Saturday 1st August

Weekend puzzle time!

How about an online game of scrabble, against the computer?





A verse you might like to reflect upon, today...

The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.

Romans 8.26




♫  Extreme - More Than Words

Friday 31st July

Rosa the 'prayer plant' again... this time lifting her leaves because it's getting late.

She's a great reminder that prayer is something that should form part of every day
(her leaves moving around all day is a good reminder that our lives should be a prayer, too, I find)

I wonder, today...

...what are you praying about, at the moment?




For reflection today?
Philippians 4.4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.




♫  Father hear the prayer we offer

Today the Church remembers William Wilberforce, Olaudah Equiano and Thomas Clarkson...

A short reflection for today:

William Wilberforce, Olaudah Equiano and Thomas Clarkson were campaigners for the abolition of slavery.

Their efforts helped lead to the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.

Yet... there are frequent news stories about modern slavery. The Black Lives Matter movement exists. There have been recent, as well as older, scandals like the treatment of The Windrush Generation. The statistics about skin colour and police 'stop and search' are troubling to say the least - as well as so many other race related statistics.

Slavery might now be illegal, but it still exists, and equality has definitely not yet been achieved.

This is one reason why the fourth of The Five Marks of Mission reads:

'To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation'

Part of our calling, as members of the Body of Christ, is to seek to transform society, challenging injustice wherever it is found.





♫  One Tribe - Black Eyed Peas

Today the Church remembers Mary, Martha and Lazarus...

Mary, Martha and Lazarus...



Mary, who sat at Jesus' feet and listened to him:

♫  I heard the voice of Jesus say




Martha, who was eager to serve Jesus, and provide hospitality for him:

Matthew 25.35-40
Jesus said, 'I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” 

A passage to reflect on today?
Serving others doesn't always need grand gestures or great sacrifices. The 'little things', that don't necessarily seem much to us, are often some of the biggest ways we can serve others.




Lazarus, who Jesus raised from the dead:

The pandemic at the moment is making us all think, worry, and grieve...
A quick reminder of this link...How about lighting a virtual candle for a loved one?

Light a virtual candle for somebody


With that in mind, a tweet from Archbishop Justin Welby this week, in case it might speak to you at the moment:
The hardest bit of prayer is starting. So just start however you can – God will meet you where you are.

Tuesday 28th July

They say a picture speaks a thousand words...

For reflection, prayer, and inspiration today:

What does it say to you?

[Picture shows a close-up of some crochet stitches, with a white row being added to red ones.]

♫  Martin - I saw the Lord

Today the Church remembers Brooke Foss Westcott...

Brooke Foss Westcott, whose name was used to rename the Cambridge Clergy Training School, which he was involved in founding - it is now known as Westcott House.

One of Westcott's priorities as Bishop of Durham was social justice, which fits wonderfully with the verse that was chosen for the icon in the chapel at Westcott House. As I've mentioned before, it says, 'you did not choose me, but I have chosen you'
It's from John 15.16. The verse continues, to say:
'You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last'

As a suggestion for reflection, and perhaps action, today... how about this way of looking at 'bearing fruit that will last'? - Given that it's not always possible to see the influence and impact we have on others, what fruit might so called 'random acts of kindness' bear?
And, from slightly more social justice leaning angle...when you receive acts of kindness, particularly in times of need, do you follow the idea of 'paying it forward'? - when times are better, showing similar kindness to someone else who is finding themselves in need.
Sometimes, fruit that you grew, because somebody else showed care for you, can provide sweetness to others. (To put it another way...  sometimes, you can be the answer to somebody else's prayers.)




A prayer of Westcott's, as a suggestion for reflection and prayer today:

'Grant that loving Christ, we may become daily more like him.'




♫  A kindness themed suggestion for today: Bastille - An Act of Kindness

Sunday 26th July

Weekend puzzle time!

How about a crossword today?





The (alternative) collect for today:

Generous God,
you give us gifts and make them grow:
though our faith is small as mustard seed,
make it grow to your glory
and the flourishing of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.




♫  Harwood - O how glorious is the kingdom

Today the Church remembers St James...

