Theme for August 2017: On a journey

How does the theme on a journey resonate with you personally? It’s a useful umbrella for all sorts of things, like “Journey through Lent”, for example. Here’s one of my “on a journey” memories: Some years ago now I had the opportunity to write a song for a CD project aimed at outdoor types. Not … Continue reading "Up to us"...

Passing by the Colosseum, Rome (photo: Irene Bom)   Here are three prayers for wayfarers, including a prayer for safe travel from the Jewish tradition. Wherever we roam, may we make the time to tune in to God’s presence with us – our constant companion and guide, ever wise and nurturing. #1 O Lord God, … Continue reading "3 Prayers for wayfarers"...

PDF version   This prayer sheet is a response to these words by Christian theologian and author, Frederick Buechner (pronounced BEEK-ner): “Go where your best prayers take you.” The words appear in Buechner’s book, Telling Secrets – A Memoir, about his encounters with God’s presence in both the scary and sad as well as in … Continue reading "Theme: Spurred on by prayer"...

For this post I’ve selected an excerpt from Seasons of Grace by Ann Lewin that explores the similarities between prayer and bird watching. It’s taken from a chapter entitled, “Material for use in a Quiet Garden” and includes one of her poems, “Disclosure”. May her words inspire us to contemplation and get us in the … Continue reading "In the school of prayer with Ann Lewin"...

Cracks in the road, Edinburgh (Photo: Irene Bom)   In the upper room, just hours before his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told … Continue reading "People of the way"...

Kralingse Plas, Rotterdam (Photo: Irene Bom)   “Farther than the possible limit of sight; beyond what one is able to foresee, know, or anticipate.” That’s how the Free Dictionary defines the phrase, ‘beyond the horizon’. For God, there are no such limitations. Doxology Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of … Continue reading "Beyond"...

For the full story, read Luke 24:13-49. Here is a summary, with some prayer prompts. Two of Jesus’ disciples are headed for Emmaus, about 2 hours walking distance from Jerusalem. As they walk down this familiar stretch of road their conversation is coloured by a flood of mixed emotions. On the one hand they are … Continue reading "To Emmaus and back"...

Duizel in het Park Festival, Rotterdam, August 2017 (Photo: Irene Bom)   The theme I’ve selected for August 2017 is “on a journey”. The word “journey” does not appear much in the psalms, if ever. “Way” or “ways” is very common, though. Especially in Psalm 119, an extended meditation on living in right relationship with … Continue reading "Show me the way"...