大象传媒

A reflection and prayer to start the day with the Rt Revd Mary Stallard, Bishop of Llandaff.

Good morning. One of the humbling and helpful things about becoming a bishop is being prayed for frequently and publicly. Often in church services I hear prayers 鈥渇or Bishop Mary鈥� and it still catches me slightly by surprise to realise that people are praying for me and for my work.

I can remember as a child an incident when I fell off a scooter and broke my arm one Saturday afternoon. I had a ballet exam coming up that I didn鈥檛 want to miss, so I didn鈥檛 tell my parents how much pain I was in. By Sunday morning my arm was a strange shape. A nurse friend directed us straight to hospital, and it was rapidly established that I needed an operation. This meant that my Dad, who was a vicar, had to miss a Sunday service. I can still hear one of the other church leaders reassuring my parents, saying that we鈥檇 be prayed for. I was surprised to know that those who regularly prayed for important things that made the news, would also offer prayers for me. I don鈥檛 remember much about the operation, or the ballet exam, but I鈥檒l always remember how special it felt to be prayed for. When I know someone鈥檚 praying for me, I feel affirmed and connected - to those thinking of me, and to God. It conveys a message that I鈥檓 not alone, that I have a place and a part in a wider family, and it helps me to feel more calm and courageous, less fearful and anxious.

Knowing that others pray for me encourages me to make a greater effort to let others know when I pray for them.

God of connection, thank you for the gift of prayer and for all that helps us to feel encouraged, supported and loved. Bless us with faithfulness in prayer and help us to speak with wisdom and gentleness of your love for all. Amen.