Self-absorption

I find that the only new photographs on my camera are of the picture hanging in the lobby of the Bronte Parsonage Museum of the Duchess of Cornwall's visit in February (I'm in the middle of the reception line and it happens to be my hand she is shaking) and of a section of the Incumbents Board in theParish Church next door (to which my name has just been added).  Make of that what you will.

Meanwhile, I have, as requested, prepared a prayer to use on the platform at Haworth Station this evening when the annual steam Carol Train will pull in and disgorge passengers and a brass band for a carol, a Bible reading and a prayer before they return to the warmth of the carriages and refreshments and move on to the next station:

The angels proclaimed peace and goodwill towards all people,

so we pray for those who will try out patience and goodwill most in the next two weeks. 

We pray for those among our in-laws, relatives and visitors who need a prayer most.   

For those who will monopolise our bathrooms, our drink cabinets and our TV remote controls. 

For those who vote differently to us, and who will tell us why;

for those who don’t vote at all, but who will still put us right anyway.

For those who will want to stay safe indoors when we fancy getting out on the moors,

and for those who will urge us into the cold when we fancy staying snugly inside.

For those who play charades.

For those broadband providers, queues and waiters who we will find too slow.

For those children, neighbours and pubs who we will find too loud.

For the young and old whose temper or stupor will indicate they have had too much.

And we give thanks for those who make it easiest for us to love and appreciate them.

Above all, we pray for the great miracle of grace which would be needed

for each of us to be less judgemental, less irritating and less self absorbed ourselves.

We pray for the peace, and for the good will to all people, of which the angels sang.