We invite you to take part in this community service, hosted virtually, from Bellshill Central Parish Church of Scotland. The Church at the heart of Bellshill, with Bellshill and its people in our heart!
Take part in simply watching the service online at 7pm on Sunday evening, or any time thereafter.
If you wish a name added to our spoken Roll of Remembrance please get in touch ASAP, but at least by Friday at 8pm so we can make the necessary preparations. Get in touch via email bellshillcentral@gmail.com, speak with Kevin our Minister 01698 841176, or use the contact option above or message us on Facebook or Twitter.
Ending your day with prayer is a wonderful way to let go of stress and find peace before falling asleep. No matter what you faced today, talking to God through a night prayer will renew your faith and help you experience true rest. Evening prayers also help you reflect on all the events throughout your day and the ways that God has been present with you.
Use this beautiful piece of music to focus your mind and pray together the short prayer below.
Heavenly Father, my day is drawing to an end, and I’m ready to turn in. But before I do, I have to thank you for your faithfulness today. It’s always a good day, even when things may not go the way I plan, or when the world seems in chaos because you are in control.
For all the times when I was aware of your help today, all the times when your unseen presence seemed so near, thank you, God. But for all the ways you worked behind the scenes, unknown to me, moments when heaven-sent angels moved on my behalf in ways I’ll never know, thank you for those also, Lord. Amen.
This Sunday (22 November), as new level restrictions have been introduced across Scotland, Christians across the country – and further afield – will join together in prayer at 7pm in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As with previous weeks during lockdown, 14 Christian churches and organisations across the country, including the Church of Scotland, have co-signed the letter calling for prayer.
Scottish Christians have been continuing to answer the call to pray at the same time each week, and Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has been taking part alongside them.
“There are some things which make sense for a certain period of time but which come to a natural conclusion – such as clapping for carers during the spring lockdown. Prayer isn’t one of them,” Dr Fair said.
“The Apostle Paul encourages us to ‘pray without ceasing’ and Jesus himself offers parables where persistence in prayer is lauded.
“It can be hard to keep going when there’s no end in sight; much easier when the finishing line comes into view. In the case of the pandemic, it still feels as if there’s no light at the end of the tunnel.
“All the more reason then for God’s people to continue faithfully in prayer. And even better when we can pray across the whole of the Church, unrestricted by denominational divides.
“If Sunday at 7pm is in your diary, keep it there. Thank you. If it hadn’t been, it would be great to have you involved. It matters that we pray.
“The imagery of the shepherd is woven into our understanding of the way in which the living God cares for us: ‘I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flocks when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep.’ (Ezekiel 34: 11-12)
“These words speak to us and resonate in the depths of our soul. They do so because they speak to our longing to know that, in all we face, God watches over us and searches for us when we are lost. The words speak to us, especially in difficult times, and resonate profoundly in days of darkness.
“The times in which we live are difficult indeed and dark for many. At such a time as this, we still ourselves and listen for the voice of the One who calls us by our name. The Shepherd calls us by our name, even in the darkest of times, and comes to journey with us. The Shepherd journeys until, in God’s good time, the darkness yields to the promise of the One who comes to reign as King forever.”
We pray:
Good Shepherd, Speak to us at this time And hear us when we call to you. Answer our call And come to journey with us. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
Good Shepherd, Search for us when we are lost And gather us safely into your presence. Speak to the depths of our fears And still our anxious hearts. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
Good Shepherd, Stand with us in the midst of these times And do not forsake us. Search for the lonely and the anxious And embrace them in your love. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
Good Shepherd, Strengthen us when we stumble And renew us when we are weak. Stand with all who are made in your image And who reflect your goodness. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
Good Shepherd, Support us when we suffer And bring healing when we are wounded. Strengthen us that we might strengthen others And be with them in all we face together. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
Good Shepherd, Speak once more to our hearts And offer us vision and hope for days to come. Go before us Shepherd King And lead us into the future that you hold in your hands. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.
This Sunday (15 November), Christians across the country – and further afield – will join together in prayer at 7pm in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As with previous weeks during lockdown and the phased easing of restrictions, 14 Christian churches and organisations across the country, including the Church of Scotland, have co-signed the letter calling for prayer.
Scottish Christians have been continuing to answer the call to pray at the same time each week, and Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has been taking part alongside them.
“There are some things which make sense for a certain period of time but which come to a natural conclusion – such as clapping for carers during the spring lockdown. Prayer isn’t one of them,” Dr Fair said.
“The Apostle Paul encourages us to ‘pray without ceasing’ and Jesus himself offers parables where persistence in prayer is lauded.
“It can be hard to keep going when there’s no end in sight; much easier when the finishing line comes into view. In the case of the pandemic, it still feels as if there’s no light at the end of the tunnel.
“All the more reason then for God’s people to continue faithfully in prayer. And even better when we can pray across the whole of the Church, unrestricted by denominational divides.
“If Sunday at 7pm is in your diary, keep it there. Thank you. If it hadn’t been, it would be great to have you involved. It matters that we pray.”https://www.youtube.com/embed/-LxIfgJMD8Y
“‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ In the Gospel of Matthew, these words are spoken to the servants who have wisely used the talents entrusted to them.
“In our reading of the Parable of the Talents, we remember that the meaning of the word ‘talent’ has subtly changed. Originally, the reference is to a measure of weight and we learn from this that the weight of money entrusted to the servants is considerable indeed. In our contemporary reading, we are more apt to think of ‘talent’ in terms of gift and ability, and we read and mark this subtle distinction carefully. (Matthew 25: 14-30)
“In these unprecedented times, we are conscious of the very considerable investment that has been made in sustaining the community and society of which we are a part. In facing the challenges that are before us, we are again conscious of the work of those who seek, on a daily basis, to renew the health and well-being of our community and society.
“We act with them and pray for them. Indeed, we are all called to use that which has been entrusted to us to serve and bear witness to the love, grace and mercy of God. We do so trusting that, at the last, we shall hear the words: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’”
We pray:
Faithful God And giver of all good gifts, We thank you for the gift of life entrusted to us And for the knowledge that we are made in your image. In these times, may we bear witness to the gift you have given to us. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Faithful God And giver of all good gifts, We thank you for the gift of family and of friendship And for the companions who join us on the way. In the community in which we share, renew the ties that bind us together. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Faithful God And giver of all good gifts, We thank you for those who serve within our community and society And who, by their work, sustain our common life. In these times, strengthen and renew them in all they do, Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Faithful God And giver of all good gifts, We thank you that you call us to serve and to bear witness To your love, grace and mercy. In the community of the faithful, may we never forget this calling. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Faithful God And giver of all good gifts, We thank you for all those who through their talent, And by their research, give hope to the world. In these times, may we share generously the fruit of that hope. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Faithful God
And giver of all good gifts, We thank you that you reveal your life to us In the community of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the life to come, may we hear: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
BELLSHILL: CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 