Praying for Nelson Mandela

It was reported in the news this morning that Nelson Mandela is seriously ill in a South African hospital and that nation is preparing for the worst.  The weather was duller for the early part of the morning but brightened up as I left church.  I was on duty at All Saints today acting as Intercessor. My prayers included Nelson Mandela and the Duke of Edinburgh who are both in hospital at the moment.   Sara and the children stayed at home – Sara is still frantically decorating and preparing for the visit of her father and Andrea from the States on Wednesday.  Today was not only the anniversary of Sara’s mother’s birthday but also the 50^th birthday of Judith, the Rector’s wife who led the service and preached the sermon this morning.  This afternoon I cleaned the lower guttering and fascia boards of the house, did some gardening and also went for a later afternoon stroll in Bentley Wood.  This evening saw me, with the rest of the “Last of the Summer Wine” quiz team at the Lion’s Head where, true to form, we won the quiz with a six point margin.  Another bottle of white wine to add to the collection.