This is a space for us to post our reflections from our prayer and fasting days. We will use the same page for all the days so we can get a better overview of what God is saying. Scroll right down to find the comments section.
Do share what struck you today: a Bible verse? a song? a poem? a picture? a sense? an idea? God can speak through all manner of things. We then discern together.
If there are things that you found helpful or resources you’d appreciate, post those too. Let’s support one another on this journey.
27 Comments
Kathy Hewitt
Really struck by Nehemiah’s boldness in approaching the King and also his wisdom. He did have fears Neh2:2 but he relied on God. God gave him courage and also wisdom to ask the king for practical help (letters) and he also was prepared to answer the king’s questions. Neh2 v6-7.
He did his research thoroughly when he arrived in Jerusalem and was well prepared to respond to the officials and was not reticent in speaking confidently of God’s provision.
Neh 2:18 “I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.”
I felt God saying there are lessons we can learn as we seek to renovate the property and deal with local planning etc .
Margo Skillicorn
The old Castle Arms Pub, bought, ‘converted’ and changed into something badly needed in 1971, when the old church was needing to be pulled down, has seen many uses. As has been said, it has been used for the younger age group of the Sunday School, the current kitchen was a ‘lounge’ which could be used for deacons meetings, small groups etc. A couple of our members were teachers at the time and brought into being the first ‘cafe’ during their summer holidays. As the vision grew, we employed Managers to run ‘Meeting Point’ as it was then named, ran Tear Craft sales and many more events developed over the years. The refurb when the ‘new’ (present) church happened in 1998, saw a change of name to Gateway. This is what most people know. My own personal opinion is to find/discover a way for the Cafe still to be used, not just for ourselves, but for the community (lovely idea of Sarah’s for cookery lessons) restore the first floor flat to rent out….could be so advantageous for someone of our own congregation needing a start on the property ladder., or the growth of our ministry team, youth worker etc. The top flat could well be useful to us for storage and we could then use the rooms at church for what they were intended for. The option of selling Gerrard Street is, as far as I understand, NOT on our Agenda. We need that space for our youth work plus the garden is an asset. In the past, we have had church events there. God has blessed us in the past and we have no reason to doubt that he will not now and in the future so that the long history and witness of Castle Hill can continue as a beacon on the Hill. Of course, it is costly but again no reason to doubt God’s provision for His church if we follow His guidance. Plans for a new church were on the Agenda in 1970…..but we didn’t see the road clearly ahead until the 1990s and the rebuilding in 1998. We must praise Him for all that is past and trust Him for all that’s to come.
Maureen Smith
What struck me as I read and reread Nehemiah 1, was his praying earnestly with fasting night and day. This started in the Autumn and if you look at beginning of chapter two, it was Spring of the next year before things started to move.
Something else, Nehemiah prayed a prayer of confession on behalf of Israel. He acknowledged that they had not listened to God.
Might we need to examine whether at some point we moved away from God’s plan for this part of the property? Perhaps today as we are opening our hearts and minds to hear the Lord again, might He get us back on the right track?
We are so thankful for the work that has already been done by the dedicated groups that have been inspired to work on this project and we thank God for them.
Open our eyes Lord was a good song choice.
May we see God’s plan.
Ruth Johnson
Today 22/7/26 while praying over this issue & these verses, I’ve been constantly reminded of the chorus,
I’m building a people of power…
Based on Ephesians 2:21-22 where it speaks of a dwelling place for God & believers being built together to praise Him.
Sarah Smith
Have there been many prayer meetings in 2-4 Smith St? I know people have worked incredibly hard in there and at home on on its behalf. We do prayer walking to bless the nighbours. Perhaps we could do more prayer walking in there – the flat.?
BRIAN PARKINS
Practicalities. Brian feels that we need to make the roof safe to let the property dry out and had hoped that the walls might then be saved, (as in Parade Leamington ?Woodwards shop) as it is in a conservation area.
He sees that there can be a direct connection with the church itself by reorganising the room at the top of the stairs, and linking the church staircase even though there is a difference in height of the floors.
Money was obtained before by loans, from Baptist sources and individual interest free loans and gifts. Then we both feel that the sale of Gerrard Street Hall will bring finances to meet the rebuild.
We have members with skills needed, as we did before when the church was rebuilt.
Joy Johnson
Today this verse has come to my mind as we consider what we should do with the Smith Street property – ‘ With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’ Matthew 19:26.
