Sometimes very good people - even those of good faith and good will - have different opinions on important issues. Paul fought some of the leaders in Jerusalem over the admission of gentile converts to the faith. He believed that simple faith in Jesus was enough while others held that the converts must first become fully Jewish. There are no 'good guys' and 'bad guys' in this story - all were sincere and passionate in their beliefs. We now agree that Paul was 'right' but that doesn't detract from the others. Perhaps in our controversies today we could be more respectful of those who hold different views and extend the hand of friendship to them too. Things only become clear when we look back to the past.

Prayer should be short and simple but from the heart. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray and he gave them the Our Father (Luke's version is shorter than Matthew's) as a formula for spiritual living. It is simple: always recognize the power and sovereignty of God, the oneness of humanity and of God, and the need to live a life that gives honor to God. Make way for God's rule and pray that God's will rather than ours be done on earth. Be content with what God gives us each day and do not be aggressive or greedy. Finally, when the struggles of life test us may we be strong in faith and not give in to cynicism or despair. If we live by these principles each day then we walk the path of God.