10/22/2026
Thursday Again, Already,
It is hard to believe that we are here, the end of October and are still able to walk around outside in sweaters and light jackets, oh the sun, the beautiful sun, yesterday was such a blessing. For many, these warm days and cool nights extend the season of mobility, driving on bare roads, walking without ice cleats and living in their own homes without the need for additional heat sources. Weeks like this are what prayers are based on, warmth, comfort, community. Oftentimes we find our prayers revolving around our needs and the needs of those who surround us. Even more often we question if our prayers are being answered or will ever be answered.
It becomes such a huge part of our prayer cycles to recognize the need to quiet our minds and hearts so that we can hear what is going on around us, what is being said to us, and the answers to our prayers. Our community has become so focused on prayer for those who are distressed with physical and emotional afflictions that we fail to see the result of answered prayers. We pray for healing, we pray for rest, we pray for comfort, we pray for peace, we pray for the presence of our Heavenly Father and His love. There are times however when healing is beyond the reach of our Medical Professionals, and so our Lord answers the prayers of His children. In His presence, He provides rest, He provides comfort, He provides love, He provides peace.
So often, I think that our answered prayers are missed. In our frustration to have them answered in the way we think they should be answered; we fail to see that perhaps they are answered in the way God perceives our intention. Peace can come in so many different forms, hope can have many different faces, joy can be present in relief as well as jubilation, and love can be expressed in the smallest of gestures or the largest of actions.
If we recognize this in our own lives, then our prayers can be made with greater intention, and so each day we can exam what has taken place within it. The practices of Saint Ignatius, help us to do just that, in a few steps, we can find where God was in each interaction of our day, we can find where God was during our prayers, we can feel His connection with our heart, mind and soul during our prayers. In this connection, we will never know how our prayers will be answered, but we can be assured that they are heard and He will act upon them, in His time, not ours.
Ignatius begins by telling us to be still: Quiet your mind and become aware of God's presence around you. Ask the Holy Spirit for the light to see your day clearly. Give thanks and review the events of the day, naming a few specific things you are grateful for. In reviewing your day, walk through the time you are awake, hour by hour or moment by moment. Notice where you felt peace or joy and where you felt stress, anger, or distance from God. Ask forgiveness, acknowledging your mistakes, selfish choices, or missed chances to love others. Speak about them to God honestly and ask to be forgiven. Talk with Him about tomorrow. Choose one simple goal or plan to guide your actions in the days to come. In this, you will find peace.
God is always present, if you don't believe me, look out the window! The cycle of life surrounds us, birth, life, death, rebirth. We see it in the trees and grass, in the land and water, in the earth and sky, in our brothers and sisters. We are connected, we are one, through God, with God, and in God. As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall always be!
As we each take time to enjoy the weather, the season and the blessings of God's creation, let us take a moment to give thanks. Let us take a moment to clear our hearts and minds so that we can clearly hear God answer our prayers and speak to our hearts. Let us take the time to remember our brothers and sisters that have found our Lord's blessing of love, rest and peace. Let us remember and pray for their families, OUR families, our sisters and brothers. May God bless them and keep them safe. May they find comfort as the Holy Spirit moves through their lives May their healing begin with knowing that their loved one will live on in their memories, in their hearts and in their minds. May they know and find comfort in knowing, that our prayers , their prayers are heard, and by God's Grace, acted upon.
Sunday October 25, 2026
9:00am - St George's, Bairdsville - Holy Eucharist - This service will take place at the Baird House B&B - 6045 Rte.130
11:00 am - St. Ansgar's, New Denmark - Holy Eucharist
11:00 am - Trinity Church, Andover - Morning Prayer
Thursday October 29, 2026
Prayer Group
We will gather to reflect on this week's scripture. We will have a cup of tea, lots of laughs and fellowship. Our special guest will be the Holy Spirit, flowing amongst us and guiding our hearts! Remember all are welcome, all are family, all are loved.
10:00 am - Trinity Church
2:30 pm - St Ansgar's
Saturday October 31, 2026
Breakfast
St. Ansgar's - 8:00- 10:00 am
Pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, hashbrowns, beans, tea, coffee, and sweets.
All are welcome, all are family, all are loved.
Yours in Christ,
Harold+
Reverend Harold Boomer,
Anglican Parishes of Andover and Denmark,
Missioner in the Upper River Valley
Parish Office:
1295 West Riverside Drive,
Perth-Andover, NB
Mobile - 506-325-8125