Reflection – Revelations 3:20
Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me. William Holman Hunt’s painting ‘The Light of the World’ illustrates the message in these words. https://arthive.com/williamholmanhunt/works/275957~The_light_of_the_world Accredited to Arthive
Reflection – Mark 4:1-9
This is a well-known story that challenges an examination of conscience when it comes to listening. The Parable of the Sower Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people […]
Reflection – Listen
Anthony Gormley has described his sculptures as, “an attempt to materialise the place at the other side of appearance where we all live.” In his work can be found tranquility, spirituality and comfort. Take a look at the sculpture Sound II which can be seen in Winchester Cathedral. https://www.artandchristianity.org/antony-gormley-sound-ii Come in; let us bow and […]
Reflection – Life
Today’s reflection is a rather lovely Buddhist saying:
Reflection – The present moment
This is a summarised passage from Gerard W. Hughes’ book “Oh God, Why?” For those of who find meditation challenging: the stillness offering time to worry. It is interesting to note how our thinking mind will not allow us to concentrate on the immediate present, but rather is constantly drawing us into the future or […]
Reflection – Early Christian Prayer
This early Christian prayer seems modern and poignant for today: Look upon us, O Lord,and let all the darkness of our soulsvanish before the beams of thy brightness.Fill us with holy love,and open to us the treasures of thy wisdom.All our desire is known unto thee,therefore perfect what thou hast begun,and what thy Spirit has […]
Reflection – Faith
This short film encourages thoughts and challenges an opening of the mind about faith and what it means in every day life. Why are we hear? What are we searching for and what is our purpose? Hear Christians talk about what they’re seeking in their life and how their Christian faith makes at impact in […]
Further reflection – Spirit
John 14:24-26 ‘Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind […]
Reflection – Spirit
This is a lovely story about being moved to help people in need. All of us can be torch bearers. We can carry the light through volunteering, serving and participating. https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/about-us/our-campaigns/darkness-light/torch-bearers/canon-robert-townsend-lifeboat-volunteer/ Accredited to Church In Wales.org.uk
Reflection – Praise my soul the King of Heaven.
The words of this hymn give a sense of being saved when sinking. Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;To His feet thy tribute bring!Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,Who like me His praise should sing?Praise Him! praise Him!Praise the everlasting King! Praise Him for His grace and favorTo our fathers in distress!Praise Him still the same […]
Reflection – Footprints
This poem is rather overused, and some might say trite, meditation but I’ve always found the following comforting, especially when combined with prayer: One night a man had a dream.He dreamed he was walking alongthe beach with the Lord.Across the dark sky flashed scenes from his life.For each scene, he noticedtwo sets of footprints in […]
Reflection – Peace and Serenity
The words and tune of ‘Dear Lord and Father of mankind” bring peace and serenity in difficult times The hymn is usually sung to the tune “Repton” by Hubert Parry. This recent version from St Michael and All Angels Church Mickleham, Surrey is beautiful. Reflection Psalm 103 1-111 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger and […]
Reflection – Ezekiel 36:25-27
God’s promise through Ezekiel is uplifting ‘I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you; I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead’. The short film of wild swimmer Louise Mason is inspiring We should give total respect and admiration […]
Reflection – Simon The Fisherman
It is always lovely listening to a good story. This well-known story comes to life here….. https://www.sanctuaryfirst.org.uk/video/watch/simon-the-fisherman Accredited to Sanctuary First, Falkirk Presbytery, Church of Scotland.
Reflection – Reconciliation
Wonder at the greatness of Rembrandt’s painting and reflect on its portrayal of asking for forgiveness. Reading – Luke 15: 20-24 “So (the younger son who had wasted all his money] returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he […]
Reflection – God listens
The assurance that God will listen when we call him is comforting….. the hymn ‘Be thou my vision’ is peaceful and this version sung by the Tabernacle choir is uplifting:
Reflection – Eagle’s wings
An extract from a project on the Isle of Wight to reintroduce White-tailed Eagles to the South. They look totally free. Project Officer Steve Egerton-Read describes how up to 60 white-tailed eagles are being returned to the southern England in the next 5 years to re-establish it as a breeding species. Please note that not […]
Reflection – Do not be afraid, Isaiah 43 1-5
The hymn ‘Do not be afraid’ has beautiful words written by Gerard Markland about trusting God that are very moving. There are two versions to listen to here – St Andrews Cathedral choir and an upbeat Gospel Touch choir – both are equally current and uplifting, based on Isaiah 43 1-5: ‘Do not be afraid, […]
Reflection – Make me a channel of your peace
This prayer of peace known as The Prayer of Saint Francis is beautifully inspiring. Through the reading from Jeremiah we hear of God’s sadness if we do not listen. It is difficult to listen sometimes and the words of this hymn can help with travelling in the right direction and staying strong. BBC Radio 2 […]
Reflection – The Temptation in the Wilderness
This hauntingly beautiful painting of Jesus utterly alone in his experience and agonised, depicts how many of us may be experiencing our own ‘wilderness’ at the moment….. reading Deuteronomy chapter 8 may focus meditation on ‘wilderness’. To read more about the painting hanging in the Guildhall Art Gallery, London, taken from the book, “Famous Paintings” […]