HOLY TERTULLIAN; NOTHING THAT IS GOD'S . . .

 

Holy Tertullian:

              "Nothing that is God's is obtainable by money." 

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle 

CHRIST HEALS THE SICK - THE GENTLE HEALER

 

CHRIST HEALS THE SICK

When the helpless man lay upon his pallet, weak in body and weary in spirit, it seemed that all hope had faded away. His loving family and friends carried him to sweet Jesus. They believed that even in the midst of sorrow, the Lord could still bring healing. The devoted family refused to abandon the sick man in his suffering. 

The compassionate Saviour looked upon the man with mercy, tenderness, and Divine love. Jesus spoke words of healing and restoration, whereupon the man rose to his feet with strength and joy.

Just so does Jesus enter our own lives today. Every soul carries some wound or burden. Some suffer in body through sickness and pain. Others suffer in mind through fear, anxiety and confusion. Some people suffer in heart through grief, loneliness or rejection. Others suffer deep within the soul through sin, despair, or emptiness. We all stand in need of the healing Touch of Christ.

Let us not be harsh with one another, for we do not see the hidden struggles another person carries. Let us not be harsh with ourselves, but instead place our brokenness into the gentle Hands of Jesus. May we trustfully allow the Saviour to heal us with His Mercy and Love.

Let us be grateful when Christ restores us, and perpetually remember His goodness. The ministry of Christ does not end with healing. The Master calls each one of us to bring healing into the world through kind words, compassionate hearts, patient listening, gentle understanding, and loving actions.

A smile, a prayer, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement can become a channel of God’s healing Grace for others. Let us never bypass this sacred calling.

Among God’s people there are also those specially called to the ministry of healing. Trustworthy doctors, nurses, healers, counsellors, priests and caregivers dedicate themselves to comforting the suffering. Let those called to this holy work be brave and steadfast in a world so wounded and weary. May they bring hope and healing to a world that longs deeply for compassion, care, understanding, and healing.

May healers never grow discouraged, for Christ Himself walks beside them, blessing the work of their hands and filling their hearts with strength and love.

THE GENTLE HEALER

Upon a pallet worn with pain,
A helpless man in grief had lain;
His weary body frail and weak,
No strength remained, no hope to seek.

His family wept through shadowed days,
His friends searched out healing ways;
With loving hearts they would not cease,
Till they brought him to the Prince of Peace.

To sweet Lord Jesus thus they came,
Believing in His Holy Name;
Though sorrow pressed on every side,
They trusted Christ would still provide.

They did not leave ill man alone,
Nor let him bear his grief unshown;
Through crowded streets with steadfast care,
They carried him with hopeful prayer.

When before the Lord they stood,
Christ looked on them with gentle good;
With Mercy shining from His Face,
He poured forth holy healing Grace.

The Saviour spoke with Voice so mild,
He looked upon His suffering child.
His words restored the broken soul,
Christ made the wounded spirit whole.

The man who once in weakness lay,
Stood up renewed that glorious day;
With strengthened limbs and heart restored,
He praised the goodness of the Lord.

So, too, does Jesus seek us still,
Within our fears and when we're ill;
For every soul bears hidden pain,
Walks through loss, despair and strain.

Some suffer deep within the mind,
Where fear and anxious thoughts embind;
Some bear afflictions of the flesh,
Whilst others long for hope afresh.

Some hearts are wounded by despair,
By loneliness too hard to bear;
Some souls through sin and grief are torn,
They wander tired, afraid, forlorn.

We stand in need, at Christ’s dear Feet,
Where wounded hearts and Mercy meet;
For every person needs the care,
Of Jesus Christ; Who hears each prayer.

Let us not be harsh unbidden,
For hidden griefs are often hidden -
With silent tears we never see,
Within another’s misery.

Let us not ourselves condemn,
When weakness burdens heart and limb;
May we place our fears and pain,
In Jesus' Hands; and strength regain.

For Christ the Merciful and Just,
Is Refuge to Whom all we entrust.
Jesus heals the wounds, we bring to Him,
Of body's weakness; of soul's sad sin.

Yet Christ’s own healing does not end,
Within the soul He comes to mend;
He calls us all to gladly share,
His healing Love and tender care.

Kindly words, a hand held tight,
Prayers offered through the night;
A patient ear, compassion true,
Let God’s own healing shine right through.

Let none ignore this sacred call,
To comfort those who faint or fall;
For Heaven’s Grace through us may move,
To lift another through Christ’s Love.

Some are called in special way,
To heal the suffering night and day;
The nurse, the doctor, counsellor kind,
The priest who brings God’s peace of mind.

