Welcome. It's Monday, 30th March 2020.
 
Hello Bishop Ridley School. It's Mr Keep here. May the Lord be with you.
 
Today we are going to think about The Garden of Gethsemane.
 
We'll start with a song. I thought that we would try a new song today. This is quite catchy and very easy to learn. It’s called ‘I’m gonna jump up and down’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WodvQf0Jo9s

 

 

Here is our Bible verse for today. It is from Psalm 17:6 -

 

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;

turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.

 

Our story carries on with our time of preparation for Easter.  It comes from Matthew 26:36-50 (and is also recorded in the other three gospels). You can watch the story by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqvRshgtO2o

 

Our thought for the day

 

Over the last week, it has been a bit of a challenge adapting to the new way of learning at home and submitting work into the teacher by email. The teachers are also having to get used to working at home, rather than seeing you each day - and they miss you!

 

However, the change which Jesus faced in this part of the Easter story must have felt like an even greater challenge. He was about to face a huge event and he was having to face it by himself.

 

His disciples, his closest friends on earth, had come along with him to the garden to pray and they knew that a big event was coming… but instead of praying with him, they fell asleep. Not just once, but twice!

 

Jesus could have felt very lonely and worried. He knew that he was about to be arrested and he knew that he was going to have to die on a cross. However, he also knew that he had God alongside him. He could pray and talk to God whenever he needed to. 

 

During this time of change, we could each feel anxious and worried. Christians believe that they can always pray to God and He can offer peace and reassurance. Christians also believe that God can answer prayers and The Bible encourages us to come to God if there are things which are worrying us.

 

A prayer for today

 

Dear Lord,
You taught us to love our neighbour and to care for those in need.
We pray for your strength for the adults who look after us.
We pray for your wisdom for those who run our country.
We pray that you will give strength and skill to those who look after the sick.
We pray that the people who are self-isolating will know your blessing and peace.
In Jesus’ name
Amen.