St James is often portrayed with scallop shells - or simply represented by a scallop shell symbol.

As the Church remembers him today, how about exploring these symbolic words? - Calligrams

It might be fun (and illuminating) to work out how you'd represent words to do with God, faith and church in this way...


how would you write God, church, faith, prayer, and Communion?

...what other words would you want to add to that list?



♫ A song by the band James - Come Home

Friday 25th July

Today I'll be visiting the hospital (not for reasons to do with my health).
It has made me reflect on healing, and what it means to be healed, and what it means to pray for healing.

I wonder if sometimes we make healing too narrow - there is far more to it than simply recovering from an illness or accident.

And pain itself is more than just the pain of an injury, or infection, or disease... loneliness, anxiety, guilt, despair, grief, longing, fear...and more.

Healing comes in many forms, too. Sometimes it is indeed the 'getting better' from an illness, but equally it can be a finding of strength, a renewal of relationships, a sense of peace, and many other things.
It is all of this that we can pray for, when we pray for healing.



A prayer for others, today, which also sums this up quite nicely:

Lord God, whose Son, Jesus Christ,
understood people's fear and pain
before they spoke of them,
we pray for those in hospital;
surround the frightened with your tenderness;
give strength to those in pain;
hold the weak in your arms of love,
and give hope and patience
to those who are recovering;
we ask this through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

(Prayer from here)

♫  A suggestion today of music to let wash over you... De noche iremos - Taize

Yesterday, the Church remembered St Mary Magdalene...

It's slightly ironic that the one saint that I made a mistake with the diary for is one of the most misunderstood and marginalised of them all...

...the saint who was the first person that the Risen Christ appeared to.

And so, today we focus on her - not just to 'keep' her Saint's day, but also as a symbolic reminder that while not everything can be 'fixed' (yesterday can't happen again today; a broken plate will always show signs of repair), God's grace always allows for second chances.



A suggested passage for reflection today:  John 20.1-2,11-18

 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.





Before a suggested prayer, here's a cartoon about Mary Magdalene.



and, the Collect for St Mary Magdalene:

Almighty God,

whose Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of mind and body

and called her to be a witness to his resurrection:

forgive our sins and heal us by your grace,

that we may serve you in the power of his risen life;

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

♫  And how about this for a musical suggestion today?   Dolly Parton - Just because I'm a woman

Wednesday 22nd July

Two photos, both taken from the same spot.

Perspective can change things enormously...   
...sometimes being too close to things can mean things seem bare and dull, because the vibrancy and growth of the 'full picture' can't be seen, for example.

I wonder, today, 
The things that are on your mind at the moment...
- How can you look at them differently?
- Does that give you any new insights?
(- and, have you 'viewed' them through prayer?)





Here's an article by Archbishop Justin Welby in which he talks about prayer, describing how it changed his 'entire perspective on what life should be about'.




♫ A musical suggestion for today: Duffy - Put it in Perspective

Tuesday 21st July

Biscuits made as a treat, and to go with a relaxing cup of tea.

I wonder, today...
...what have you done to relax recently?





Some verses for reflection:


Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work

Exodus 20. 8-10a

Jesus said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

Mark 6. 31

♫   Nina Simone - Feeling Good

Monday 20th July

A photo taken by my son, who noticed the effect the sunlight was having on the grass, making it shine gold.

I wonder, today...
...when has someone much younger than you shown you something you hadn't seen, or taught you something new?





And a Bible reading for reflection, today:

Now every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travellers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, ‘Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.’ He said to them, ‘Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’

Luke 2.41-49

♫  A piece my son is learning at the moment... Bach - Prelude in C major

Sunday 19th July

Weekend puzzle time!

(One that won't work on ipads/iphones, I'm afraid...)     Scalak





A prayer suggestion for today - one that's part of the Communion service, but that definitely fits at other times too:

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open,

all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden:

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

♫  A puzzle-related song suggestion today, with a puzzle too...
...can you work out how this song relates to *your* understanding of God, and of faith?
(are there any parts that jar/don't seem to fit? why?)

The Rolling Stones - Jigsaw puzzle

Saturday 18th July

I wonder, today...

