Manchester Methodists

18/07/2026

We’re often impressed by the dedication of those who excel in the field of sport, or of scientific discovery or the arts – the hours of practice to perfect that tennis serve, the months, perhaps years, spent poring over experiments to find a cure for a disease, the patience needed to go over and over the same passage to achieve that high level of performance and so on. But, Lord Jesus, how does all this match up to our commitment to you? Do we, are we willing to offer you the same sort of dedication? Can we honestly say ‘I surrender all’? And yet we know that, if we are going to truly know the fulfilment and hope and peace you offer us, this is the only way. So, Lord, we ask you to help us get our priorities right, and to seek to give our whole selves to you.

Amen

17/07/2026

When things fall into place unexpectedly some people call it coincidence, but when we put our trust in you, Lord God, we know it is you at work in our lives. And the great thing is, when we then begin to look at things from a faith perspective, we see how blessed we are. But it also means that we are joining a long line of people stretching far back into history who have looked at events and seen in your word the promise of things to come. So, help us to keep looking, Lord, for those small or sometimes even large ‘God-instances’, and smile – but also remember to give you the praise and glory!

Amen

16/07/2026

Jo Cox Darling on this week's theme 'Making A Difference'.

Jo Cox Darling on this week's theme 'Making A Difference'.

16/07/2026

16/07/2026

So often nowadays we have come to be identified by a number, by an ethnic group, by an age band and so on – we have become an anonymous society – but that is not how you think of us, Lord God. For to you we are a unique person, you made us, you know us by name, you know all about us, and we belong to you. And so important is that bond, Lord, that we can call you Father, for you love us and care for each one of us as your child, and are always watching out for us and always seeking our well-being. While to others we may be simply a statistic, to you we are special, and you just long for us to turn to you and get to know you better. Thank you, Lord!

Amen

15/07/2026

When we’re up against it, Lord God, and it’s hard to believe we will ever find a way through our difficulties, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated, hemmed in on every side. But it doesn’t need to be like this, Lord, when we remember that nothing can stand against your power. That while everything to us seems very negative, you are the God not only of the Cross but of the empty tomb, and that when we lay our problems before you and put our trust in you then, indeed, the ‘battle’ belongs to you. And no longer are we consumed by hopelessness or anxiety because you are the God of possibilities, who can transform every situation. If we are struggling in any way today, Lord, help us to remember this and turn to you.

Amen

14/07/2026

We use the word love in so many different ways, and often so lightly that it has little value, but when we use it to describe you, Lord God, it takes on a whole new meaning, because love is at the very heart of all you are. We see it the world around us, in all you have so carefully and lovingly made, but supremely in Jesus where we learn the true nature of love. For in Him we see love that has no limits or boundaries, love that reaches out in compassion to all, love that is sacrificial even to the point of suffering and death, but love so strong that it cannot be defeated even by death itself. This is the love you pour into our hearts by your Holy Spirit, Lord, and this is the love you want us to share with others, love that is authentic, love that is real. Help us, Lord, to do this today.

Amen

13/07/2026

Lord Jesus, you sent your disciples out to carry the message of the gospel, first to those who had the same background as themselves and then to the ‘whole world’ – but nowadays it’s as though the whole world is on our doorstep. We rub shoulders every day with people who have very different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs to our own, and live in a society where the Christian teaching many of us grew up with, if not in our homes, then in our schools, is not known or taught to the same degree today - and so it’s sometimes difficult to find a common ground from which to start. But, Lord, you promised us the help of your Holy Spirit to give us the words to say, so, today, we’re going to step out in faith and look for those opportunities to speak and act for you!

Amen

12/07/2026

Today, churches across the Methodist Connexion are marking Action for Children Sunday, giving thanks for the life-changing work of Action for Children and standing alongside children, young people, and families facing difficult circumstances.

At Manchester Methodists, we believe every child is precious and deserves the opportunity to flourish. As part of our Methodist commitment to justice, compassion, and service, we pray for all those supported by Action for Children, and for the dedicated staff and volunteers who bring hope every day.

If you're able, please consider supporting the work of Action for Children through prayer, giving, or helping to raise awareness. Together, we can help ensure more children have the safe, loving childhood they deserve.

"Let the little children come to me..." – Mark 10:14