† A Prayer for Healing and Peace

Divine Source of All Creation,

As the sun rises on this blessed Sunday, we gather our hearts, united in purpose, seeking Your presence and guidance. We acknowledge the beauty of this day, filled with the promise of new beginnings and the warmth of love that binds us together. With humble spirits, we express our gratitude for the countless blessings You bestow upon us—our families, our friends, the beauty of nature, and the gift of life itself. Thank You for the breath that fills our lungs, for the love that surrounds us, and for the grace that sustains us through our trials.

Today, we come before You with a heavy heart, burdened by the chaos and suffering that plague our world. We witness the turmoil of wars, the cries of the oppressed, and the anguish of communities torn apart by violence. And as we reflect on these realities, we ask with sincerity and hope for healing—healing for the wounded souls, healing for the broken hearts, and healing for a world in desperate need of Your love and guidance.

We pray for an end to wars and conflicts, dear Lord. May peace reign where there is strife, and may understanding and compassion flourish in every heart. We beseech You to soften the hearts of those who bear arms, to turn their eyes away from violence and towards the embrace of peace. Inspire leaders, decision-makers, and individuals alike to seek resolution through dialogue, empathy, and kindness rather than through aggression and hostility.

As we lift our voices in prayer, we extend our love and compassion not only to those who are suffering but also to those who are perpetrating harm. Help us to remember that every person is a reflection of Your divine image, deserving of love, understanding, and the opportunity for redemption. Let us not turn our backs on those ensnared in darkness; instead, may we be vessels of light, guiding them back to the path of love and peace.
Comfort those who are grieving the loss of loved ones in battle, those who long for stability in their lives, and those who feel lost amidst the chaos. Wrap them in Your infinite love, reminding them that they are never alone and that hope can rise even from the ashes of despair. Help us to be instruments of Your peace, offering comfort, support, and understanding to all who cross our paths.

Today, as we pause and reflect, we seek Your wisdom to guide us in our daily lives. Let us be courageous in our intention to promote love and understanding in our communities. May our words and actions be infused with grace so that we may foster connections that transcend barriers and build bridges of compassion.

We hold steadfast in our belief that healing is possible, not just for individuals, but for the world at large. We trust in Your divine plan, knowing that with every prayer offered and every act of kindness performed, we draw closer to a reality where love prevails over hate, understanding over ignorance, and peace over war.

In steadfast faith, we present our intentions to You, our Lord, trusting that Your love will guide us, Your strength will empower us, and Your light will illuminate our way. May we walk forward together in unity and hope, ever mindful of the love that binds us all.

Amen.

—Rev Fr. Joe Ellis

† The Hand Of Heaven Or Random Happenstance..?

I have been following an archbishop who resides in Canada on social media for the past four years. Today, while at Costa Coffee in M20 Folkestone Services, Kent, England, I was studying theology on my iPad while wearing headphones. There is nothing uncommon about this; it is a routine that I perform on a regular basis while sipping on a medium glass of flavoured hot milk (a single shot, whole milk latte).

An hour prior to commencing my theology studies, I was perusing posts by the Archbishop in question, Joel Dooley on Instagram.

I perceived a shadowy presence in Costa, and upon rising, I was taken aback by the sight before me. The archbishop in question was standing in front of me and wished to extend a greeting as a fellow member of the clergy as he passed during his journey to Paris. I exclaimed, "My God, Bishop Dooley," to his surprise. He was taken aback by my knowledge of his identity prior to his ability to articulate it.

We exchanged pleasantries, and I elaborated on my acquaintance with him. I extended an invitation to him and his companion to come for lunch and coffee. We devoted a significant amount of time to prayer and conversation. I presented the archbishop with the cross that I was wearing, and he reciprocated.

The entire experience today profoundly affected me. I was incredibly touched by it.
How did I follow Archbishop Dooley, who lives in Canada, and how did we cross paths in England, both wearing clergy collars?

Was the event a divine intervention or a mere coincidence?

† Blog

The blog has been updated as of the 22 December 2025, ‘Spiritual Celebrations or Affluent Gatherings: Finding Christmas Joy’ which can be accessed by clicking the blog tab on the menu or here

🎼 Pearl Wedding Anniversary

Although my wife Sandra and I have been together for 36 years, we recently (16 December 2-2025) commemorate our 30th Pearl Wedding Anniversary.

I have composed a song titled Through the Ups and Downs as one of the gifts for my wife; please click here to listen to it if you are interested. Song lyrics are also visible on the page as well as the music (score) sheet.

† Buy Me A Coffee

Please consider buying me a coffee. This will assist me with my plan to distribute Aldi gift cards to those in need. Click here to visit my Buy Me A Coffee page.

† Overcoming Busy Schedules: My Commitment To Helping Those In Need

Although I have a busy schedule, I still make time to help others.

My wife, Sandra, and two of my friends are now recovering from cancer. All three are clear of it. I have always supported all three constantly, not just via prayers but hands-on, and will continue to support them in the future.

During times of darkness, one realises how fleeting life truly is, and I frequently ponder the reasons behind the pervasive turbulence in the world. We all have life, so why not lead it in an enjoyable way and avoid conflict and violence..?

Kindness is one of my greatest passions. Helping others, especially those in most need. The hand of compassion is a powerful act. Please consider doing the same.

🎼 Don't Come Around Here

My new release, "Don’t Come Around Here," is now available online, where you can hear the song, view the lyrics, and see the music sheet alongside the press release by clicking the songs tab above.