Quiet Space 17-05-20
Change and growth
Stilling
Whatever activity and distractions there are around me,
Whatever worries and concerns are vying for my attention,
I begin this quiet time by finding that centre of stillness within me,
settling into a moment of peace, asking for the peace that only God can give.
Prayer
Spirit of God,
Surround me this night.
I offer you all the fears that come with change;
The changes in the world that make it strange to me;
The changes in my work and community that I have not chosen;
The changes in my family and friends that mean I must adjust;
The winds of change in my life that have blown me in a different direction.
O Spirit as I lie down this night
Help me to trust your changing me unawares;
Your gentle beckon when I want to return to the known,
For the bloom cannot show lest the bud break open.
Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
The message Eugene H. Peterson
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard – things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Reflection
May I let the fruits of your Spirit grow in me this day
Spirit of love abide in my ears as I listen to stories different to my own.
Spirit of joy beam in my eyes as I meet the gaze of another
Spirit of peace breathe through my attitude.
Spirit of kindness blow through the words I speak.
Spirit of patience breeze across my frustration before I say or act.
Spirit of faithfulness guard me when I’m tempted to stray.
Spirit of generosity spill over in all I think or do or say.
Spirit of gentleness be fragrant in all my dealings with the world.
Spirit of self-control do not limit, but channel the abundance of your fruits
As I partake in your transforming ways blowing through this day.
Blessing
Constant One, ever-creating,
Bless me in times of settledness;
Bless me in times of change
And in the moments of each breath in, breath out day,
bless my becoming in your Spirit
and faith to follow where you lead. Amen
Bless each other using the words of the Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all,
now and evermore. Amen.
Source – The celtic wheel of the year by Tess Ward.