Reflection & Prayer

Good day to you all

This week I am making a guest appearance, Alice is back next week!  In a week where we have all been told that its’s still not safe and that the restrictions are still in place and been asked to keep going, I was struck by the story of Joseph and how he had to keep going, when it seemed the odds were stacked against him. 

When he was sold as a slave and expected to die, he rose to run the household of Potiphar one of Pharaoh’s officials.  When he was thrown in prison, with no-one to call on this could well have been another death sentence, he found favour in the eyes of the prison warder and rose to be responsible for all that was done there.  And then because he interpreted the dreams of the Pharaoh, he rose to rule Egypt. 

I don’t know about you but I have missed the office, and being around people, and I have especially missed Church.  We have not been able to meet as a congregation and that has been hard.  I’m tired of it and I want it/ need it to change.  But we have got to go again, and it is still not clear where we will be in 4-weeks.   

What did Joseph do ?

He kept doing the things he did well, well, and he kept his faith in God and remembered His promises.  Pharaoh remarked “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” [Genesis 41:38]

This story though is one of adversity and also one of transformation and blessing.  Joseph rose from a slave to rule Egypt.  Although this has been a difficult time I am aware for some they have seen transformation and blessing in this time.  The story ends famously with the words “God intended it for good” [Genesis 50:20] 

We don’t know the end of this story yet, but we have a God who is good, who is unchanging and we can all Hope in that.

My prayer at this time is that we would go well, that we would keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and remember his promises.  Amen.

Towards the end of next week is the National Day of Prayer for the Emergency Services [24^th June 2021].  We cannot meet together but I invite you to join with us and meet online with other Christian men and women from the emergency services to celebrate God and worship him.  Personally speaking, there is nothing quite like worshipping God in a room with a load of other cops and staff who know what it’s like to police, so if you’re free join us.  You do not need to be a member of the national CPA – the invite is open to all.  😊  

See www.cpauk.net/events for details.

Hello Everyone,

Continued Prayer please as we go through this coming weekend for Cornwall and The G7 Summit very much in mind. I understand that 5,000 extra Officers have travelled there from many parts of the UK to support those already stationed in that County.

When my late Husband and I married many years ago, the Pastor who married us, spoke on the Armour of God during the Service. A number of friends later said they had never heard that used before in a Wedding. The longer I live the more I can see how essential it is that we do indeed put on the Whole Armour of God daily.

This last week I read in Soul Fuel, a Daily Devotional Book written by Bear Grylls; how he recalled his Grandfather, all 6ft 6ins of him kneeling every morning; committing his life to God before he started his day. BG goes on to say, he tries to do this himself. One of his “Actions” both in thought and Prayer is to put on the Armour of God.

I find myself quoting quite a lot of the Bible at some stage of the day as I know I am speaking truth, but have now decided to include reference to God’s Armour.

I Pray daily for all Christian Brothers and Sisters in The Police; including now Praying over you that you are “Dressed in the Armour of God”.

“Shod with the Gospel of Peace” Eph 6.15.

Under His Wing.

In His Name

Alice.

Hello Everyone,

Trusting you are all well.

From June 11^th to June 13^th, the G7 Conference will be held in Cornwall. Many years ago, my late Husband and I were in Canada when the Conference was held there. We were aware of the enormous impact it had on the area around. I know that Officers are making plans to leave their home areas to travel to Cornwall to be there to support their Colleagues. I have been in touch with our former Lead Force Chaplain, Sarah Parrish. Sarah now holds that position in Cornwall and Devon, promising to Pray for her and all Emergency Services involved. Her reply to me today was:

Thank you, Alice, we can use all the prayers we can get 🙂

Please remember this happening in your Prayers.

I am part of a Bible Study Group in my Church. We are studying women in the Bible. A few weeks ago, we looked at the story of the Samaritan Woman. Jesus chose to listen to her.

He wants to know what is going on in our lives. I find myself chatting to Him throughout the day, but am more encouraged to do so since studying this story. He wants to know everything about us. As we share, I know; as it has happened to me, He shares with us too.

“Whoever drinks the water I give, will never thirst”. John 4.14

May you know His Refreshment this week.

Many Blessings

Alice.

Hello Everyone,

Earlier this week, I read the following,

“Be my safe leader,
Be my true mountain guide.
Free me from hidden traps.
I want to hide in you.
I’ve put my life in your hands.
You won’t drop me.
You’ll never let me down”.

These words above are from the Message Translation of Psalm 31. 3-5.

When I read them, I was reminded of every holiday that my late Husband and I took. We were always climbing mountains and did so in many parts of the world. We knew the first thing to expect at the beginning of every climb every day – we would get lost.

My Husband had an amazing sense of direction in a car. He had been a Pilot in the RAF, but come to a Mountain and a map in hand, we faced being lost. No modern Gizmos in those days!

As I write this Prayer Letter, we are still in the Pandemic that hit us well over a year ago. I am aware of the weariness so many people are feeling, including myself – how much longer? And how lost do we feel? I leave the above words with you as a Prayer for all of us at this time.

May you know His Comforting Arms around you.

In His Name,

Alice.

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for your replies to Prayer Letters.

I have recently received the request for Prayer below; from a Member of the Contact Centre – Luke. I have his permission to share it with you.

It gives a picture of what we are all – in many ways dealing with at this time. The Funeral will have happened when this PL reaches you, but ongoing Prayer for those affected will be wonderful. Thank you.

Here is Luke’s request.

Can I ask you please to pray over the Contact Centre. This follows the sad passing of our good friend and colleague and a “work mum” to many, Janet. It was expected, sadly, so of course that lessens the shock to an extent, but grief has an odd way of creeping up on people, particularly around the time of the funeral, which is set for 20^th May at 1130. My prayer is that God’s love descends into the hearts of Janet’s family and all of her many friends, so that the tumult of emotions that come within grief can be assuaged. And also, that those who closely supported Janet through her last weeks and days on this earth are lifted over the void that her passing has left.

Isaiah 40:31 comes to mind as I write:

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

I love the idea that Janet was a “Work Mum” in the Contact Centre.

Please continue to Pray for each other as Christians and those who are not, in and around your Offices.

I read earlier today whilst in a Police Prayer Meeting –

“Prayer is a potent weapon” (Joyce Meyer).

In His Loving Care.

Alice.

Hello Everyone,

You continue to be very much in my Prayers. Everyone battles on. We have an opening around the corner for each one of us, but how will we face it?

I read the following a few days ago:

“Be patient with yourself. Nothing in nature blooms all year”.

I spent quite some time thinking about that statement. God has created all that we see in nature. He created us too. I love reciting the 10 Commandments. One of them states that we need to

“Remember the Sabbath Day”.

In today’s world of work, taking “Sunday out” is not always possible. It would appear though that God chose to take a day off. If he did, then surely, we must need that rest too.

I Pray that you will find time to be at rest in this almost impossible world in which we find ourselves today.

Many Blessings in His Name

Alice.