Caregivers with faithful care,
Stand beside pain with constant prayer;
Healers serve gently through the night,
To share with all, Christ’s healing light.

O let them brave and steadfast stay,
Within a wounded world today.
Society hungers deep within,
For Mercy stronger than its sin.

Christ walks gently by our side,
Our strength, and comfort, and true Guide.
He blesses all who do their part,
With streams of Grace from His dear Heart.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Healing Touch" 

GLORIOUS ASCENSION OF OUR LORD JESUS - HAND IN HAND WITH CHRIST

 

The glorious Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ stands as one of the great mysteries of the Christian faith. After His Passion, Death, and triumphant Resurrection, Our Blessed Lord remained with His disciples for forty days. Jesus strengthened their hearts, taught them concerning the Kingdom of God, and prepared them for the sacred mission that lay ahead. 

Then, in the sight of His Apostles, Jesus ascended into Heaven. He returned to the Father from Whom He had come. The Ascension was not an abandonment of His people, but the completion of the Messianic mission entrusted to Him by God the Father. Having conquered sin and death, Christ re-entered into heavenly glory, where He reigns eternally as King, High Priest, and Advocate for humankind.

Before ascending into Heaven, Jesus gave His disciples a solemn command: to preach the Gospel to all nations and to carry His message “unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” (Matthew 28:19-20). This sacred commission was not given only to the Apostles, but to the whole Church throughout every age. Christians are called to proclaim the truth of Christ through word, example, charity, and faithful witness. 

The Gospel must be carried into homes, schools, workplaces, cities, and distant lands, so that every soul may hear of the Mercy and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The Church therefore continues the mission of Christ in the world, guided by the Holy Spirit Whom Our Lord promised to send.

Yet following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ is not an easy path. The Christian who seeks to walk faithfully with Christ soon discovers that the values of the gospel are often at odds with the spirit of the world. Our Lord Himself warned that His disciples would face misunderstanding, rejection, and even persecution. 

To follow Christ means to choose truth when falsehood is easier, and holiness when temptation surrounds us. Disciples need to strive after humility when pride is praised, and love when hatred seems stronger.

Those who truly seek to live according to the teachings of Jesus may find themselves out of step with many around them. But this should never discourage the faithful Christian, for the path of Christ has never been the broad and easy road.

The Ascension reminds believers that their true homeland is not of this world. While Christians live and labour upon the earth, their hearts are directed toward Heaven where Christ reigns in glory. The faithful are called to fix their eyes upon eternal things and not merely upon passing earthly concerns. 

The world changes constantly, but Jesus Christ remains “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6)    To remain faithful to the Lord is the greatest calling a human soul can receive. Even when the world misunderstands or opposes the Christian life, the disciple of Christ must continue onward with courage. Disciples need to trust that the Lord walks beside His people.

The Ascension is therefore not a farewell filled with sadness, but a proclamation of hope. Christ ascended so that humankind might one day follow Him into eternal glory. Jesus opened the gates of Heaven through His victory, and He continually intercedes before the Father for His Church on earth. 

As Christians continue the mission entrusted to them, they do so with confidence that Jesus accompanies them. The Saviour remains present through the Holy Spirit, through Christ's gospel, through the sacraments, and through the life of the Church. 

The faithful therefore press onward in hope, striving each day to remain loyal to Christ, until the day when He shall come again in glory.

Hand in hand with Christ

I thought upon when Christ lifted up,
Through Ascension holy, after Gethsemane-cup;
It seemed as if 'mid daily strife,
Christ looked at me and changed my life. 

As I pondered His Ascension bright,
From the mount in holy light;
It seemed Christ gazed and spoke to me,
"Come, follow where I lead thee free."

"Forsake the sin that clouds thy way,
Only seek the good from day to day."
I stood in thought, my heart now taught,
Inspired to change my life to what I ought.

In my dream, 'pon mount's golden light,
Our Saviour seemed to stand with Mercy bright;
He took each trembling hand with care,
And spoke with love beyond compare.

“Go forth,” He said, “through every land,
To carry forth My great command;
Proclaim My Gospel far and near,
That every soul My voice may hear.

When you grow weak, I’ll make you strong,
And guide your feet when paths seem long;
When doubt and shadows cloud your way,
My Light shall turn your dark to day.

You’ll feel out of step with worldly pride,
For you'll no longer walk beside -
Fleeting ways men chase below;
You'll follow where My Footsteps go.

Be brave in winter, spring, and fall,
Speak of My Love and Grace to all;
Through every season do not fear,
For I, your Lord, am always near.”

