Dear siblings in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
As we continue to rejoice the resurrection of Jesus in this Easter season, we are reminded that the resurrection is not only Christ’s victory over death but a profound declaration that God’s Kingdom is near and is establishing itself amongst us. In these weeks between Easter and Pentecost, the Church exists in a position of both celebration and hopeful expectation. We look back with joy to the empty tomb and forward with hope to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
In this sacred and holy season, our hearts are drawn to the powerful prayer Jesus taught his disciples which include the words: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Luke 2:11) These words take on a great and deep meaning as we prepare to mark Ascension Day and the great outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. The Ascension assures us that Jesus now reigns as king in glory, united and one with the Father, and yet his mission continues through us the Church, his body on earth, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
The global prayer initiative ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ invites us to join millions of Christians around the world in prayer from Ascension to Pentecost from 29th May to 8th June 2025. It is a time to pray that more people will come to know Jesus, that the good news of Christ’s kingdom will be shared, and to intercede for our communities, as we open ourselves afresh to the empowering and renewing presence of the Holy Spirit.
I am hopeful that as a church and circuit we can commit ourselves to these ten days of prayer. Whether through daily devotions, gatherings, or quiet moments of prayerful reflection, may we ask God to deepen our faith and send us out with courage to be witnesses of His Kingdom in word and deed. That we might be bold in prayer, faithful in witness, and joyful in hope.
This Eastertide and beyond, may we live as citizens of God’s Kingdom and as joyful disciples of Jesus, bearing witness to the love, justice, and peace of Christ’s reign. For as it is written:
“The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:20-21).
For more information and for resources on ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ please visit: www.thykingdomcome.global
With every blessing in the risen Christ,
Revd David Speirs
Superintendent Minister, Northampton Methodist Church & Circuit.
