Browse Blogs

28 July 2021

Invited on a journey of discovery

Elizabeth Neep, commissioning editor at SPCK, explains the idea behind new spiritual formation imprint, Form

Faith

28 July 2021

Spiritual journalling 

Maxine Hallett encourages us to record how we are feeling, what we are learning and the prayers that God is answering  

Faith

21 July 2021

Enjoy the journey

You may be wondering what pilgrimage and the end of lockdown have in common. Having recently walked from Winchester to Canterbury, Penelope Swithinbank offers up three Ps – possessions, purpose and people – to help us link the two

Faith

7 July 2021

Support seafarers

Ros Downs encourages us all to pray for merchant seafarers and their families this Sea Sunday, 11 July, as well as consider how we can support them

Faith

1 July 2021

Faith in their futures

Emma Borquaye, the founder of Girl Got Faith, encourages us to help the teenagers in our lives have confidence in who God has made them to be

Faith

28 June 2021

‘My daughter has been in a coma for nearly six months’

Karen Young shares candidly about the excruciatingly difficult journey her family is currently on, and reflects on what she has learned about those moments when God says: “Not yet.”

Faith

3 June 2021

Struggling with my faith

Maxine Hallett shares honestly about her recent dark moods, which she has discovered are due to the menopause, and how they have made her feel far from God.

Faith

2 June 2021

Community and creation

Margot R Hodson, director of theology and education at the John Ray Initiative, shares how their village grew community at the same time as caring for creation

Faith

1 June 2021

Praising through the pain

Songwriter and worship leader Sarah Téibo shares candidly how hard it can be to worship in the most excruciating moments of life – and yet encourages us all to do so.

Faith

24 May 2021

On the ground in Israel

Elizabeth Atteih is based in Haifa, where her husband is pastor of their church. Here she describes what life was like during the latest escalation of the conflict between Israel and Palestine – and how she feels about the current cease fire.

Faith

6 May 2021

Shame and the Church

Have you ever felt like you don’t quite fit in at church or that somehow you are inadequate? Dr Sally Nash has done research into people’s experiences of shame within churches. She shares her findings here with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues.

Faith

22 April 2021

What the minor prophets can teach us about suffering

Where do you turn to when you’re struggling? Chances are that you don’t turn to the books of the minor prophets in the Bible, but author Debbie Duncan shared with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues why these books are full of gems that are helpful for life in the 21st century.

Faith

14 April 2021

‘Angels appear to me’

Minister Charlynne Boddie has had numerous angelic encounters. Here is a snippet of the story she shared with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues.

Faith

8 April 2021

Finding hope in the wilderness

There has been a lot of talk about hope in recent days. We remain hopeful that lockdown will continue to ease in the way the government has outlined. We are hopeful that we can visit friends and family – and even stay with them. We hope that we will soon be able to sing alongside our church family again.

Faith

16 March 2021

'Jesus appeared to me in a dream'

Like Joseph in the Bible, Naomi Chamroo grew up having dreams that confused both her and her family. She tells Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues how an encounter with God gave her the answers she was searching for

Faith

12 March 2021

‘I’m not a mum but I’ll be celebrating mother’s day this year’

A traumatic baby loss meant Woman Alive editor Tola-Doll Fisher avoided Mother’s Day for years. Here’s why she wants this year to be different

Faith

8 March 2021

God in the mess 

Meet Clare and Lydia. Two women of faith who support young people coming out of homelessness, leaving behind care, traumatic childhoods or abusive relationships. 

Faith

8 March 2021

IWD 2021: Thank you to our women of faith 

When my synagogue put out its first call for Covid volunteers, incredibly now a full year ago, over 600 replied, and 75% of them were women. I for one was not remotely surprised. 

Faith

1 March 2021

Learning to celebrate in a time of lament

We are in difficult times but we can choose to focus on God’s goodness as we celebrate each other this month in International Women’s Day and Mothering Sunday

Faith

19 February 2021

Do we need a #MeToo movement for women in The Church?