Then heavenward Christ arose above,
The King of everlasting love;
And when our final hour draws nigh,
We too shall lift our hearts on high.

With peaceful joy our souls shall rise,
To meet our Lord beyond the skies;
Hand in hand with Christ once more,
We’ll dwell in light for evermore.

Image source unknown. With thanks to the artist

JESUS, CLIMB INTO THE BOAT OF MY LIFE

 

Jesus climbed into the boat after helping Peter overcome his fear at the raging waters. In the same way, let us invite Jesus to climb into the boat of our lives. It is only with the Master at the helm, that we can overcome the storms of life, steer in the right direction when we cannot see in the rain-bursts, and head home to heaven without losing our way.

Jesus, Climb Into the Boat of My Life

Jesus, climb into the boat of my life today,
Guide me gently along Heaven's way;
The waters are restless, thunders loudly roar,
Yet with You beside me, I now fear no more.

When dark clouds gather to hide sky above,
Shine through the tempest with Your endless Love;
When rains blind my vision and I cannot see,
Stretch out Your Hands, Lord, and encourage me.

When waves rise high and my courage grows small,
Remind me, dear Saviour, You govern them all;
No storm is too mighty, no burden too great,
For You are the Captain whom I gladly await.

When doubt fills my heart and I tremble with fear,
Speak softly, "My child, I am always near;"
Your Voice brings a calm no tempest destroys,
Turning my sorrow to heavenly joys.

Jesus, climb into the boat of my days,
Direct all my choices, guide all my ways;
When pathways are hidden, dangers abound,
Lead me by faith on secure, holy ground.

When life's long voyage at last reaches shore,
And I see heaven, my homeland evermore,
May I enter the portal with gladness and light,
For You were my Pilot through every dark night.

So stay in my boat, Lord, wherever I roam,
Safely conduct me to my heavenly home..
Through sunshine and storm, through calm sea and strife,
Jesus, climb into the boat of my life.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle, "Stormy seas and Guiding Light"

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH IS AT PRAYER VIGIL. WHY NOT JOIN US?

 

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH IS AT PRAYER VIGIL. WHY NOT JOIN US?

Area of prayer	Particular prayer
Armed conflicts and war	Let us pray for all countries and  communities affected by violence and displacement.
Refugees, migrants, and displaced people	Let us pray for families and individuals fleeing war, persecution, economic collapse, and climate-related disasters. Let us pray for children separated from caregivers. Let us pray for people in camps and temporary shelters.
Famine, hunger, and food insecurity	Let us pray for regions facing acute food shortages, drought, crop failure, and disrupted supply chains.
Natural disasters and climate impacts	Let us pray for all those suffering from the fallout from floods, wildfires, storms, droughts, heat waves and earthquakes. Let us pray for communities rebuilding after disasters.
Public health and healthcare access	Let us pray for those without adequate medical care, medicine, clean water, sanitation, or mental-health support. Let us pray for  healthcare workers under strain.
Poverty, unemployment, and economic hardship	Let us pray for households struggling with rising costs, debt, housing insecurity, and lack of work.
Persecution, discrimination, and human rights abuses	Let us pray for people who suffer from persecution, discrimination and human rights abuses.
Children and youth	Let us pray for children and youth affected by war, trafficking, abuse, addiction, exploitation, interrupted education, and online harms.
Elderly, lonely, and vulnerable people	Let us pray for senior adults living alone, people with disabilities, and those without family support.
Creation care and stewardship Leaders and peacemakers	Let us pray for the wise use of land and water, protection of ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, and responsible governance of natural resources. Let us pray for heads of state, diplomats, judges, humanitarian agencies, religious leaders, and local mediators working for justice and reconciliation.
Local community needs	Let us pray for all who look for the assistance of Almighty God in schools, hospitals, emergency services, farms, work, families in crisis, and anyone known personally to yourself and in need of help, dear reader.
Prayer for the World Let us pray; Almighty and everlasting God, Creator of heaven and earth, we commend to Your loving care the whole world and all who dwell within it. Look with mercy upon all nations, Where there is war, may we be inspired to bring peace; where there is hatred, to sow love; where there is injustice, to establish righteousness; where there is despair, to kindle hope. Heavenly Father, stretch forth Your Hand over all who suffer from poverty, hunger, disease, loneliness, persecution, or grief. Strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowful, heal the sick, protect the vulnerable, and grant courage to all who bear heavy burdens. Bless those who work for peace, justice, healing, and reconciliation, that they may be instruments of Your Compassion in a troubled world. Remember, O Lord, refugees and migrants, the homeless and the forgotten, the elderly and the young, and all whose cries are known to You alone. Bless our families, our communities, and our nations. Guide the leaders of the world with wisdom and integrity, that they may seek the common good and promote the dignity of every human person. We pray for Your holy Church of all branches throughout the world, which together form the one universal Christian Church, that she may faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be a light in the darkness, a refuge for the weary, and a witness to Your saving Love. As we come before You in prayer during this vigil, fill our hearts with renewed faith, steadfast hope, and generous charity. Send us forth to be bearers of Your Peace, servants of Your Mercy, and witnesses to Your Kingdom, until that day when every tear shall be wiped away and all creation is gathered into the joy of Your eternal Presence. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, the Divine Physician, and the Saviour of the world, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Divine Throne"

