Dave is the Rector of the joint benefice of St Nicholas, Stevenage and St Mary, Graveley. He began his ministry in Stevenage in 2011.
Jonah is now in the belly of the fish, experiencing God’s severe mercy. But it is mercy nevertheless, because God has great grace for Jonah, and a glorious plan for his life. As God does for us too. [Bible passage=”Jonah 2:1-10″]
We all know we should pray, but HOW should we pray, and WHAT should we pray for? In this short passage, Jesus gives us some clear instructions and some wonderful encouragements. [Bible passage=”Matthew 7:7-12″]
What does mean by ‘not judging others?’ Are there times when it is right and good? How can we do it rightly without getting judgemental? Listen in… [Bible passage=”Matthew 7:1-6″]
Jesus calls us to examine our hearts to test what we are working for, dreaming of and where our ultimate loyalty lies. But ‘self-assessment’ is difficult. Our hearts are deceitful. But by looking at what we pray for we get a good idea where our hearts really are.
Fasting is an almost-forgotten aspect of Christian discipleship, but there seems to be an expectation from Jesus’ teaching that his’ disciples will sometimes fast. But what is fasting? Why would we fast? How would we fast? And what might stop us?