...what would your ideal holiday be? ...and, why?

[photo shows a sandy beach, sea and blue sky.]

♫  Billie Holiday - Strange Fruit




A holiday might not be possible at the moment, but why not try taking the saying 'a change is as good as a rest' to heart? Perhaps move something sentimental to a different place in your home? You'll probably notice it more, because it's 'out of place', and it could be a prompt for reflection, prayer, or taking some time out?

Friday 17th July

The end of the school year!

I wonder today, for those moving to new schools or classes, and for all of us...
         ...where will our next steps take us?

[Photo shows stepping stones across a stream]

A prayer for today:

God of the ages,
you are the beginning of our journey
and our strength as we pause along the way.
Hold us by the hand as we grow,
show us where to seek you,
and guide our steps that we may find you.
Give us devoted hearts that we may love you, 
and your peace when we reach our journey's end.

(Prayer from here.)

♫  Duffy - Stepping Stone

Thursday 16th July

To reflect on today? - the Gospel reading set for a Communion service today:

Matthew 11.28-end

‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’




Those verses are often found in Compline (Night Prayer) - why not try it tonight before bed? - CofE Daily Prayer

This is Tiddly Triff.

She has cows.

I wonder, today...
...who's accompanying you, and supporting you, on your journey of faith?



♫  Ain't no mountain high enough

Today the Church remembers St Swithun...

There's a popular belief that if it rains on St Swithun's day, it will rain for 40 days.

Light hearted, and fun (and with a scientific explanation for why it's often fairly accurate!)  ...and stemming from when St Swinthun's remains were once moved, and there was an enormous downpour - said to be a miraculous sign of his holiness.


In case it doesn't rain today, a prayer from The Book of Common Prayer:

O God, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ
hast promised to all those who seek thy kingdom and its
righteousness all things necessary to sustain their life: Send
us, we entreat thee, in this time of need, such moderate rain
and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth, to
our comfort and to thy honor; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.



♫  Why does it always rain on me?

Today the Church remembers John Keble...

John Keble was a key figure in the Oxford Movement (< plenty of information about that, there!)


He wrote lots of poetry. Some can be found in his book The Christian Year
- the whole book is accessible with that link. Why not look up the poem for this Sunday? (We've just had the 5th Sunday after Trinity, in case that helps) ...Or maybe the poem nearest your birthday?


Maybe for reflection and/or prayer today? - parts of Keble's poetry can be found in hymns you might recognise, like New every morning, and Blest are the pure in heart


♫   Keble College Choir - The Gloria from the Keble Missa Brevis

Monday 13th July

I wonder, today...

...what gives you life?




A passage for reflection today?

John 7.37-38

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As[k] the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart[l] shall flow rivers of living water.”’ 





♫   Bridge over troubled water

God of our pilgrimage,

you have led us to the living water:

refresh and sustain us

as we go forward on our journey,

in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

Sunday 12th July

Weekend puzzle time!

How about using a puzzle or two to escape from it all for a while (quite literally, in these ones...)

Room Escape puzzle games






The Collect for today:


Almighty and everlasting God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified:
hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people,
that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.








♫  Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? ...Bohemian Rhapsody

Today the Church remembers St Benedict...

One thing that Benedictines value is silence.

The lockdown for the last few months has highlighted for me one of the reasons why. In the stillness of most people being at home, there has been more time, more space - for many, at least - for prayer, and for prayerful reflection.

With many things being postponed, or cancelled, or simply not possible, other ways of being fruitful have been found - learning about ourselves, about our relationships and about faith and Church (sometimes whether we wanted to or not!)

With churches beginning to start holding services 'in person' again, I am wondering what it is of God's voice over the last few months that we are able to bring to discussions about what the 'new normal' we are entering might look like? How can the fruit grown in the stillness of the last few months not be seen as being 'out of season' in the weeks and months ahead?





Perhaps for reflection today? - A quote from the late Benedictine monk Fr Bird, who died last New Year's Eve:

When both our interior and exterior are quiet, God will do the rest.




