Prayer for the Day

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Prayer for the Day: 05/04/2023

05/04/2023

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 05/04/2023

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with David Waters.

Good morning. With the Easter Holidays once more upon us, I’m reminded of happy childhood memories as I see the excitement of my own children. Two weeks off school AND Easter eggs to eat. What joy! In particular I remember one school holiday when I was allowed to stay up late to watch a film with my Dad. Now my Father is usually happier under a car than in the cinema, so I knew this must be something special. The film was Chariots of Fire – the Oscar-winning true story of British sprinters Harold Abrams and Eric Liddell as they go for gold in the 1924 Olympics. I’ve loved the film ever since and Eric’s story, in particular, has stayed with me.

He is remembered as the Flying Scotsman who refused to run on a Sunday because of his Christian faith. In the film, his sister, Jenny, is depicted as trying to dissuade him from his athletics, so he can join the family as missionaries in China. There’s a great scene in which he tells Jenny he’s been accepted by the missionary society, but he’s got a lot of running to do first. In a line I will never forget he says “God made me for a purpose – to go to China. But he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure”.

I find that wonderfully affirming. So often our gifts and talents can get squashed or side-tracked by fear or circumstances or career choice. When the truth is we each have a unique palette of talents that are designed to be used and enjoyed to the full for the thriving of others and ourselves.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the talents you give each one of us. May we feel your pleasure as we use them for good.

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05/04/2023

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