So I survived my second probationers conference. Not only that I really got a lot from it. It was truly the best conference of all that I have attended during my training. Not only were ALL the sessions useful but the whole feel of it was quite special.
As well as the training sessions there were the social times during which I really had some quite intense but quite beautiful discussions. One in particular meant a huge amount to me and I am thankful to God for it. The people you meet at these conferences are special - they not only understand where you are at, they are with you every step of the way.
Over the last 4 years I have attended 7 different conferences as part of my training for the ministry. The result of which is that I have met some truly wonderful and very special people. Some of these people have a very exciting week ahead. Four, that I know of will be ordained and inducted into their first charges as Church of Scotland ministers. The following week 3 or 4 others will do the same. I am quite excited for them and also for myself. A year from now I could be in exactly the same position! But for now I wish them all well. They go before the current group of probationers and I hope they know what an inspiration they are to the rest of us.
For this week my prayer is this:
Lord God,
as those who prepare to serve you in ordained ministry get ready for their lives to change, may they know your love.
May they know too, how special they are and how they inspire those that follow in their footsteps.
Guide them and those that travel with them during these steps in their journey towards serving you.
Bless them as they prepare to fall in love with their communities and congregations.
And bless too, their parishes, may they too feel blessed in this time of change.
Lord, hear this prayer, made in Jesus name.
Amen
Picture courtesy of Geoff at www.geoffgrandfield.co.uk
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