24th February - 2nd March 2025
Written by Mark & Ally Bennett
MONDAY
Stages
As we have prayed over what to focus on in this week's prayer diary, the old adage of “age and stage” has constantly been on our minds. (And before you say anything, it is not just because we are creeping through our mid-forties!!!) But time does of course march on, just like the seasons outside our windows, and so the ebb and flow and seasons of the Bennett’s lives as a family have got us thinking about how this brief moment in time that we spend on earth consists of a rich tapestry of relationship and stages. In what seems like a blink of an eye, our dependent toddlers have suddenly become independent young ladies and we adjust to a new cadence in life with new challenges and concerns. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that “… to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”
So, throughout this week ahead, let’s look at a few of the many stages that a lot of our church family find ourselves in, approaching or leaving. Life is a journey after all and we are in Christ’s family with billions of others around the world and hundreds of others in our little Glenabbey community. So, let’s rejoice in this and carry each other's burdens, walk alongside each other in everyday life and serve each other using our gifts. No matter what stage of life we are in, God is with us and has a plan and purpose for every season. Like the beech tree outside our window, as it sees its way through another year of seasons for the 150th time, it remains rooted and nurtured in the ground, withstanding and flourishing every stage. If we remain rooted in Christ and his promises, he will shape us, strengthen us and nourish us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for your design for life’s journey - that we should live in community with others, nurtured and cared for, encouraged and challenged. Thank you for being with us in every season of life, help us to trust you and walk in faith through each stage. Teach us to embrace your purpose for our lives and to rely on your wisdom. May we always glorify you in all that we do. Amen.
TUESDAY
Youth
1 Timothy 4:10-13
Navigating life’s complexities as a young Christian in today’s world is no easy feat. Young people in our church, whether it be as they exit their teenage years, or establish themselves into the terrific-twenties… often find themselves at a crossroads, wrestling with challenges that test the very foundation of their faith more often than they would like. This season is riddled with complexity and confusion, in an age where trends go up and down like a yo-yo! The barrage of social media narratives, the influence of news and culture - to name just two challenges - require resilience, prayer and the ability to articulate beliefs respectfully in the face of opposition.
And so to the importance of gospel friendships in this season, providing companionship and mutual encouragement in Christ. Finding supportive church community and mentors who can guide and equip with the tools to defend their faith with grace and understanding is so important for our young people. In Glenabbey we are so grateful for the Senior Youth ministries and the Young Adult homegroups, and how wonderful they are at supporting our young people in persevering with Christ and their faith as they head into adulthood. Those leaders and mentors who draw alongside are beacons of hope and compassion that outshine the social media pressures and technological distractions which this world is so good at throwing towards our youth. This work is eternally significant and valuable, bringing the gospel to bear on young people’s hearts and souls.
As they make choices that will shape their future, God calls young people to stand firm in their faith and to seek him as they navigate this season. We pray for you and we support you!
Prayer
Lord, we ask you to work in the hearts of our teens and young people as they study the scriptures, hear it taught and read it on their own. Help them to be devoted to reading, just as it says in 1 Timothy, and not just out of habit but with a desire to imitate you and walk closely with you. Help them to grow in an understanding of your love for them - and that this would result in their growing love for you and the people that surround them. And for those people who have answered your call to invest in our young people, who may not know the impact they had for you until eternity, thank you for these gracious and nurturing individuals and communities, bless them and protect them as they help build a foundation for the years ahead. Amen.
WEDNESDAY
Family gatherings
Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
God designed us with unity in mind, for living in relationship, to connect with God and with others. The church needs deep, authentic relationships so that we might thrive as Christians. As we walk through the stages of life’s journey, the need for family to support each other through whatever life’s storms throw at us is vital. For anyone who has ever watched the American police drama Blue Bloods, you’ll know all about the iconic Sunday dinner scenes! For all of its 14 seasons, the show’s weekly dinners served as a time when the Reagan family would come together and discuss the inner workings of their law enforcement careers, helping to wrap up the lessons the characters have learned and cement their growth from their challenges. These moments were an opportunity for all the characters to speak their minds to one another, seeing words of conflict, words of wisdom and words of love reverberating around the table. Tensions could run high and arguments would always be had… but at the end of every episode, that also always gave them a chance to show their unwavering support and love for one another.
Not everyone’s experience of family is a happy one of course. But in this season of “church family gatherings” each Sunday, be sure to take opportunities to draw others in: a community of people that are attentive to each other and responsive to each other and quick to extend mercy, grace and love to each other. Wouldn’t it be transformational if, each week, regardless of the challenges and obstacles we have faced, we could die to our own sensitivities and suspicions, assume the best of people, give people the benefit of the doubt, lay down our own ambition and pride, and commit ourselves to helping others grow into the people God wants us to be?