I have also had this song running through my mind:
Filled with compassion for all creation
Jesus came into a world that was lost
There was but one way that he could save us
Only through suffering death on a cross
God, You are waiting
Your heart is breaking
For all the people who live on the earth
Stir us to action, filled with Your passion
For all the people who live on the earth
Great is Your passion for all the people
Living and dying without knowing You
Having no saviour, they last forever
If we do not speak out and lead them to You
God, You are waiting
Your heart is breaking
For all the people who live on the earth
Stir us to action, filled with Your passion
For all the people who live on the earth
From every nation we shall be gathered
Millions redeemed shall be Jesus’ reward
Then He will turn and say to His Father
Truly my suffering was worth it all
God, You are waiting
Your heart is breaking
For all the people who live on the earth
Stir us to action, filled with Your passion
For all the people who live on the earth
For all the people who live on the earth
Filled with compassion by Noel Richards
Sarah Smith
Cooking lessons. What about using Gateway for cooking lessons. Its a tragedy in our country that so many people rely on processed food and ready made meals. The nation is eating so much rubbish and chemicals. Cooking from scratch is a dying art but much safer for the nation.
Joyce
I found this a helpful way to start my prayers, just recognising my position and His
Just as I am with words and chorus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zucUa13ciOM&list=RDzucUa13ciOM&start_radio=1
Just as I am without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee
O Lamb of God I come, I come
Just as I am and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark spot
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot
O Lamb of God I come, I come
I come broken to be mended
I come wounded to be healed
I come desperate to be rescued
I come empty to be filled
I come guilty to be pardoned
By the blood of Christ the Lamb
And I’m welcomed with open arms
Praise God, just as I am
Just as I am I would be lost
But mercy and grace myfreedom bought
And now to glory in Thy Cross
O Lamb of God, I come, I come
MARGARET
This morning I cannot stop thinking about the word “Smith” as we pray for guidance re the Smith Street property.
1. The smith has to have training, an appreticeship, learning, listening and following instructions.
2. The smithy is hot and uncomfortable, it is noisy and the metal beaters give huge vibrations.
3. The products are essential to life in olden days, and today too–horseshoes, gates and farm machinery.
We too have to learn and listen, maybe endure unpleasant situations, then produce and share Good things —“Good News”.
May we consider naming the “2 Smith Street Flat” “Smith’s Corner”?
May we all be willing to learn, maybe be uncomfortable but —
BRING THE GOOD NEWS AS A BEACON TO WARWICK AND BEYOND
Margo Skillicorn
Catching up on 18th June. No coincidence that morning prayers at Thornleigh hotel on Thursday reflected on Mark 10 v 46 – 52. Verse 51 “What do You want me to do for you? Bartimaeus….Knew what he wanted…Said what he wanted….Got what he wanted….his sight.
The follow up as our homework…Psalm 62 v 5 – 8
V8. “ Trust in Him at all times O people, pour out your hearts to him for God is our refuge”
A Personal wait
A Patient wait
A purposeful wait
Kevin Johnson Author
Margaret: Another picture – whilst out walking today the line of people was long. Margaret was at the back BUT behind Margaret was a person as a “Back Marker”, ensuring all stayed as a group. A reminder that the Lord is before us and behind us.
Kevin Johnson Author
Amanda: St John’s brook runs under the road – we can’t see it, or hear it, but we know it’s there and flows out into St Nick’s. Our senses can be weak – that stream is still present even if we can’t ‘sense’ it. God’s presence is still with us even when we can’t ‘sense’ him. We can sometimes be part of the block of our senses between us and God but he is still present.
Kevin Johnson Author
Kathy: Waterfall in her garden has not been running recently due to Martin doing maintenance on the pump. When it was restarted the sound reminded her that there is more to the water than just being there – it’s flow also brings joy. This is perhaps a picture for us of how we should be as church – not just filled but flowing, bringing joy to others in his name.
Kevin Johnson Author
Margaret: During our walk today we found the road ahead was closed but we found another way. Sometimes in church we can get fixed on our way but we need to allow him to show us a different way.
Kevin Johnson Author
A Celtic Caim prayer (Rev David Adam?):
Circle me Lord, Keep protection near, and danger afar.
Circle me Lord, Keep light near, and darkness afar.
Circle me Lord, Keep peace within. Keep evil out.
Circle me Lord, Keep hope within. Keep doubt without.
May you be a bright flame before me.
May you be a guiding star above me.
May you be a smooth path below me.
And a loving Guide behind me.
Today, tonight, and forever.
Kevin Johnson Author
Kevin: Picture of a flurry of arrows being fired over a hill. When you go into battle you need to be prepared for what is to come.
Gionatan – arrows line of travel arcs as they go up and down over an obstacle. They don’t need a specific target, they can just be fired towards the general direction of the enemy. Maybe God is doing something we cannot see at this point but our arrows (prayers) are being answered how we cannot see…
Kevin Johnson Author
Joyce: We wait (Don Moen) – song keeps going around my head. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G-R7wvGTqs
We wait
We’re not in a hurry
O we need you, Lord
We wait
All our cares and worries
We lay aside for you
O how we long to see your face
O how we long for your embrace
We wait
We’re not afraid to tarry
We yearn for you, Lord
We wait
For your mighty wind to carry us
Into your presence, Lord
And as we fill this house with praise
May your holy fire fill this place
As we wait…
We wait…we wait…we wait…
And as we fill this house with praise
Let your holy fire fill this place
Kevin Johnson Author
Keeva: Are we willing to be taken deeper into the Father’s arms? ‘You call us deeper still’ (Good, good Father, Tomlin). We’ve had the invite but are we willing to come?
