In today’s Bible verse, we can see how St. Paul recognised and valued ‘memories’ of those in the Church of Philippi that he loved. 

We are sure, like us, you are missing seeing family and friends – missing doing some of the activities we used to do – visiting some of the places where we went. We are also missing our Church family. As we look around our homes with pictures of loved ones not seen so often and facing uncertainty about things in the future, we are tending to reflect and reminisce more about people, relationships and times past.

This reminded us about something that our son said recently at his grandad’s funeral. He told how a few years ago he had found his grandfather, who was then widowed, living alone and physically very frail, sitting in the evening, in the dark. When he questioned, ‘Are you OK Grandad?’, the reply came, ‘I am fine. I just like sitting quietly with my memories.’ On reflection our son had realised that this was a way of prayer – how very true. We all know there are so many ways to communicate with each other and with our God – but prayer sometimes is not a verbal monologue but an awareness – an awareness of God’s presence or a seeking and feeling of God’s presence. So, sitting reflecting on memories of people and times past, happy times or sad, difficult times, special places and events, and then simply bringing them to God is a type of prayer.

So, in our prayer time today, as we reflect and reminisce about times past but also remember those near and dear to us, we have chosen an ancient Celtic prayer which is one of our favourites.

Why not find a good place to rest, to offer your memories and prayers, as you receive this blessing:-

Prayer

Deep peace of the running wave to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,
Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
Deep peace of the gentle night to you,
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you
Deep peace of Christ the Light of the World to you
Deep peace of Christ to you.
 
Gweddi
Boed i ni hedd dwfn y don sy’n llifo.
Boed i ni hedd dwfn yr awel sy’n crwydro.
Boed i ni hedd dwfn y ddaear ddigyffro.
Boed i ni hedd dwfn y sêr sy’n goleuo.
Boed i ni hedd dwfn Mab Tangnefedd i’n cysuro.

Please click here, or press the play button, to hear a beautiful version performed by Aled Jones (setting by John Rutter).