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH IS AT PRAYER VIGIL. WHY NOT JOIN?

 

Prayer Vigil Order of Service

Opening

Opening hymn;  Nada te turbe - (Let nothing trouble you)

Opening prayer;

Leader: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us gather before the LORD in faith and love, seeking His Presence, His Mercy, and His Blessing upon our lives and upon the world.

ADORATION AND WORSHIP

Words of comfort;

Saint Teresa of Avila wrote the famous phrase, "Nada de turbe. " In English, the phrase means, "Let nothing trouble you,"  or "Let nothing disturb you." 

The phrase comes from her well-known prayer:

Nada te turbe,
Nada te espante;
Todo se pasa,
Dios no se muda.
La paciencia todo lo alcanza.
Quien a Dios tiene nada le falta.
Sólo Dios basta.

A common English translation is:

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you.
All things pass away;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing.
God alone suffices.

The phrase is a beautiful reminder that, amid the storms and uncertainties of life, God remains constant and faithful, and therefore we need not be overcome by fear or anxiety.

As Jesus pulled panicking Peter from the stormy waters, so let us trust in the Master to pull us from the stormy seas of our life. As Jesus stood in the prow of the boat, stretched His Hands out over the tempest, and commanded peace: so, too, let us look at Jesus in the prow of the boat of our lives. As Christ brought peace to the waters, He can bring peace into our lives.

Jesus climbed into the boat after helping Peter overcome his fear at the raging waters. In the same way, let us invite Jesus to climb into the boat of our lives. It is only with the Master at the helm, that we can overcome the storms of life, steer in the right direction when we cannot see in the rain-bursts, and head home to heaven without losing our way. 

Trust in God. Let nothing disturb you. We will have difficulties, sorrows, griefs, losses, bereavements, illness, pain, hunger, thirst, homelessless, many trials. But we will ALWAYS HAVE GOD.

This earthly life will not last for ever. Let us cherish every moment, as it is only in these earthly trials that we truly have the opportunity to show the Lord of All, that He is the Lord of our soul.

Scripture reading;

Psalm 95:1

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation."

Silent prayer;

Quietly praise God and thank Him for His Blessings.

Intercessions;

Leader: Let us praise the Lord for His Goodness.

Response: We adore You, O Lord -

• For the gift of life and salvation
• For God's love revealed in Jesus Christ
• For the beauty of creation
• For all blessings received throughout our lives.

Personal spiritual growth:

Scripture reading;

John 15:4-5

"Abide in me, and I in you."

Silent prayer;

Pray for deeper relationship with Christ.

Intercessions;

Response: Lord, draw us closer to You -

• That we may grow in faith
• That we may persevere in prayer
• That we may trust God in all circumstances
• That the Holy Spirit may guide our lives.

Repentance and renewal;

Scripture reading;

Psalm 51:10

"Create in me a clean heart, O God."

Silent prayer;

Examine your conscience and seek God's Mercy.

Intercessions;

Response: Lord, have mercy -

• For forgiveness of our sins
• For healing of broken hearts
• For those far from God
• For reconciliation in families and communities.

The Church;

Scripture reading;

Matthew 28:19

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations."

Silent prayer;

Pray for the Church throughout the world.

Intercessions;

Response: Guide and strengthen Your Church, O Lord -

• For all believers
• For spiritual leaders
• For bishops, priests, deacons, and religious
• For missionaries
• For new vocations.

Families and relationships;

Scripture reading;

Colossians 3:14

"Above all these put on love."

Silent prayer;

Pray for loved ones and family members.

Intercessions;

Response: Lord, bless our families -

• For marriages
• For parents, guardians and children
• For those experiencing family difficulties
• For the lonely and abandoned.

The sick and suffering;

Scripture reading;

Matthew 11:28

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden."

Silent prayer;

Pray for all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.

Intercessions;

Response: Lord, bring healing and comfort -

• For the sick
• For those in hospitals, health facilities and care homes
• For health care professionals and caregivers
• For those suffering from grief and anxiety.