Woman Alive editor Tola-Doll Fisher shares her personal experience of abuse in the Church and says we need to ask some hard questions about our culture

Faith

14 February 2021

A different kind of love story

This Valentine's Day, Woman Alive editor Tola-Doll Fisher wonders why we only attribute 1 Corinthians 13 to marriage ceremonies...

Faith

13 February 2021

How has COVID-19 affected our attitude towards Ash Wednesday?

Writer Florence Gildea encourages us to use this time to reflect on God's blessing of humanity

Faith

3 February 2021

Can Elton John really help us think about Lent?

Rachel Mann's latest book is a Lent course based on the Elton John film, Rocketman

Faith

19 January 2021

Violence against Christians in Nigeria is spiralling out of control

In 2017 Amina was part of a group kidnapped by Muslim terrorists and held hostage for eight months. Five years before, the terrorists came to her home and slaughtered her husband. Premier reporter Tola Mbakwe spoke with Amina about her experience

Faith

18 January 2021

Let God help you redefine 'Blue Monday'

As Christians, we should look to change the narrative of what is said to be the most depressing day of the year

Faith

22 December 2020

Will a lockdown Christmas bring us closer to God?

COVID-19 has forced many of us to scale down our Christmas plans but writer Sheila Jacobs says that may turn out to be a blessing

Faith

22 December 2020

Feelings of sin and guilt can separate us from God

Maxine Hallett reflects on the doubts and insecurities than can so often push us away from the God who loves us

Faith

21 December 2020

‘I hope the COVID-19 vaccine might help me get my freedom back’

With news of a more serious wave of the COVID-19 virus, a Home Help for Age UK is relieved that her neighbour and friend is now further protected

Faith

14 December 2020

COVID-19 vaccine available in GP surgeries

A Christian GP comments on the recent news that the COVID-19 vaccine is being made available to patients from GP surgeries in more than 100 locations in England

Faith

10 December 2020

My children were sexually abused

Debi Ray Rivers is founder of SCARS, a ministry seeking to educate adults about sex abuse in an attempt to prevent it happening to children. She herself was the product of rape and was abused as a child, so it was heart-breaking when she discovered a family member had been abusing her daughters. She shared the story with Premier radio presenter, Maria Rodrigues

Faith

9 December 2020

Women around the world are bracing for a hard Christmas

As countries implemented lockdown measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus, violence against women, especially domestic violence, intensified this year. The UN is calling on activists and civil society groups to wear the colour orange to raise awareness of the many women in vulnerable positions around the world

Faith

3 December 2020

Finding God in broken dreams

Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues spoke to author Rachel Wright about the way God has taught her important lessons through the difficult path she has walked parenting a child with disabilities

Faith

1 December 2020

‘Everyone looks forward to Christmas except me’

Author Sheila Jacobs explains why Christmas has never been her favourite time of year

Faith

29 November 2020

What does Christmas mean to Jesus?

A new book on advent offers a unique take on the Christmas season

Faith

26 November 2020

There are more important things in life than walking

Joni Eareckson Tada shares how she learned to be thankful for God’s sovereignty 

Faith

24 November 2020

The Queen we don’t see on TV's 'The Crown'

Faith is a key component to the Queen’s remarkable longevity, explains lifestyle researcher Bryan Kozlowski in this excerpt from his new book, Long Live the Queen! 23 Rules for Living from Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch

Faith

6 November 2020

It is not well with my soul

What truths can you turn to when the world is crumbling around you?

Faith

30 October 2020

Dilemma over my dying dog

Premier radio presenter Selene Jordan explains the wrestle she had with her beloved pet

Faith

17 October 2020

A prayer for a life in ruins

Sometimes we wonder where God is when shadows seem too deep. But author Liz Carter says it's sometimes in the darkest corners we find unexpected treasure

Faith

13 October 2020

A lesson from baby loss

Woman Alive editor Tola-Doll Fisher explains how God invited her to bless pregnant women rather than envying them following the death of her own daughter

Faith

1 October 2020

What has God called you to do in this season?

