Encounters with the divine in Barcelona!

As part of my healing journey, I am privileged to travel. Even in days of difficult international news, travelling reminds me that there is still a beautiful world out there, rich in love and creativity.

I am spending some time in Barcelona, which is so inspiring. I have visited The Sagrada Familia, one of Gaudi’s most amazing works, a basilica very much inspired by his Catholic faith. It is commonly known as ‘ the cathedral of light’ and is a stunningly beautiful place of worship, inspired by sunlight, by the natural lines and colours of creation and a deep reverence for Jesus Christ. The towers, the carvings of the gospels stories, and the intricate carvings of animals and flowers make it a place to keep going back to. Even in the midst of enormous crowds, it is possible to find quiet moments of awe and wonder and worship.

Another day I went to the Santa Maria de Montserrat monastery. This is up in the

Pyrenees mountains, a village built round a Benedictine monastery- described as a place of encounter and prayer. The monastery was founded in 1025. The location itself was breathtaking with the famous serrated edged mountains as the backdrop.

It was a deeply spiritual time, being in such a distinctive mountain area, and a place of prayer and worship. There is a beautiful story of Ignatius of Loyola’s time here in 1522, and his encounter with God, which was decisive in his decision to leave his old life behind, and then go to Manresa, where he felt called to a new spiritual path. This came about through a time prayer in the basilica, and reminds us of how God can work powerfully through the power of prayer, to change the direction of our lives.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16 it says ‘pray without ceasing’. Whether we are in the most amazing church, high in a mountain retreat, or sitting in the house, God calls us to pray, and to spend time in His loving presence. This is a glorious invitation, to meet with Him, to find forgiveness for the things that trouble our souls, and to find new direction and purpose for our lives. May we be open to that encounter with God wherever we might be.

Gracious God, You delight when your children choose to spend time with You. Forgive us that we get so easily distracted, and postpone coming into your presence. You welcome us like the best parent, eyes filled with love and mercy. Lord Jesus, Your love brings us acceptance and grace. You forgive us our sin and bring us peace. You inspire us with Your glory and purity, and your Holy Spirit speaks to us of a new path ahead, for which You equip us so meaningfully and generously. Help us to surrender to You, and trust Your call, in Jesus name, Amen.

Carried by prayer!

Recent weeks have been tough. I have had to change direction in my life, and although I know it was the right thing to do, I am grieving over the people I miss, and the calling I love. It is a desert time.

Yet in the midst of my sadness and loss, I have been so encouraged by the people who have been thoughtful and prayerful. I am so grateful for people’s understanding and compassion. I am so tempted to judge myself, that I appreciate when others don’t make my burden heavier by their critical spirit. Every prayerful, gracious response has strengthened me.

It reminds us as a community to be kind to each other. When some one is struggling, then taking time to pray can just make such a difference. Even in my sorrow and questioning, I feel carried by prayer. Sometimes the right person has turned up at a crucial time, or a message of support has lifted me up. And I believe that it is through prayer that these miraculous things have happened, and I am deeply grateful.

Jesus talked about prayer in Luke chapter 18 when he spoke of the persistent widow and said to his disciples that they should pray and not give up. The 19th century poet Tennyson said ‘ more things are wrought by prayer, than this world dreams of’. This is such a powerful quotation, and inspires us that when we pray, God can change things for good.

We are not to make a spectacle about prayer, it is often a quiet occupation, just in our room in the beginning or evening of the day. Although we don’t always see the fruit of our prayer, when we get to heaven, we will have a better understanding. And when we see the majesty and goodness and love of God, we will be humbled indeed. Meantime, even though I feel spiritually battered and sore, I am so grateful to be carried by prayer, surrounded by love and so wonderfully blessed.

Gracious God, You have loved us since before the beginning of time. We are made in Your image, bought at a price through Jesus’ death on the cross, forgiven and set free. Yet sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we are enmeshed in things which pull us down and make us self doubt. Lord Jesus Christ, for all who are struggling, bring your healing grace, and minister to us by the power of your Holy Spirit. May the prayers and encouragement of loving people, bring restoration of identity and the truth that sets us free. Help us to persevere in prayer, through which God does amazing and beautiful things, Amen.

An undergirding of grace and prayer….

Thanksgiving!

Just celebrated Thanksgiving in America with my beautiful friends. It is a day of coming together, sharing food, and being grateful. It is not pretending that everything is ok in the world, because it so isn’t! But it is a day dedicated to noticing and appreciating what we have.

The last 10 months have been a time of profound sadness at the illness and death of my mum. I am so thankful for her life, and her love and her character! Spending time with my mum was always a joy. Losing your second parent is difficult in so many ways, as you suddenly realise that you are the adult, and you see the world in a different light. Grieving her loss, and coming to terms with a new reality is painful.

Yet I also notice the presence of God in all that has taken place, and have experienced an undergirding of grace. His grace has been revealed in moments of insight, a listening ear, acts of incredible kindness, times of being carried, even in the darkest and bewildering of days.

When we are suffering, it can be hard to focus in prayer, and I think it is then that the prayers of others sustain us. Prayers said on our behalf, can lift us up when we are despairing, guide us when we are unsure, and bring just the right person into our lives when we need it. The power of prayer can never be underestimated. It is the most pure expression of love.

And so I can say with the psalmist ‘ Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.’ In psalm 136 verse 1. We are to give thanks in all circumstances, even just for a whisper of love in a moment of anguish, a flickering flame of illunination even on a dull day. We notice His hand at work, and we rejoice that our names are written on the palm of His hand.

Gracious God, You say to us that you do not snuff out a smouldering wick, or break a bruised reed. When we feel vulnerable and broken, You treat us tenderly, and your gracious love restores our humanity. Lord Jesus, even on the bleakest days, may we be aware of Your invisible hand of love. Thank you for the power of prayer to sustain and to encourage and to bless. Holy spirit, may we recommit ourselves to pray for others, for healing and strength and wellbeing. And in all things, may we be attentive to your grace and loving provision, and be deeply thankful, Amen.