Theme for April 2018: Shine

In a new light

In a new light

Foto Museum, Rotterdam  (Photo: Irene Bom)   Prayer “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) As the light from that first Easter sunrise streams from its distant horizon into our own life and time, we feel its touch, its warmth, its glow; and we draw from its energy, … Continue reading "In a new light"...
Resurrection light

Resurrection light

Mosaic wall, Scots International Church Rotterdam  (Photo: Irene Bom)   I make no apologies for including another Easter prayer, as we are still in the season of Easter, enjoying the afterglow. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Pastoral Prayer for Easter – and beyond When everything was dark and it seemed that the sun … Continue reading "Resurrection light"...
Within the ranks of caring angels

Within the ranks of caring angels

This illustration dates from 2003, created to accompany a tribute to the “angels on assignment” who ministered to my dad and my family when we met up in Cape Town for a last Christmas together just weeks before my dad died. The illustration features a wood-carving that I bought during that trip and that now … Continue reading "Within the ranks of caring angels"...
Radiance, communion, energy

Radiance, communion, energy

Gibraltar  (Photo: Irene Bom)   What if Jesus had not risen from the dead? In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul explores this question at some length. Here is a prayer by Brother Roger of Taizé using this question to celebrate some of the glorious fruits of the resurrection for us personally. An Easter prayer If you … Continue reading "Radiance, communion, energy"...
In the school of prayer with Angela Ashwin

In the school of prayer with Angela Ashwin

3 books by Angela Ashwin from my library   Angela Ashwin teaches us how to write beautiful, evocative prayers that connect with our everyday experience. But she is also an advocate for using “borrowed words” to enrich our (prayer) lives. Companion I first came across Angela Ashwin through her book, A little Book of Healing … Continue reading "In the school of prayer with Angela Ashwin"...
The whole bright world rejoices

The whole bright world rejoices

Fellow festival-goers in lights, Edinburgh 2017  (Photo: Irene Bom)   After a series of solemn daily meditations for Holy Week, now for something bright and cheerful: a seventeenth century Easter carol, to channel our “laughing cheer” and “boundless joy”, for Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed! Easter carol The whole bright world rejoices now: … Continue reading "The whole bright world rejoices"...