Liz Thomson
I am sharing part of a prayer I read this morning. It seems to fit with the theme for today.
Dear Lord,
‘I need your help to live aware of you above all else. So many things compete for my attention, and, therefore, my affection, that I find it difficult at times to live consistently aware of Your Spirit within me. But that is truly what I long for. Help me to grow in my confidence in Your abiding presence, and to give love the way You do…’
Amen
Margaret Parkins
After a very busy, and noisy afternoon with many friends in the village here it was so good to sit quietly with you, then eat the meal which had been cooking. I was hungry for quiet, AND a meal too! God gives peace.
Keeva
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner’s fire,
My heart’s one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin, deep within
Refiner’s fire
My heart’s one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Refiner’s fire
My heart’s one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will.
Songwriters: Brian Robert Doerksen (2013)
Purify My Heart lyrics © Mercy Vineyard Publishing, Ur Creative, Vineyard Songs (canada), Ur Global Publishing, Sarahbeth Smith Publishing, Meadow Tams
lindsey
Reading Ps51 today, was struck by v11 “do not cast me from your presence/reject me, or take your Holy Spirit from me”
Without the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort and give hope, I’d be devastated, empty, and life would feel pointless.
So grateful we have a loving father who treats us with grace we don’t deserve…. even though He sees everything, as , v3-4 The Passion translation says: “… everything I did, I did right in front of you, you saw it all.”
Liz Thomson
While reading Psalm 51 this morning, one line stood out to me in verse 12; ‘Restore to me the joy of your salvation’
Lord Jesus, help me to remember and be thankful every day for saving me, for washing away all my sin, for giving me a brand new life, for adopting me into your family, for giving me hope and a future.
I love you Jesus.
Whatever my circumstances, however I’m feeling, help me in this I pray, may I always rejoice in your salvation. Amen
Joy
Apologies I forgot to share this from Joy at tonight’s prayer time:
Thank you for today’s reflection – I have never thought about the fact that ‘his circumference is nowhere’ and have found that helpful to think about. One of the songs we used to sing at camp came to mind for me whilst thinking about God’s love – it is not a quiet song but was always amazing to see the kids responding to these words about God’s love and I love them too!
God who made the universe The earth, the sun, the moon and stars Has a place in His heart for me From the beginning to the end God will always be my friend So I can jump and shout ‘cos God loves me
God’s love is big, God’s love is great God’s love is fab and He’s my mate God’s love surrounds me everyday And I love to sing and say God’s love is big, God’s love is strong God’s love goes on and on and on God’s love surrounds me everyday And I love to sing and say…God loves me WEHAY!
Since before the world began God knew me and had a plan For my life and how I’m gonna be He sent Jesus to be my friend To show His love will never end So I can jump and shout ‘cos God loves me.
Thank you Joy
Kevin Johnson Author
A response to the devotional:
I AM NOT MY OWN
I was bought at a great price
A price that cost Him everything
A cost I don’t fully understand
I am not my own
Jesus paid the debt I owe
A debt so great I cannot count
A bill with items I’ll never know
I am not my own
God’s great love given for me
Spreading like wild fire—consuming,
Breaking, cleansing, purifying me
I am not my own
Found in Christ, forever His
Drenched through by His amazing grace
Forgiven, released, transformed — I’m free!
Keeva
As we start this day together I hope you find this poem I’ve found useful too.
We may not be coming together on a Sabbath but we are drawing aside to spend this day with Jesus.
Sabbath Keeping
There’s a whisper in the quiet
that steady, insistent pull
calling us to stop
to loosen our grip
to lay the tools down
even when the list isn’t finished.
A holy rest.
Not laziness
not giving up
but choosing the pause
the sacred breathing space
the moment the world softens
and our souls begin to stretch again.
This rest is older than our hurry
woven into creation itself
a rhythm gifted
not demanded
a day set aside
so we can return to ourselves
to God
to the stillness that waits beneath everything.
Take the day off.
Let it be simple.
Let it be gentle.
Let it be the kind of stop
that refreshes the mind
and restores the spirit.
Let this be a day
to remember you are more than your work
more than what you produce
more than the pace you keep.
Let this be a day
to breathe deeply
to let the knots loosen
to notice the quiet miracles
you hurry past all week.
Rest
refresh
renew
for the tasks ahead
for the calling that continues
for the life that needs your whole self
not your worn out corners.
Keep the Sabbath
the holy rhythm
the sacred gift
the space that reminds us
we are God’s
and it is enough.
© E Hamilton 2025