PILGRIMS IN TIME
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO CELEBRATE THE
CENTENARY OF
ST. EDMUNDSBURY DIOCESE


from the DISCOVERY CENTRE
 for 100 Days
linked with our theme of pilgrimage and John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress
Week 3
Wednesday 19th March
JOSEPH OF NAZARETH
Being willing to make changes in our lives.
We often lead full and very busy lives, built around the plans we make
and the expectations we have… but sometimes we have to stop, listen to God and do what
he wants and not what we want. Like Joseph, who had to change his plans but who
continued to show love and care after receiving unexpected news from God about Mary and
their son, we pray for a willingness to change. We pray that we may discern when it is the
‘right’ time to make changes in our lives for God.
The following day Christian wanted to leave but was stopped. He had to wait until the time was right.
Thursday 20th March
CUTHBERT
God as our protection.
As Christians, we are not promised that life will be easy… but we do have the comfort of
knowing that God is everywhere and he watches over us all. He prepares us and gives us the
tools we need to face and overcome difficult situations. Like Cuthbert, we pray that we will
‘Put on all the armour that God gives you…..so stand ready, with truth as a belt tight round
your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate …. and at all times carry faith as a shield;
… and accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives
you.’
Ephesians 6: 11 - 17
During the next three days he was shown the Palace Beautiful and the Mountains of Delight. He was
given the Armour of God: a helmet and breastplate, a shield to ward off flaming arrows and the sword
of life.
Friday 21st March
BENEDICT
Pride before a fall.
In life, it is good to feel pleased with our achievements but it is also very
easy to become proud and succumb to seeking pleasure for ourselves. God asks us to be
humble and seek him in all that we do - like Benedict who prayed: ‘Gracious and holy
Father, please give me: ….diligence to seek you; wisdom to find you;…..a way of life pleasing
to you.’
Standing tall, proud Christian ventured through the lonely Valley of Humiliation, boasting to himself of
his achievements so far. But as darkness fell his thoughts were heard and the great, hideous monster
Apollyon, rose up breathing fire and smoke.
Saturday 22nd March
Keeping the faith.
Hope comes from the willingness to accept whatever comes and knowing you will come
through stonger. Through the promise of God being with us and by following his way on the
‘straight and narrow path’ , we can stand firm in our faith, praising God for his faithfulness:
‘Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good; his love is eternal. Who can
tell all the great things he has done? Who can praise him enough? Happy are those who
obey his commands, who always do what is right. ‘ Psalm 106: 1-3
Three times Christian fell, wounded. But his faith kept him strong.
Sunday 23rd March
Lent 3
Having courage to persevere on the journey.
Sometimes, we can be overcome with anxiety and fatigue. We may feel lost at times,
perhaps when we are alone, but if we keep trying and persevere when things get difficult,
we will be comforted. Let us pray that as we walk the journey of life, stumbling, tripping,
careering along, that our feet may be kept on solid ground, so that our path is straight and
we will be received when we run into our Lord’s arms.
The air was full of strange rushing sounds. Christian was very frightened but he overcame his fear.
With his sword in his hand he headed down the dark, narrow path, feeling his way step by step. For a
while, the air fell silent….until he thought he heard a voice’ Although I walk through the Valley of the
Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.’ These words comforted him and gave him
the courage to continue.
Monday 24th March
Responsibility to share the Good News.
We pray that we might draw near to Jesus as we journey along our daily way as Jesus drew
near to his disciples. We pray that the meaning of life will be open to all and that through
our lives we will have the opportunities to reveal our Lord as our strength and our
compassion so that we may: ‘Go to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples; to
baptise them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to
obey everything I have commanded you.’
Matthew 28: 19-20
Suddenly, a hand reached out to grab his throat. It was the hand of the Giant Godless. Godless
enjoyed the taste of the blood of Pilgrims but had grown too stiff to leave his cave. Christian was able
to leap to safety.
Tuesday 25th March
ANNUNCIATION
Messages for action.
As we remember Mary the mother of Jesus, who received a message from the Angel Gabriel: ‘ Peace
be with you! The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you!’ we pray that we may listen for God’s
voice in everything we do and everywhere we go. We pray that we will be kept on track and take the
‘right’ action, especially when we are struggling with doubt or concern.
A man appeared in front of them. Christian recognised him as Evangelist, the Guide. Evangelist
warned them that they would face many more dangers on their journey to the Celestial City –
including in the Town of Vanity just ahead.