God is a beckoning word. I was struck some years ago by this phrase. It caused me to stop and ponder for many reasons, including the way that it frames God as a verb – not something restricted to a noun, a definable thing. But also because it suggests that the divine is welcoming, enticing, […]
Do we believe that God is ‘out there’ somewhere? To be accessed; reached; That there are ways of reaching the divine Which can only be explained and to which there are instructions Or Do we believe that God is within; nearer than our very breath Who is mystery and can only be encountered In the
Do We Believe That God Is… Read More »
We find this request from Jesus’ disciples in Matthew 6:9 and Luke 11:2 and his response is well known. How many times have you said what we now call ‘The Lord’s Prayer’? How many books have you read or sermons have you heard, expounding the words, dissecting their meaning? Whilst all of this has its
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It is noticeable that much of Jesus’ teaching was gleaned from, or based on, his environment. He spoke of shepherds and builders; vines and bread; fishing, and farmers. Did these ideas just pop into his head at an opportune moment, or had they grown over time, out of his own observations? Perhaps these images had
Why Do We Make It Complicated? Read More »
The death of what I thought was trueThe death of all I cling toHad considered without thoughtHad accepted without soul’s hearing These, as leaf scar is the place of budHave allowed in their departureThe new to be released To grow Form FlourishThe day may come when now must fall Lived out
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May we be willing to be unsettled Even as we are safely held.May we have the courage to look in the places we have hidden Even as you cradle the darkness.May the challenge of reality beckon Because we know you walk with us.
Have you ever thought that? Perhaps for you, it’s the present tense. Where is God, now? We are encouraged to believe that God is always present and yet there are times when he seems to be utterly absent; and so often our perception is that we are alone when we need help the most. This
As with many of the exercises I offer, this one uses a well known Psalm to help us focus on our relationship with God. It was written by a shepherd who lived outside for much of his life, this affects the imagery that he uses and his awareness of his heritage is also revealed in
Contemplation on Psalm 121 Read More »
I wonder what you think of when you hear the word ‘worship’? I wonder what it means to you? Sunday worship? Songs? A lifestyle? Take a moment to sift through your thoughts. What is worship? I suggest that, whatever else, worship is a recognition of who God is. If we ponder on the God we
Before reading the psalm, take some time to stop and still yourself. It may help to take a few intentional deep breaths; noticing but not being drawn into what is going on in the physical space around you. Take a moment to speak with God about how you are feeling and what you are hoping
Writing Your Own Psalm Based On Psalm 130 Read More »
