I’ve just returned from a week in Taizé, the community of brothers in France who welcome thousands of young people and pilgrims each year. This was my second visit – different from the first, and yet somehow the same. Different people, same God. Different theme, same rhythm. Different worries, same peace. As I journey home,Continue reading “Singing Faith, Sharing Hope”
Tag Archives: prayer
Lent 2025: The Picnic Basket and the Cluttered Table
Yesterday’s reflection took me to a familiar verse—one I’d already chatted about last week in a conversation about prayer. Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heartsContinue reading “Lent 2025: The Picnic Basket and the Cluttered Table”
Lent 2025: If in doubt, give it a clout!
When I finished work today, I got in my car to drive home and found my seatbelt was stuck. No matter how hard or softly I pulled, it wouldn’t budge. This was slightly alarming – I can’t drive the car without a seatbelt, and I need to drop it to the garage tomorrow for aContinue reading “Lent 2025: If in doubt, give it a clout!”
Lent 2025: Pray as you can, not as you can’t
Prayer is one of those things that can feel both essential and elusive. Despite being a cornerstone of the Christian faith, I have felt like teaching on it has usually been a little vague. I know prayer is important, but sometimes I can’t help but doubt myself. Am I doing it right? What if IContinue reading “Lent 2025: Pray as you can, not as you can’t”
Lent 2025: Pastoral Jelly Babies
On my desk at work I have a tin with jelly babies in. It started as something nice to do (and slightly influenced by a certain Dr Who…) but has evolved a little. While I still offer jelly babies to those who come in, they have also taken on the role of a pick-me-up forContinue reading “Lent 2025: Pastoral Jelly Babies”
Lent 2025: Air Traffic Control
My social battery is running low at the moment. This evening, I was at a gathering and found myself slightly overwhelmed. Mingling isn’t my favourite activity at the best of times, but tonight, with four or five conversations happening around me, my brain struggled to latch onto just one. As I stepped aside for aContinue reading “Lent 2025: Air Traffic Control”
2024 40 days of lent: day 3 – those who’ve gone before
Jesus lived 2000 years ago. (I know, technically Jesus lived from the beginning as still lives now, but his earthly life was 2000 years ago). In the time since his death, resurrection and ascension, there have been millions if not billions of people who followed him and his teaching, commonly called Christians. In some ChristianContinue reading “2024 40 days of lent: day 3 – those who’ve gone before”
Can you hear me? Because I can’t hear you. – lent 2023
Have you ever prayed and heard nothing in response? Have you asked for guidance and just been met with silence? Have you asked for change and seen no difference? I have. It can be a really frustrating thing to feel as though your prayers are wasted and not know why. There is no one wayContinue reading “Can you hear me? Because I can’t hear you. – lent 2023”
Let us pray – lent 2023
“Let us pray” is a phrase I’ve grown up hearing. It’s the cue to close our eyes and boe our heads, and possibly put our hands together. I heard it a little at school and I’ve heard it growing up in church. In the last few years, I have had the privilege to walk alongsideContinue reading “Let us pray – lent 2023”
He gives more than we ask for – lent 2023
A couple of days ago, a friend and I were driving to a church where parking was limited. There was a lay-by opposite and as we were driving through the rain, my friend prayed for a parking space. I told her I didn’t think it worked like that. I think God was trying to teachContinue reading “He gives more than we ask for – lent 2023”
The Reason for my Hope Blog 