Simon Benham’s Blog
Hello, and thanks for making it to my blog. My name is Simon and I am the Senior Pastor here at Kerith Community Church.
This blog is a place for me to share thoughts on pretty much anything which takes my interest. This will often be related to things happening in our church community or life lessons I am in the process of learning. It could also be reflections on current world events, reviews of books I am reading or commentary on how well Newcastle United are doing in the league! You just never know what you're going to get...
I hope you find this blog interesting and insightful. If you have any ideas on topics you'd like me to write about, then please email me and I’ll see what I can do. Also, if you’d like to get these blogs sent straight to your email inbox, you can subscribe using the button below.
Happy reading,
Simon
Week of Prayer & Fasting - ‘Be still and know…’ (Psalm 46:10)
As our Week of Prayer and Fasting comes to a close, today invites us to pause and simply be still with God. Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.” After a week of breathing in His presence and breathing out His love, the deepest work happens when we stop striving and rest in His care. Today is about surrender, reflection, and welcoming God’s peace into our hearts. Whether the week has been joyful or challenging, take a deep breath, let go of worry, and listen for His voice. As we gather in worship and prayer across our sites, may this rhythm of stillness overflow into action, allowing His love to shine through us in all areas of life.
Week of Prayer - ‘show mercy and compassion to one another…’
In today’s Week of Prayer and Fasting 2025 devotional, we explore Zechariah 7:9–10: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another…” God reminds us that spiritual practices like prayer and fasting are not ends in themselves—they shape us to act with mercy and justice. As we breathe in God’s presence, we are called to breathe it out through tangible acts of love and care for the vulnerable around us. Let’s pray for hearts attuned to God’s compassion and lives committed to justice, mercy, and service.
Week of Prayer - ‘Let your light shine before others…’ (Matt 5:16)
In today’s Week of Prayer and Fasting 2025 devotional, we explore Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others…” We are called not only to breathe in God’s presence but also to breathe it out—living faithfully in our families, workplaces, schools, and communities. Through small acts of love, patience, and integrity, God’s presence becomes tangible to those around us. Join us in praying for grace to be a faithful presence in every sphere of life and to reflect Christ’s love in everything we do.
Week of Prayer - ‘He breathed on them…’ (John 20:21-22)
In today’s Week of Prayer and Fasting 2025 devotional, we reflect on Jesus’ words in John 20:21–22: “He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” Amid life’s noise and hurry, we are invited to pause, breathe in God’s presence, and let His Spirit renew us with peace and purpose. Join us as we pray for fresh awareness of the Holy Spirit and embrace rhythms that draw us closer to Him.
