Praying through uncertain times
We began these daily reflections just over 5 weeks ago, with no clue as to how long we would continue to do this – and we still haven’t. We continue to grow as an on-line community, based largely in our ministry area of Conwy and the valley, but with many also much further away. Together we are reflecting, praying and encouraging one another in faith through these uncertain times. We pray for all who are mourning and suffering the effects of COVID-19, particularly as the UK coronavirus deaths in hospital pass the dreadful milestone of 20,000 people.
In today’s video, Reverend Eryl Parry introduces an apt poem for such times by John O’Donohue, with astonishing photographs of our landscape by Mark McNulty. The connection, of course, is with today’s reading too – the story of the two bewildered disciples, walking to Emmaus: travelling through uncertain times.
Begin by reading the story, click here: Luke 24: 13-35.
Then read today’s greetings from ‘fellow travellers’ – they always put smiles on our faces!
Imagine all of us: settling to think, focusing on what God is teaching us, and praying together, across our town, valley and the world.
Lockdown hideaway. Perfect. This wonderful valley. Coffee. A good book (DIY Hairdressing by A. Barber). Warmest good wishes to all my friends. We will soon be back together in our familiar pews.
Gwyn in Tal-y-Bont
Greetings to all in the Bro Celynnin/Conwy area and further afield!
Thank you for all the encouraging e-mails, messages and fb posts.
Judy and Margaret Powell
Dwygyfylchi
Hello to all our dear friends in ‘caruconwy.’
Your daily reflections and prayers
mean so much to us.
We miss St Marys and Conwy.
Sending love and God’s blessings
From Denise and Rob Moulton
Hazel Grove Cheshire
Click here to read the transcript of this video message.
Click here for the words to the poem ‘For the Interim Time’.
They urged him, strongly, saying “stay with us, because it is almost evening, and the day is now nearly over”
Luke 24:29
Ond dyma nhw’n erfyn yn daer arno: “Tyrd i aros gyda ni dros nos; mae’n mynd yn hwyr.” Felly aeth i aros gyda nhw.
Reverend Eryl Parry writes:
In the gloom of dusk, the travellers invited their teacher to stay with them. It was by inviting Jesus in, that they were then given the revelation of who had been their companion along the road. What they then experienced would change their lives forever.
We pray, that in this ‘interim time’ when all seems disorientating, that we may learn how to orientate ourselves better as a society and live differently as a result. If we endure this time together, then we can also learn how to be fruitful and pray.
Almighty Father,
who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples
with the sight of the risen Lord:
give us such knowledge of his presence with us,
that we may be strengthened and sustained
by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen
The Book of Common Prayer for use in the Church in Wales: Daily Prayer 2009
Gweddi
Hollalluog Dad,
a wnaethost yn dy drugaredd mawr y disgyblion
yn llawen o weld yr Arglwydd atgyfodedig:
dyro inni’r fath adnabyddiaeth o’i bresenoldeb,
fel y cawn ein hatgyfnerthu a’n cynnal gan ei fywyd atgyfodedig,
a’th wasanaethu’n barhaus mewn cyfiawnder a gwirionedd;
trwy Iesu Grist ein Harglwydd,
sy’n fyw ac yn teyrnasu gyda thi a’r Ysbryd Glân,
yn un Duw, yn awr ac am byth. Amen
Llyfr Gweddi Gyffredin i’w arfer yn yr Eglwys yng Nghymru: Gweddi Ddyddiol 2009
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