Iona Rossely, once a speed skier hurtling through life at an incredible pace, shares how slowing down to listen to God has become her new mission

Faith

24 September 2020

Engaging millennials in mission 

Compassion’s Jared Brown shares what he learned from 100 young people about their heart for others 

Faith

22 September 2020

Would you give up everything to follow Jesus?

Sheila Jacobs reflects on what this call meant for the first disciples and whether she would have done the same

Faith

14 September 2020

‘Nearing death doesn’t make my life any less valuable’

Carrie-Jade Williams continues to share the lessons she has learned since being diagnosed with a terminal degenerative illness while in her twenties

Faith

11 September 2020

Friday reflections – Living in the now

Writer Sheila Jacobs shares the lessons she has learned from Ignatian prayer

Faith

7 September 2020

‘My terminal illness is helping me to plant seeds of faith’

Many of us have talked about 2020 being “cancelled” because of COVID-19. But Carrie-Jade Williams knows her time is limited so she is using it to live a full, Christ-centred life

Faith

1 September 2020

‘God has always been with me, even when I did not recognise him’

A reverend with a penchant for painting shares how this therapeutic practice allowed her to confront her struggles with faith

Faith

31 August 2020

‘Either God heals me or he calls me home, and both are miracles.’

A terminally ill woman in her 20s shares the surprising reactions to her diagnosis from her church community

Faith

25 August 2020

Is Jesus still enough?

Many people have said that they drew closer to God during lockdown but for others, it has exposed profound isolation

Faith

24 August 2020

‘I’ve got five years left to live’

A woman in her 20s recalls the moment her doctor told her she had a degenerative disease

Faith

21 August 2020

God may surprise you

Writer and Editor Sheila Jacobs was recovering from a debilitating illness when she finally stepped into the calling on her life. Could now be the time for you to step into yours?

Faith

14 July 2020

Six things you need to know about life with God

In August we start a new series on the life lessons from ordinary women of faith. Rosalie is in her 70s, here are six key things she wants to share with you

Faith

1 July 2020

What are you sowing in this season? 

Lisa Bevere shares what God has been saying to her during lockdown, why her new book Strong is so relevant for these times and why she rejects the message she has consistently heard – that she is ‘too strong’ 

Faith

14 May 2020

A prayer for freedom

Today is Leah Sharibu’s birthday. CSW is inviting us to pray for her release on this special day when this teenager remains far from family and friends

Faith

12 May 2020

“When this is over, I’m going to dance”

Kiri Kankhwende suffers from a chronic condition which affects her immune system. Here she explains the unexpected healing she has experienced during lockdown

Faith

29 April 2020

‘I’m using my time on furlough to finish my novel’

Once over the shock, an anonymous reader says being furloughed could be a blessing in disguise

Faith

28 April 2020

For many people with disabilities, isolation is nothing new

Wheelchair user Fiona Gosden says the current universal experience in lockdown is what disabled people have always known

Faith

27 April 2020

God’s presence is what he promises… and it’s more than enough 

Glenna Marshall explains to Claire Musters that, even through immense suffering, she has learned that God’s presence is the only answer to our heart’s longings 

Faith

25 April 2020

Our silence betrays Nigeria’s massacred Christians

Charity Open Doors report on why we should be praying for our sisters and brothers overseas

Faith

24 April 2020

A prayer for unborn children

Reader Angie Jones is supporting the call to prayer by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children

Faith

3 April 2020

We need to pray for our nation

Pastor John of Strengthen the Faithful felt God guide him to write the Wartime Miracles Leaflet and circulate it around thousands of churches and prayer groups. It calls for Christians to earnestly intercede with Almighty God for our nation, in the knowledge of how he so clearly answered similar prayers of faith during the Second World War

