Pause for Thought

Pause for Thought

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In times of anxiety please use one or two of the quotations found on this page to reflect upon. A suggested way of using the quotations can be found below.

Find a quiet space and position yourself comfortably.
Try to calm your mind allowing the business of the day to subside.
Begin to read one or a selection of the passages slowly, two or three times. Allow the words to sink into your mind and heart, gently allowing the words to replace your anxiety with peace and calm.
As you repeat the words you might want to close your eyes and try to visualise the person saying these words to you – Jesus Christ. He doesn’t have to have a beard or a particular skin colour. Jesus is a person who loves you dearly. In your own way imagine him looking at you with a gentle but unconditional gaze of acceptance and love.
After a time you might just want to sit silently looking at Jesus. If you want to talk to him about your worries do so. Off-load onto him.
If you find it helpful to play a CD or tape of instrumental music during this time please feel free to do so.

For many, this kind of prayer is a daily source of peace, refreshment and hope.

“I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat, nor about your body and how you are to clothe it. Surely life means more than food, and the body more than clothing.”

Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6 verse 25.

“Can any of you, for all his worrying, add one single cubit to his span of life?”

Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6 verse 27.

“Why worry about clothing? Think of the flowers growing in the fields; they never have to work or spin; yet I assure you that not even Solomon in all his regalia was robed like one of these.”

Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6 verse 28.

“Do not worry; do not say, ‘What are we to eat? What are we to drink? How are we to be clothed?’ It is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all.”

Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6 verse 31-32.

“Do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6 verse 34.

“I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat, nor about your body and how you are to clothe it. For life means more than food, and the body more than clothing.”

Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12 verse 22 - 23.

“You must not set your hearts on things to eat and things to drink; nor must you worry. It is the pagans of this world who set their hearts on all these things. Your Father well knows you need them. No, set your hearts on his kingdom, and these other things will be given you as well.”

Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12 verse 29 - 31.

Who is Jesus Christ?

For billions of people worldwide Jesus Christ is their life long role model and friend. But why?

Colour illustration by Elizabeth Wang:

The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the Call to Conversion