On Test

Dear friends,

It is exam season. Students up and down the country are sitting papers of all kinds. Written papers, practical assessments, sometimes even the dreaded “viva voce”. GCSE’s, A levels, Degree finals, Dissertations, Master’s, Bar exams, Professional examinations. Qualification, accreditation, authorisation, refreshers, life is full of tests, as necessary rehearsals for the stresses that will come, and (one hopes) providing a level of skills sufficient for some of the tasks that life in the workplace does require.

It would be pleasant to live in a world without any trials or tests, for a while at least – perhaps that is what we mean by a holiday – but the world as we know it is full of pressure and trouble. Scripture is a help for us, because from it we learn that God also looks at us, deep within, and discerns our heart. The papers we may face in the exam hall are but preparations for the learning that our hearts have to do as we journey through this life in its entirety. Our testing in this world, in all its ways, is a part of our discipleship towards the heavenly city.

King David knew this 1000 years before Christ, when he prayed:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-4)

Worship Services for Sunday 21st June 2026

9.30am Informal Worship at St John’s Stoke Row with Mr Peter Ferguson

11am Family Service at St Peter and Paul, Checkendon with Canon Kevin Davies. A simple and informal celebration with the Checkendon church music group.

Midweek zoom service: Wednesday Evensong at 5.00pm  410 935 129

Pray Today

Remember before God any students of whatever age and stage known to you. “Perseverance produces character, and character, hope.” (Romans 5:4)

Please pray too for those among us who are being tested by a serious medical condition, or who are caring for someone who is vulnerable and/or elderly. May God’s grace be seen and received among us.

Give thanks for all those who are coming to an end in a different kind of way, and finishing primary or secondary school in the next month. Members of the Checkendon community are warmly invited to join with the Primary School pupils and parents for their End of Year service in Checkendon Church, on 15th July at 2.30pm. Please pray that those who are nervous about going to “big” school will find a welcome and be confident to make new friends. “We walk by faith, and not by sight“. (2Cor 5:7)

We continue to pray for peace, and mercy, in a world where perfection is paraded, but not always possible. I’ll give St Paul the last words, as he sums things up very well:

Live in peace with each other.  And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.  Rejoice always,  pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  Do not quench the Spirit.  (1 Thessalonians 5:13-19)

May the Lord be with you, in whatever test you find yourself sitting.

Your Rector, Canon Kevin