Why was I so surprised to be permitted to pray at the Western Wall – the holiest site for Jews? Surprised that as a Christian I was allowed to touch the wall at the women’s side . The notice reads: the Divine Presence never moves from this Wall.

Jews believe that this remaining part of the second temple built by Herod the Great not only connects them to their history but is close to where the Holy of Holies was inside the temple – the place closest to God’s presence where it was possible to talk to Him.

I approached the wall respectful of the sincerity with which Jewish women prayed and spoke their prayers close into the wall but perhaps more taken with the ritual than it’s spirituality. Until I found a space and laid my hand on the wall. There was a strong presence at that wall , a deep connection with God. My prayers were drawn out of me by a God prepared to shoulder all burdens, from whatever ritual or religion.

A grace, as some would say, like the grace of reading from Luke at Dominus Flavit.

We are just tourist pilgrims, our needs well catered for with very little hardship to bear on our way. But we are still shown grace and mercy.