Faith

1 April 2020

‘The foundations on which we have built our lives are crumbling' 

In this personal essay, Angie Jones says at the heart of the current pandemic, is a cry for us all to come back to God 

Faith

30 March 2020

The day Whatsapp caught fire

As the arrival of Coronavirus sparks a blaze across social media, journalist Mary Joseph describes how SAT-7’s voice is being heard above the clamour while the country’s churches are silenced

Faith

22 March 2020

There are always empty seats in Church on Mothering Sunday

Today, most if not all churches in the UK will be empty. But Lizzie Lowrie reminds us that even before the Corona Virus pandemic, many avoid church every year on Mothering Sunday

Faith

18 March 2020

God vs COVID-19

Woman Alive contributor Maxine Hallett wonders where we find God when the world seems in turmoil amongst the Corona Virus pandemic

Faith

24 February 2020

Plugging into the power

Penelope Wilcock shows us how women were empowered in Luke’s Gospel, and encourages us to seek the power of the Holy Spirit in our own lives

Faith

24 January 2020

Trusting God – in the good and bad times

Nancy Goudie tells us about the incredible ministry she and her husband set up, and how she learned to truly trust God

Faith

17 December 2019

“The God I’ve encountered is different to what you’re making him sound like now”

​Katia Adams spoke to Claire Musters about a childhood begun in Iran, seeing the radical faith of her parents and grandparents outworked, feeling called to be a leader – and why she had to wrestle with the gender debate for herself.

Faith

26 November 2019

Sing your way through suffering

When we sing to the Lord, it can bring healing of a different kind says Joni Eareakson Tada

Faith

22 October 2019

Bible feasting

God’s Word is food for the soul and he has prepared a feast for us, says Sandy Mayle ...

Faith

20 August 2019

Bouquets and barbed wire

Life doesn’t always work out how we planned, but we can trust God to lead us through, says Penelope Wilcock

Faith

25 June 2019

Why we gather together

Meeting together as the Church on Sunday is more than singing a few songs, listening to a sermon and sharing coffee afterwards, says Mark Waterfield

Faith

13 June 2019

The Fatherhood of God

God wants a real relationship with each one of us, says Tracy Williamson, who shares how her relationship with God has changed

Faith

28 May 2019

Creative ways to pray

Sometimes we struggle to find the words to express our hopes, fears or failings in prayer. Here are seven creative ideas to help us draw near to the one who is always ready to meet with us

Faith

30 April 2019

Book now for our 2019 conference!

How the psalms can help us pray through all life's experiences

Faith

23 December 2018

The truth about Christmas

It goes so much deeper than a baby born in a manger, says Veronica Zundel

Faith

18 December 2018

The faith of Martha

There’s more to her story than being preoccupied with routine, says Elaine Storkey.

Faith

2 December 2018

A prayer for Christmas

Faith

18 September 2018

12 ways to study the Bible

Sometimes trying something new is the key to unlocking God’s Word ...

Faith

26 June 2018

Six tips for a holy holiday

Jo Swinney says holidays are an opportunity to refresh our body, mind and spirit

Faith

10 April 2018

How I learnt to see myself as God sees me

What do you believe about yourself? Jo Swinney shares what helped her to leave behind a poor self-image

Faith

27 March 2018

Keep your face to the Son

Joni Eareckson Tada recalls spring days on the family farm and the lesson of the tomato seed

Faith

20 February 2018

What the women of the Bible can teach us today

Elaine Storkey begins a new series of studies focusing on women in the Bible and the challenges they faced.

Faith

23 January 2018

How to finish well

Confronting the idea of our own mortality or losing those we love is something most people avoid, but in doing so we relinquish control of what happens to us in our final moments and we miss out on a great opportunity, says Ann Clifford.

