Thought for the Week

By Rev James McNay of West Kilbride Parish Church

This week, it comes to decision time. In or out? Out or in? Stay or remain?

I'm sure with all the news coverage, that you know which decision I am talking about!

It is difficult when we are faced with a stark choice where there is no in-between option. It is also hard to make a decision when it is difficult to discern the facts and the imponderables in the midst of it all. For example:

Will we be better off financially staying in the EU? Or better off by leaving? One side say one thing; the other side say the opposite!

In the midst of all the uncertainty, how do we discern which way to vote so that when we go into the voting booth, we don't just make a decision on how we feel that day or on the impulse of the moment?

In the Bible in the book of James, there is a verse that says:

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

Weigh up the options, get as informed as you can, ask God for wisdom and make the choice. And trust that whatever happens, that God is in control.

The organisation CARE have produced some prayers for the referendum, including the one below:

God of the nations, we commit this week's Referendum to You as millions of individuals cast their vote to decide whether the UK should leave or remain within the European Union. Please watch over us at this time and bring about Your purposes. Amen.