♫  A musical suggestion that picks up on this theme of silence but that also, as we play it wherever we might find ourselves, can be a reminder that God is with us in all that we do: Be still, for the presence of the Lord

Friday 10th July

Shiny a sleek - a sign of good health.

I wonder, today...     what do you do that helps you health - mental and spiritual, as well as physical?

What have you learned during the last few months about how you approach self-care?



[Photo shows a close-up of Tallis' fur.]







Something to maybe begin the weekend with... 
...why not try to find some time at some point today to do something just because it's good for your health or mood? ...something that's relaxing, or that sparks joy, or brings hope.

(if in doubt, have a cup of tea ;)  )





Some music to reflect on/with?

♫   Mary Chapin Carpenter - Holding up the sky

Thursday 9th July

Worcester Diocese just launched 'Patterns for Kingdom Living' - 'a resource and an encouragement to support you as you grow in your Christian faith and practice'.

Why not take a look, here ?





Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

from Matthew 5

♫   Rend Collective - Build Your Kingdom Here

Wednesday 8th July

Maybe a Bible story to reflect on today?

Matthew 14.22-34

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’

Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

The last dog walk I went on with my son was filled with riddles.
(Remembering some of the answers from when I was younger definitely helped me answering them!) 

How about having a go at a few today? - Riddles.com





♫  Walking on Sunshine

Tuesday 7th July

Worcester Cathedral in the evening, back in February.

I wonder, today...
...what 'pre-lockdown' images have stayed with you? (and, why?)

[Photo shows Worcester Cathedral, with a rainbow flag outside, in the evening]

For reflection and prayer today? - the responsory from evening prayer tonight:


Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may see the wonders of your law.
Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may see the wonders of your law.

Lead me in the path of your commandments
that I may see the wonders of your law.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may see the wonders of your law.





♫  The final 4 from the World Cup of Evensong Anthems (@TheEvensongCup on Twitter)

Two each from two very different time periods:


1920s:

Harris - Faire is the Heaven

Bainton - And I saw a new heaven


16th/17th century:

Purcell - Hear my prayer, O Lord

Parsons - Ave Maria

Monday 6th July

Rosa has a new leaf!

I wonder, today...    what is new, at the moment, in your life? ...and in your faith?


[Photo shows Rosa, a 'prayer plant', with a new leaf half unrolled.]







For reflection today?
(Part of the reading from Romans set for Evening Prayer tonight...)


For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Romans 14.17-19

♫  Pie Jesu - Faure

Sunday 5th July

Weekend puzzle time!?

How about some jigsaws of churches today, as some churches open for public worship?

There are loads here.






The (alternative) Collect for today:

Gracious Father,
by the obedience of Jesus
you brought salvation to our wayward world:
draw us into harmony with your will,
that we may find all things restored in him,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.




♫  Blessed be your name

    Glory to God

    Sanctus (Amy Beach - Mass in Eb major)

Rainbow - Rainbow

Rainbow.


We've had each individual colour... and now the whole rainbow.

A symbol of hope.

So bright... but at either end, there is more - ultraviolet and infrared light that we can't see. Perhaps a reminder that even when we can't see the hope in a situation, it doesn't mean there is no hope?






For reflection today? -


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15.13

♫  Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Photo of the day - 97

A reminder of a wonderful walk.



I wonder, today...

...what memories, full of wonder and hope, do you have?





[Photo shows a rainbow over a golden field, with part of a metal kissing gate in the foreground.]

Boredom buster - 97

🌈 So many colours!

Drawing, painting, baking, gardening, sewing, walking... why not do something colourful today?

Or, perhaps try to brighten someone's day instead, or as well?

Today the Church remembers the Apostle Thomas...

'Doubting Thomas'


In the middle of a pandemic, as we look to this weekend's easing of the lockdown and the beginning of the reopening of churches for public worship, a theme of 'doubt' seems quite timely... after all, no one knows what will happen in the days and weeks to come.

Perhaps some of the story of the one who acquired the adjective 'Doubting' would be helpful to reflect on, today: 

John 20.24-29

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

A prayer for today:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

(A Franciscan prayer, from here.)

♫ No Doubt - Don't Speak