"Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of wintesses [who have boren testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sine which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and staed and active persistence the appionted course of the race that is set before us, looking awy [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [give the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].  He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at ther right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:1

This is a very familiar scripture for lots of us who have heard a lot of teaching.  This is one of the Bible readings for this month's Family Worship at St. Mary's Langley.  The focus is families with small children.  Every so often, the vicar will ask me to write a prayer--which is my joy to do so.  Here is the prayer for this month:

Reader:  Looking to Jesus

Response: Help us run the race well.

Dear Father in Heaven,

Thank You so much for letting us know that we do not run life’s race alone.  Others who have completed their race and are now in heaven are cheering —“You can do it!”  They trusted in your promises.  We trust in your promises too.

Reader:  Looking to Jesus

Response: Help us run the race well.

We remember Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who followed the course you set for them.  The Bible tells the stories of many who were faithful to you.  Let us learn from them—Moses, Joshua, David, Ruth, Esther. 

Reader:  Looking to Jesus

Response: Help us run the race well.

We pray for the Olympic athletes who are coming to our country.  Help us be inspired by their hard work.  But even more, help us to be inspired by those men and women who seek to bring honour and glory to You by using their abilities; men and women like Eric Liddell, Kirsty Balfour, Allyson Felix, and Richard Chambers. 

Reader:  Looking to Jesus

Response: Help us run the race well.

Thank you for our friends and family here who remind us of your love.  We pray that you will bless them; just as they have blessed us.  By teaching us to have faith in you, by praying for us, they have taught us how to run our race.  Sometimes we stumble and fall; they pick us up.  Father God, pour out your grace on them.

Reader:  Looking to Jesus

Response: Help us run the race well.

We want to let go of things that slow us down, and avoid things that make us trip.  Thank You for Jesus, the One we follow.  When our path is hard to see, He promises that His teachings in the Bible will bring light, and that we can trust He is taking us in the right direction.  Help us to keep our eyes on Jesus, because He is our prize. 

Reader:  Looking to Jesus

Response: Help us run the race well.

Amen.