Prayer
Lord as we reflect on your command to love one another, help us to patiently keep going and to keep to the gospel message, guarding it, not caving in to today’s culture and its demands. Thank you for your design for life - that we should live in community, nurturing and caring, encouraging and challenging. Help us to gladly sacrifice our own needs for those you have placed in our lives, give us grace and patience and help us to love one another as you have modelled so perfectly for us. Amen.
THURSDAY
Singleness
I'll be honest, I very nearly chickened out of writing this one. I'm so scared of causing offence or hurt speaking into this very sensitive subject, from the angle of someone who is very happily married. I feel so passionately and deeply about this and I pray it lands in the way it's intended. The fact is that I have so many close friends who are single who feel that the church doesn't recognise their situation or ignores it. Some even feel less valued, sadly, because they aren't married - for many different reasons!
In walking with friends who are single I have seen the highs and lows that journey can bring, from moments of contentment and peace with this, to moments of deep sense of loss and pain.
The reality is that many people who are single - by choice or otherwise - struggle to walk into a crowded church building full of families and kids and activity. It can be an isolating experience. Often conversations are marked with unintentionally insensitive comments or questions which make them feel like marriage is the status to attain in life, set on some sort of spiritual pedestal, or serve as reminders of regrets or disappointment.
As a church community we need to encourage one another, build unity, include everyone, make an effort to be thoughtful and considerate towards the various places others are at, not making assumptions or judgements.
I am always so delighted to hear my single friends speak of how they have found joy and belonging through church community in a variety of ways which has helped them through those periods of struggle, being able to share openly and pray through their emotions and experiences with others.
Philippians 2:4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too.
Prayer
Lord, you teach us to love each other, care for each other and put others before ourselves and as we've studied very recently to be careful with our words so as not to cause harm or hurt, but only to encourage and build up. As we consider those in our church community today who are single, for whatever reason (choice, life circumstances, marriage or relationship breakdown, widow or widower), help us to be mindful of their situation and to be inclusive, caring and intentional about how we look out for them and love them as a valued part of this beautiful and diverse body of Christ on this earth - Your Church!
We pray for those who struggle because they are single due to loss, relationships that haven't worked out, or other unique situations that haven't allowed them to enjoy this type of partnership. Be all they need and help us to surround them with love and community and ensure they never experience feelings of isolation. As a church community I pray we will be intentional in looking out for one another, sacrificing our needs for others and getting out of our bubbles or comfort zones in an effort to understand and get involved in the reality of others around us. May we love like Jesus! Amen.
FRIDAY
Children
On numerous occasions the Bible talks about children as a blessing. For those of us who have been blessed with our own children or chosen to make the incredible choice to foster or adopt children who need a secure and loving home, we will recognise that sentiment.... most of the time :) We are not under the illusion that it's always a bed of roses! Though they are hard work, as anything worthwhile and important usually is, children are such a joy and a blessing and we see so much of the character of God in this journey, even before they are born.
At Glenabbey we are so grateful for the incredible Kids’ Ministry we have, providing an engaging, loving and creative environment for our children to learn about their Heavenly Father in an age appropriate way. We should never take this for granted.
Today I would love for us to focus on our children, parents/carers of young kids and those who dedicate their time and hearts to serving God by bringing his love and message to them through the various ministries in our church. Jesus said "Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them!" May we take every opportunity to share Jesus with our own children at home, in the homes of those families we share life with and in our ministries at Glenabbey.
Father, we thank you for the blessing of children, the joy and energy they bring into our lives and how much you love them and show us your character through them. Challenge us to teach, role model and show your love to them at every stage of life - whether we have our own kids at home, serve in Kids’ Ministry at church, teach as our career or have the opportunity to impact on the lives of other children in our families or friendship groups. May we have a deep sense of the realisation of how important the formative years are and our role in those - lessons and development that will shape our children's characters and attitudes for the rest of their lives.
Bless and protect our Kids’ Ministry leaders, staff and volunteers. We thank you for their joyful service, gifts and heart for sharing you. I pray our kids of all ages will grow up with a deep sense of your love and leading in their lives and the joy of security, value and belonging as part of the family of believers at Glenabbey. Amen.
SATURDAY
Marriage and Relationship
Many years ago, I belonged to a church where we did door-to-door outreach in the estate where our humble building stood. One Sunday, an elder of the church called at the door of a lady who greeted him by telling him, before he opened his mouth, that she knew he was a Christian, that she was a witch and that she met with a like-minded group regularly to specifically pray against Christian marriage. The power of a couple united by marriage where God is at the centre, is such a threat to satan that he targets it directly, is a chilling and challenging reality.