Faith

28 November 2017

Facing the year ahead

Have you suffered a difficult year – or years? Anne Le Tissier draws lessons and encouragement from the life of David

Faith

12 September 2017

I'm just a mum who paints

Hannah Dunnett’s watercolour paintings combined with Scripture are sold throughout the UK. She talks to Sandie Shirley about how it all began ...

Faith

16 August 2017

Do you reflect the kindness of God?

This heart-warming story challenges us to consider how we treat others, says Anne Le Tissier ...

Faith

8 August 2017

Joni Eareckson Tada

The Japanese art form that teaches us about God's grace

Faith

2 May 2017

Thy Kingdom Come

Inspiring stories from women who took part last year

Faith

21 March 2017

What I've learned about prayer

Pete Greig talks to Claire Musters about the struggles, the miracles and the lessons he's learned about talking with God ...

Faith

1 February 2017

How do you react under pressure?

Anne Le Tissier explores the life of King David and draws out some lessons on how handle stress in a godly way ...

Faith

1 February 2017

When God says, "Not Yet"

Lyndall Bywater shares her journey of faith and how she coped with waiting for one of her prayers to be answered ...

Faith

12 September 2016

Bible art

Find a new way of engaging with scripture using creativity. Deborah Gregg shows us what she has been doing ...

Faith

15 August 2016

Draw closer to God

Liz Jennings explores ways to tap into your creativity and allow God to speak to you ...

Faith

8 June 2016

A mouse and a lobster

Two very different creatures, but God used them both to encourage Jennifer Rees Larcombe ...

Faith

8 June 2016

My season of searching

Sarah Bessey loved Jesus, but left church disillusioned. She tells Amy Boucher Pye about the struggles she faced – and how she came to return ...

Faith

5 May 2016

Not too late with God

Instead of allowing failure or wrong choices to hold us back. Anne Le Tissier shows how God can offer us second chances ...

Faith

7 April 2016

Treasure hunters

Susan Baxter overcame her shyness and discovered she could share her faith through the Treasure Hunt Ministry. Here she explains ...

Faith

10 March 2016

Winter in your soul?

Jill Rattle explores the winter season of our souls and has tips on getting through when your faith is weak ...

Faith

10 March 2016

Will I have children?

Nicola Jackson shares how faith has helped her through the disappointment of failed attempts at having a baby ...

Faith

10 September 2015

Seeking guidance

In our preoccupation with making the 'right' decisions to know what to do next, Lucy Mills suggests the ways that God wants to lead us forward

Faith

12 May 2015

My real healing

Jennifer Rees Larcombe reflects on the emotional healing that took place six years before her physical healing miracle in 1990 ...

Faith

11 March 2015

My dream came true

When Lyn wrote out her future hopes, God took them literally ...

Faith

15 December 2014

God will never let go

Prison chaplain and radio presenter Sharon Grenham-Toze reveals how she discovered that God holds on to us through all situations

Faith

8 October 2014

Don't give up on church

Whatever our experiences of church, Amy Boucher-Pye explains why church is God's vessel on earth and we should not give up on it.

Faith

8 October 2014

Now faith is real

Kasey Van Norman reveals how God used her life-threatening physical illness to challenge her faith and make it more real than she had even known before

Faith

13 March 2014

Walk way of St James

Stephanie Pena shares her experience of when she and her family followed an ancient pilgrim way

Faith

14 October 2013

Andrew's homecoming

A touching short story by Fran Bovington

Faith

14 August 2013

The confidence gap

Nicola Hulks on your confidence ... and God's plans

Faith

7 January 2013

February 2013 Into the Word

God is always ready to forgive and enable us to move on, says Anne Le Tissier

Faith

7 December 2012

January 2013 Living Faith

Discover why being thankful can be a blessing – and how you can nurture a thankful heart

Faith

2 April 2012

May 2012 My Story

How a brush with death gave a pregnant nurse a fresh outlook

Faith