As we continue to navigate our way through these extraordinary times we now find ourselves locked out of our church buildings, distanced from people we care for and struggling to process what is happening around us and perhaps worrying about what is yet to happen. Yet alongside this there are some amazing things happening. Communities are uniting to care for the vulnerable, Rainbows are appearing in front windows as a gesture of thanks to key workers and never has the NHS been more appreciated. Creation is taking time to recover as pollution levels drop. Clear water, fish and swans are to be found in the canals of Venice and no doubt other small miracles are happening as a result. And suddenly many of us find that we have time on our hands that we don’t normally have which, for some, may be a real blessing. As a Church we continue to be Church whether we meet Sunday by Sunday. As worship sustains us so does prayer and whilst we can’t meet together we can certainly pray. Perhaps now is an opportunity for all of us to tend to our prayer life. If we do then we will make space for more amazing things to happen both to ourselves and the world around us. There are lots of resources out there that can help with this. The Church of England website has both morning and evening prayer on it and I have suggested a couple of apps below that you might like to try. If you prefer low tech why not dust off that BCP that is gathering dust on the shelf. I came across a prayer in the Church Times this week that feels particularly apt for today. If you don’t know where to start try praying it every day.
This prayer comes from the Oxford Movement Centenary Prayer Book (Church Literature Association, 1933) O Lord Jesus Christ, since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, I humbly pray Thee that Thou wouldest come spiritually to my soul. Come, Lord Jesus, come and cleanse me, heal me, strengthen me, and unite me to Thyself, now and for evermore. Amen. With my love and prayers
Jane
Slainte,
Fr Richard.
Dear Father Richard,
Last Thursday my car was ‘in for the day’ for a service in Irthlingborough (had ‘courtesy car’). I had a friend with me and I suggested popping up to Finedon for a ‘look around’ – I haven’t been there for ages (not since I lived in Rushden). Anyway, we got to the church, not expecting it to be open (which, of course, it wasn’t) and took a walk around the churchyard. Then found a little door open by the porch….and a narrow spiral stair. A board behind the door said ‘Library – adults £1’ etc. We went up to find your archivist and some folk doing ‘research’ – and were welcomed and shown some of the fascinating collection. And it turned out that the archivist ‘stands next to Lucia, a mutual friend, in the choir. Lucia is on the Barbara Pym Society committee, with me. I’ll be seeing her next week in Oxford! (You’ll know all about BP, I’m sure) What a great and unexpected ‘experience’ and delight on a dull January Thursday. I hope to be back sometime (from nr. Kimbolton).
By the way, another coincidence… have just read ‘Bringing in the Sheaves’ – really liked it and it’s chronological structure (commencing close to my ‘name day’ – though St. Peter always seems to take precedence over Paul!)
Regards Paul H
Hi I have emailed your message to Farther Richard.
For future refrence the best and quickest wat to contact Fr Richard is via his email address revdrichardcoles@yahoo.co.uk