Resources

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 […]

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

There is so much that can and has been said about God. The ways in which God’s work and presence are experienced in the Bible and in your life. Take a few moments to list some of God’s attributes that come to mind. You might begin with: Faithful Refuge All Knowing Safe place Just Love and

I have written some thoughts about Moses and the burning bush before, but it seems that I have arrived there again, drawn this time, to a different phrase in the story. The second verse of Exodus 3 makes an interesting statement. Depending on which version of the Bible you happen to be reading, there are

I love reading the Psalms. They contain honesty, raw emotion, and yes, some puzzling statements. Spending time thinking about their content can be nurturing and restoring, but I sometimes forget that they were written by real people, people who had experience of God – both positive and puzzling experiences – who took the time to

There are times when I sense that I am with the God who is always with me. Times, usually unplanned, when I gain a glimpse of some new understanding that feeds my soul. Something in my spirit recognises that somehow this is a kind of revelation. Something that, if only I can grasp hold of

As I look out of my window today I see what might be considered ‘unseasonal’ weather, for it is May and there is sleet falling from the sky. As I continue to write, the sun begins to shine but the temperature is still colder than I would like, or might expect. We are familiar with

Take a look at Psalm 136 – the pattern is easy to see. I remember as a child reading this psalm as a ‘responsive reading’ in church. One half of the church would read the first line and the other side the alternate. I felt as if I had pulled the short straw when all

In the previous resource I suggested how we might read the Psalms differently. Here is another way you could try. Read the same Psalm again, preferably, but not necessarily out loud, but this time change the emphasis as you do so. Not in any particular order but emphasise the words used to refer to God,

While the Psalms are all beautiful poetry in their own right, there are ways to read them which help to engage with them on a more relational level. This resource and the following one, give you a couple of suggestions. Choose a Psalm and read it slowly out loud. Allow yourself to stop on words