Beckenham Baptist Church

Dear Friends, We are once again in the midst of the global ecumenical prayer initiative Thy Kingdom Come (TKC), which runs from Ascension Day to Pentecost and invites Christians to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. The TKC webpage tells us that, ‘since it began in May 2016, God has grown TKC from a dream possibility into a movement which unites more than a million Christians in prayer, in nearly 90% of countries worldwide, across 85 different denominations and traditions – so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ. Every person, household and church are encouraged to pray during the 11 days in their own way. It is our hope and prayer, that those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and His love for the world, will hear it for themselves and respond and follow Him’. You may remember that we have previously used TKC bookmarks and been encouraged to write down five names of people we are praying for that they wou...

Dear Friends,  Today sees the beginning of Christian Aid Week, the annual fundraising event which highlights, amongst other things, the need of a country overseas where Christian Aid works to bring the good news of Jesus Christ through practical as well as spiritual help. This year the focus in on the African country of Malawi. From the Christian Aid resources we learn that ‘on 11 th March 2023, Cyclone Freddy slammed into southern Africa for the second time in a month – and its return was deadly and destructive. In Malawi, a year’s worth of rain fell during the weeks of the cyclone. The heavy rains, floods and landslides caused widespread damage, especially in Blantyre and the Southern Region. The number of people affected in Malawi continues to rise, with more than 1,000 deaths. Cyclone Freddy is currently Africa’s second-deadliest cyclone this century after Cyclone Idai. It is the longest-lasting tropical cyclone ever recorded, lasting 34 days and had the strength of the equi...

Dear Friends, Be pleased to save me, Lord; Come quickly, Lord, to help me. Psalm 40:13 These simple but profound words from the Psalmist are foundational to our praying and asking God for help. The Christian monk and theologian of the 4 th /5 th Century, John Cassian, says of this verse, ‘it fits every mood and temper of human nature, every temptation, every circumstance. It contains an invocation of God, a humble confession of faith, a reverent watchfulness, a meditation upon our frailty, a confidence in God’s answer, an assurance of his ever-present support.’ We can use it as a prayer today when we are faced with the challenges of life, a difficult task or when we are in particular need. It has been described as a good prayer to pray on waking up, asking for God’s assistance as we face what lies ahead. It is a prayer that recognises our constant need of God’s help and mercy.  Grace and peace, Neil