VICAR

Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that You and Your families are well.

I write to You on the day after Glen Hoddle collapsed in the BT Sport studios and the helicopter of Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha crashed shortly after leaving the football club he owned.

Death comes like a thief in the night. It’s true. And we should all try and prepare each day as if it will be our last; try to be at one with the future that we all face.

Even people who are very religious say they find it difficult to pray when they are faced with the prospect of death for themselves or their loved ones. How can you pray if you are overcome by a sense of despair and feel abandoned by God?

I know. I’ve seen this many times. Those faced with their imminent deaths often seem too blown away by their circumstances to pray with any meaning. So, we should try now – while we are well. To learn not to fear death.

Here is a prayer that I recommend for every day, as it chimes well with who we are and our own human fallibility. I wish You all a wonderful week to come. I extend my sympathies to the Srivaddhanaprabhas and other families caught up in the helicopter crash. I wish Glen Hoddle a speedy recovery and many years of long life. God Bless.

O my Lord, inflame my heart with love for You, that my spirit may not grow weary amidst the storms, the sufferings and the trials. You see how weak I am. Love can do all.

Amen