VICAR

This week, Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I was fortunate enough to spend some time at a homeless shelter. There I played chess with a brilliant young man who has been dealt some rough cards in life and is on the way to rehab as I type. I met another man who lost everything in a divorce and is on the way back from a nervous breakdown. There were ex servicemen and former prisoners. The atmosphere was one of hope rather than despair. If I had a hat I would take it off to those who run these homeless shelters; not seeking to benefit in any way themselves and working in the true spirit of Christ.

This week let us pray for the homeless. They are too often a wasted asset. A forgotten part of our society. They are more numerous than we think and many of them are not used to being homeless, after years of living normal lives paying the rent or mortgage.

I wish You all a wonderful week ahead and I send Your families my blessings as we move into June. God Bless.

God of all refuge,

Protect all those who are on our streets.

God of all shelter,

Provide for all who are homeless in our city.

God of all rest,

Give sleep to all who are cold or who are keeping one eye open in fear of trouble.

God of all peace,

Calm troubled minds, and protect those who feel hunted.

God of all comfort,

Strengthen weak knees, and heal broken hearts.

God of all power,

Transform lives so that they may be free in your freedom.

We ask these things in the name of your son Jesus Christ.

Amen.