I wonder how often we/I think to pray protection over those engagements, new or established relationships or newly married couples in our church family. A transitional stage of life in all of its stages that will impact them, and those around them, in so many ways - the most wonderful experiences and also some of the toughest.
Relationships! Learning to do life together, put God first, make decisions together, maybe raise kids, face life’s storms and losses together, coming to terms with some of the hopes and dreams that didn't work out, maybe the pain of a shift in other important relationships as they move into this new stage of life together.
In John 13 Jesus tells us, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
It doesn't matter what the context is, we must love and serve each other. And that means being thoughtful and intentional in praying into the lives of others in our church family. This is especially vital at these significant and transitional stages which have the potential to make an enormous impact for the Kingdom - for which reason they are a threat and a target. Let us pray for wisdom and guidance, surrender to the will of God and for encouragement, support and vulnerability from those God has placed around them, to build and establish their unity as a married couple, rooted and grounded in God's truth. ‘Two are better than one… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken’.
Prayer
God, we thank you for who you are and for your design for marriage and relationship, shown so beautifully through the picture of Christ and his church. Today we pray protection over all those in our church family who are in the exciting and wonderful stage of preparing for marriage or celebrating marriage in recent months or years. This is such a beautiful stage of life - and a vulnerable one! We pray your guidance and wisdom over each couple as they navigate life together, that they will pray for, and with, each other, building each other up and being sustained by the word of God in their walk together. I pray for mentors, wise counsel, encouragement and support from godly people in their church community, home groups, areas of service or family, who will share experiences and be there to talk through or pray over the challenges or questions that come with learning to do life together.
May we as a church family be outward facing, approachable and open, so no couple ever has to experience tough times alone, but that we will be united in supporting, encouraging and championing them in their marriage.
We hold up before you those we already know will commit their lives to each other before you this year. As they prepare to celebrate that momentous occasion, we pray they will keep you central and that their practical plans will go smoothly. For those who have recently made that commitment, we pray for their continued joy and unity and thank you for bringing them together.
Ultimately, Lord, we want everything we do to point to you. I pray we will be mindful of that as a watching world sees us approach marriage and relationship in a way that honours you. Amen.
SUNDAY
Older and Wiser
Joshua 14:6-15
There’s one fact of life that cannot be changed… we grow older! When God created the universe, he set in motion times and seasons and, of course, the ageing process. As I talk to those older than me, I often hear moments of reflection, or conversations about renewed mission in life, and I find this so uplifting. Think about notable people like Michelangelo, chief architect of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, working until he died at 89. Or Hudson Taylor, who was 69 when still working on the mission field, opening up new work in Indochina. Or Moses as he led the people of Israel in the wilderness for 40 years until they reached the Promised Land - he died after this big task at 120.
‘With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see my salvation.’ Psalm 91:16
God sees growing older as a reward and a blessing, when we have faith in him, and a relationship with Jesus, we can age with happiness and purpose. How amazing that God spends our whole lives honing us to develop the character that will bless others. We studied Ephesians recently where God makes clear he has equipped us for the good works that he has already planned for us.
It isn’t without its challenges of course, with illness, fears and struggles a constant worry. Last year I saw my 81-year-old father be worn down and slowed down when he broke his hip and went through emergency surgery. It is a privilege to honour the scriptures and care for and look after my parents but, like many others in our Glenabbey family, looking after the needs of an older family member can sometimes come out of the blue, or become something that requires some readjusting in other areas of life and so we pray for those people together and for one another as we support them. So, as we think of those who are slightly older in Glenabbey, we think of the many ways they have served God and blessed his people over the years. Just like Caleb who had to remind the Israelites of his role in exploring the Promised Land, the seniors in our church have probably done more than most can remember!
Finally, back to those conversations I mentioned at the start of today’s devotion… I was left with the overwhelming sense of encouragement and awe as I came away that as these individuals had grown older and moved through seasons in life, they were all able to look back and say, “I thank you, God, for those experiences; they helped me grow.” And that’s how to live older and wiser!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we give thanks for those in church who have shared Caleb’s eagerness to serve you with vigour for many years! We pray that they can look back with excitement and be encouraged as they see how you have fulfilled your promises to them. And for those who faithfully seek to meet the needs of older people, family members, giving lifts, coffee, or inviting them for a meal… bless them and give them strength. Thank you that we can be strong and courageous, and not because we are in control but because you the Lord our God are with us and are strong and mighty to save. You carry our sickness, brokenness and weakness all on your shoulders and you hold us safe by your side. Help us to care for those who are ill and struggling and to constantly remind ourselves that the best of life is yet to come. Together may we learn to know and love you more. Amen.