A time for prayer (8 December)

It has been another exciting week for me in the parish.  Because Advent always feels like a runaway train, I have to balance activity with purposeful reading and prayer. I need to ground myself in the Eucharist as I wait on the Spirit to enable threads to emerge in my preaching. Our new Christmas Calm service has also stretched me to think about the dissonance between Kairos and Chronos time. It is in the former that we will grow in our understanding and spiritual depth.

So how should we relate to the words of the prophet Isaiah spoken by John? He foretold change. ‘Every valley shall be filled in every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight the rough ways smooth. And all humankind will see God’s salvation.’ (Luke 3: 5–6)  In order for these wonderous changes to occur, John urges a baptism of repentance. This is a call to each of us. Every week we ask for forgiveness and are given absolution, but how much change does this prompt in each of us? Words of prayers roll off the tongue so easily! I wonder if I have begun to irritate you as I speak slowly in prayer? I find I need room around words. I need to feel them form in my mouth! As we continue to worship together, we will establish a respectful rhythm.

Perhaps you can set aside a little time for our Christmas Calm service on Monday 9th. I do hope that the images and themes of Advent are beginning to speak to you. Last week our Advent wreath focused hope and this week our prayer is for peace. Time feels short to immerse deeply in all that this liturgical season offers. I pray that you are journeying meaningfully as we ask God’s guidance for ourselves as well as healing for Canon Christopher.

Grace and peace,

Linda