The vulnerable;

Scripture reading;

Matthew 25:35

"I was hungry and you gave me food."

Silent prayer;

Reflect on Christ present in the poor and vulnerable.

Intercessions;

Response: Lord, hear the cry of the poor -

• For the homeless
• For refugees and displaced people
• For victims of violence
• For all who suffer injustice.

Society and the world;

Scripture reading;

Micah 6:8

"What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Silent prayer;

Pray for peace and justice throughout the world.

Intercessions;

Response: Lord, grant peace to the world -

• For nations in conflict
• For government leaders
• For justice and reconciliation
• For the protection of human life.

Youth;

Scripture reading;

1 Timothy 4:12

"Let no man despise your youth."

Silent prayer;

Pray for children and young people.

Intercessions;

Response: Lord, guide our youth -

• For children
• For students and teachers
• For young adults discerning their future
• For protection from harmful influences.

The faithful departed;

Scripture reading;

John 14:1-3

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father's House has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am."

Silent prayer;

Remember loved ones who have died.

Intercessions;

Response: Grant them eternal rest, O Lord -

• For all the faithful departed
• For those who died recently
• For those who have no one to pray for them
• For all who mourn.

Closing;

Scripture reading;

Romans 8:39

"Nothing shall separate us from the love of God."

Silent prayer;

You are invited to offer your personal intentions silently to GOD.

The Lord's Prayer;

Our Father, Who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy Will be done on earth as It is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Jesus, Climb Into the Boat of My Life

Jesus, climb into the boat of my life today,
Guide me gently along Heaven's way;
The waters are restless, thunders loudly roar,
Yet with You beside me, I fear them no more.

When dark clouds gather to hide sky above,
Shine through the tempest with Your endless Love;
When rains blind my vision and I cannot see,
Stretch out Your Hands, Lord, to encourage me.

When waves rise high and my courage grows small,
Remind me, dear Saviour, You govern them all;
No storm is too mighty, no burden too great,
For You are the Captain whom I gladly await.

When doubt fills my heart and I tremble with fear,
Speak softly, "My child, I am always near;"
Your Voice brings a calm no tempest can destroy,
Turning my sorrow to heavenly joy.

Jesus, climb into the boat of my days,
Direct all my choices and guide all my ways;
When pathways are hidden and dangers abound,
Lead me by faith on secure, holy ground.

When life's long voyage at last reaches shore,
And I see heaven's homeland forevermore,
May I enter the portal with gladness and light,
For You were my Pilot through every dark night.

So stay in my boat, Lord, wherever I roam,
Safely conduct me to my heavenly home.
Through sunshine and storm, through calm sea and strife,
Jesus, climb into the boat of my life.

Final blessing

"Lord Jesus Christ, Who walked upon the waters and calmed the raging sea, stretch forth Your loving Hand over all the peoples of the earth.

Bless those who are weary and burdened, those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, those who mourn, those who are lonely and those who are afraid. Bless those who carry hidden crosses known only to God. May Your gentle Voice speak peace into every troubled heart and bring comfort to all who long for hope.

Bless the poor, the sick, the forgotten and the refugee. Bless the prisoner, the hungry, and all who cry out for mercy. Send faithful servants to assist your peoples, generous hearts to support them, and heavenly Grace to sustain them.

Bless our families, our friends, our communities, and our nations. Guide our leaders in wisdom and strengthen peacemakers in courage. Dear Saviour, inspire all people to walk in justice, compassion, and love.

Lord Jesus, bless each one of us upon our earthly pilgrimage. When the winds of adversity blow fiercely and the waves of uncertainty rise around us, may we never lose sight of Your Presence. When the night seems dark and the shore far away, may we remember that You Yourself are in the boat with us.

Lord Jesus, take the helm of our lives and guide us safely through every storm and tempest. Heavenly Master, steer us through the rain and fog when we cannot see the way ahead. Gentle Redeemer, preserve us from the rocks of sin and despair. Lead us always by the Light of Your Truth.

Dear Son of God, when the voyage of this life is ended, bring us at last into the safe harbour of Your eternal Kingdom. There every tear is wiped away, every wound is healed, every sorrow is forgotten, and all God's children will rejoice forever in Your glorious Presence. May I be one of them!

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

                                  Hymn: "You will find me "

HOLY TERTULLIAN: WE WORSHIP UNITY IN TRINITY

Holy Tertullian:

"We worship unity in trinity, and trinity in unity; neither confounding the person nor dividing the substance. There is one person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost; but the Godhead of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one; the glory equal, the majesty co-eternal." 

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle