"For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:15

Christmas is a much-looked-forward-to season for a lot of reasons. One of them is definitely the home-made sweets and savouries, typical in Indian households. During the run-up to Christmas day, every Christian house is filled with the…

"…rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

Growing up,  my memories of church service on Christmas day were all things sparkly and bright. I remember my mom waking us up at 2 AM for service. We would get dressed in our brightest and best, and my dad would…

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

The season of Christmas is synonymous with gifts and giving. Children wait with eager excitement to open their gifts, placed under the Christmas tree. Many individuals, families, companies, and churches extend their benevolence…

"For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

The star had been put up the previous night. A big star that my dad, brother, and I put together each year, as a…

"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18

Christmas is a time when there is magic in the air. The colourful serial lights twinkle, making everything sparkle. They make even inanimate objects appear as if they were…

"But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13 (NLT)

Before fancy,  imported plastic conifers were all the rage,  Christmas preparations at home always…

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” Luke 2:13-14

For most of us, the onset of December brings with it nostalgic memories of groups of carollers visiting our homes to share the joys of…

Prayers for Country Leaders and Key Workers

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people" (1 Timothy 2:1)

A journalist voiced his frustration when he saw people in other countries going about their daily lives while the coronavirus spread rapidly in his own: “We were screaming this message to the world when some…

Prayers for our Churches

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

In these strange days of continued social distancing and less contact with our communities, creative ways to keep church families together have become a…

Prayers for our Families

"In all things God works for the good of those who love him. " (Romans 8:28)

Almost exactly twenty-five years ago, my wedding was abruptly cancelled with six weeks to go because of an immigration issue. I was devastated. The new arrangements we managed to make meant that none of my friends and only a few family members…

Prayers for those Navigating a new normal

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

Coronavirus has turned our world upside down, leaving many of us trying to work out a completely new way of life for ourselves and our families. It’s unsettling, stressful and lonely. And we simply don’t know how long this season of challenge…

Prayers for those Fatigued by this season

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? (Psalm 13:1)

At first it was just a big unknown. For some it was terrifying; for others, just a bit of a novelty. However we felt about it, the lockdown began an extraordinary shake-up of everything we…

Prayers for those who are struggling Financially

"You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” (1 Kings 17: 4)

After leaving full-time education, I had a low-paying job. Money was tight, and sometimes I didn’t even have enough for my next meal. It was a season in which I had to learn…

Prayers for those who are struggling with their Mental Health

“God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73: 26)

In just a matter of weeks, the dreaded COVID-19 virus turned the world upside down. And the effects of the coronavirus are still being felt.

We are being urged to keep our distance from others, even loved ones. We…