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This page last updated
2nd July 2010

Summer Message

Revd Mary Barnes

Dear Friends

For many of us July and August will be a time when we can get away from the routine. Some will be taking off for faraway places - notwithstanding volcanic ash clouds and strikes; for others it maybe a stay at home holiday possibly with a project in mind for the house or garden.

But whatever you're planning I hope that you will get a break and be able to take some time to rest and relax.  We all need time away from our routines and chores whether it's the annual holiday planned and anticipated for months or space in each day.

As well as a break from routine we need to care for our spiritual health by taking time each day to find some space for reflection and prayer.  Our preferences and personality will influence our holiday choices and also affect the way we pray. If you are a quiet reflective person then taking time to be still each day is probably your ideal but if you are someone who cannot stay still for more than a few seconds then the thought of praying can be quite challenging.

There are countless ways in which we can pray and many reasons why we pray, because prayer is about a relationship with God rather than following a set of instructions.  I enjoy these four simple ways of praying in a busy life.

 

Throughout the day be aware of the good things around - the delight of nature, the sound of our children enjoying life, a job we enjoy, a conversation with a friend and pause for a moment to offer up a prayer of gratitude for the all that is good in our lives.

 

Take time to look around and be sensitive to the needs of those around you and in the wider world.   It may be a news report or a picture, a conversation with someone who is unwell or who has recently lost a loved one and so offer up that person or situation to God.

 

When out and about take a moment to look closely at a flower or the stars at night, notice the intricacy and variety of our world, wonder at creation and praise Almighty God who created the world and all that is in it.

 

When I get to the end of my day I spend a few moments replaying what has happened and say sorry for the things I didn't get right - the unnecessary sharp word, the unkind thought, the selfish action, the kind word I didn't say because I was in too much of a hurry. But I try to end each day with thanks for my family and friends and for a God who loves and cares for me.


With love and prayers,

Reverend Mary

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