Living Lent – Day 20

Read… Jeremiah 26: 10-15

Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will change his mind…

In the Milly-Molly-Mandy children’s stories by Joyce Lankaster Brisley, the little girl lives with her parents, her uncle and aunt and her grand-parents. The Grandmother is a little old lady with white hair who sits by the fire with her knitting. It’s quite likely that this lady would have been in her 50s or early 60s!

How times have changed.

Today, we are asked to pray for the over 80s in our church. Many of them are considerably more spritely than Milly-Molly-Mandy’s 60 year old Grandma.

Sitting back and watching younger people do the things one once did must sometimes be gratifying. But sometimes it must be torture, especially if they are not being done well. And spare a thought for those who are still working away because no one younger has been found to take over.

So as we pray for our over 80s, let’s remember and celebrate the contributions they make, sharing their wisdom and experience and supporting the church through giving and prayer. God blesses the church with them and through them.

We salute you, good and faithful servants of God.

Ponder… Who are the ‘dominant neighbours’ in our time who try and assert their opinion? How might we challenge them?

Pray… FOR OUR COMMUNITY Pray for all of those over the age of 80. Help us to remember the experience and wisdom of those in our community who have lived for so many decades, and to listen to and learn from them. Pray that our community may be a place where everyone, regardless of age, is valued and valuable for the ministry they offer. FOR THE WORLD As we continue to live longer, we pray for the care of older people in our wider community. We pray especially for those families facing hard decisions when relatives or loved ones need extra care or support. Pray for those living in accommodation with carers, that staff work with dignity and compassion.

Act… Buy a local paper and pray for the people you read about in the stories.