end?
Promises are made – by governments, big business and industry and other well-meaning people (and sometimes not). But still, it doesn’t end. They can’t end it – not through money, force, policies or strategy.
The world is in quite a mess – incapable of fixing things or ending things. But God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Jesus was born into our world as one of us – truly human and truly God.
Jesus entered the pain and suffering, the brokenness and failure. He experienced injustice and violence. He did not resist it or avoid it. He faced it. He came to bring an end to it. As he hung on a cross dying, it was hard to see how this could end anything. But with some of his last words from the cross, Jesus said: ‘It is finished!’
It seemed as though he was finished. But these were not words of defeat. Jesus had completed his task of paying the price for all of our unfinished business.
After three days, Jesus rose again from the dead. His first words to his followers as the risen Lord were: ‘Peace be with you.’ They are words that are full of promise.
The risen Lord Jesus brings us the hope of an end to suffering, injustice, violence and death. The risen Lord Jesus brings us a new beginning of forgiveness, mercy, peace and life. He finished his work on the cross, and he lives to begin a new work in us.
Jesus promises to be with us always as he deals with the unfinished business in our lives. This new life with him will never end. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!
In Christ,
Stephen
(LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith is currently on rest and refreshment leave.)
Join us at 7pm on Sunday 5 April (Easter Sunday) for a wonderful movie called “The King of Kings”. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 6 Penrice Road, Nuriootpa
Tickets $5 includes Popcorn & Drink
This is a story told by Charles Dickens to his son Walter.
What starts as a simple bedtime story between a father and son unfolds into a powerful, imaginative journey that brings the story of Jesus to life like never before.
Drifting into the world of the story Walter finds himself walking beside Jesus —witnessing His miracles, feeling the weight of His trials, and experiencing the incredible power of His love and sacrifice.
With childlike wonder and open-hearted faith, he discovers the true meaning of hope, forgiveness, and redemption. Looking forward to seeing you!
EASTER REFLECTIONS AT THE JESUS WALK
The Man on the Middle Cross
This Easter, step into a moment that changed everything. Walk the path. Pause in the stillness.
Reflect on the One who hung on the middle cross—the One who chose love, forgiveness, and sacrifice when the world offered Him none.
Join us for an Easter experience at the Jesus Walk, where Scripture, story and sacred space come together to remind us that the middle cross was not an accident… it was an invitation.
Whether you’re searching, grieving, grateful, or simply curious, the Jesus Walk offers a place to encounter the heart of Easter in a fresh and personal way.
Come and meet the Man on the Middle Cross at the Jesus Walk, Magnolia Road, Tanunda (East side of the tennis courts)
Bookings preferred by March 30 to Judy 0422742984
Maundy Thursday 6:45 pm at the Station 3 - Please bring chairs and a light
Good Friday 8:30 am at Station 6 - Please bring chairs
Easter Sunday 6:30 am at Station 7 - Please bring a pillow to sit on.
Entry via the gate on Magnolia Road. Parking on the grounds
