1st February 2025

Dear Friends,

I write on 'Blue Monday,' the third Monday of January, considered by many to be the most depressing day of the year!  Folk find it particularly depressing due to the mix of cold and dark, the sense that Christmas is over and the arrival of the post-Christmas bills!   

'Blue Monday' 2025 also marks the inauguration of Donald Trump as the US President.  While some will feel positive about this new start, others will be dismayed and anxious for the future.  It would be good to pray for those who might be personally impacted, such as migrants fearing for their future and the people of Palestine and Ukraine who fear further instability in the region.     

In difficult times Jesus counselled his followers to live one day at a time and recognise that whatever our circumstances, his love and mercy offer hope for the future. 

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?  (Matthew 6:25-27.)

Of course this is easier said than done when work, family, relationship or other worries are weighing heavily on our hearts. 

Broadcaster Rev Sam Wells, wrote a prayer for the USA as Trump takes power and I have quoted that last few lines below.  These words can be applied to many troubles.  If your heart is troubled may God surprise you today and bring you unexpected comfort, peace and strength. 

"As you have done so many times before, surprise us with what your Holy Spirit can do in the face of setback and bewilderment; and draw us to that place of surprise, that we may in some small way be part of it.  Amen."  

Love, Larissa 

 Sam Wells' full prayer can be found on this link https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/a-prayer-for-america/