Prayer and Reflection 21st April
Journeying with God
Scripture Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”
I wonder where you find yourself closest to God. For many its outdoors, surrounded by His creation, and I have to say its where I myself spend some time reflecting on the wonders of this world and the wonderful, all-powerful God who created it.
Walking alone in silence provides a great opportunity to pray to God, to converse with Him, to feel close to him. Silence is important in our lives for it is in silence we can be open to God in prayer. It doesn’t have to be a long walk, even a short walk in the garden is sufficient, as we think about its beauty – the plants, flowers, insects and the sound of birdsong – we draw ourselves into God’s presence and realise we are not alone in this world.
But if you’ve ever been on a long walk, perhaps camping over night or even on a pilgrimage, you will know that they can be testing experiences, as is life. There are times when the journey seems tough, but if we hold on to faith and prayer, the sun always shines for God is with us and we are never alone.
Remember – life is a journey. Don’t travel it on your own.
A prayer by Thomas Merton:
My Lord God
I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are evr with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
Amen.