Lord, have pity on those women and men who hold their family together. Those who work through the day or the night to support their families and then come home to endless tasks to feed and clothe and shelter them. Those who receive no help from others nor do they find thanks. They “labour without any reward, save that of knowing that they do Thy will” (St Ignatius). Amen Continue reading February 20th Lenten journey

Lord, in education we speak much of collaboration in learning and how important the interaction between people is for us to expose our ideas and develop them. I know this to be true for me. That I can get so far and no further in my thinking without conversation. That if I persist in developing ideas alone without testing with others, they remain imperfect. Thank you Lord, for friends, for colleagues, for family, who are prepared to listen and help me to listen actively to them. The joy of developing ideas together is a great reward. Just as the joy … Continue reading February 19th Lenten journey

Lord, Last night at our Lent Compline service there was such peace. Candlelight in a dim evening church and the peace only you can give at the end of the day. So few of us there able to share that peace. I need to find other ways to share your peace in today’s world as people are not going to flock to church for it. I need to take it with me and share it. Amen Continue reading February 18th Lenten journey

Lord, teaching equality and diversity is one thing, but living it is quite another. It is fine to see the laws and business cases which underpin these principles in people’s working lives, but how often do we ignore them outside work? Teach us to avoid the simply compliant way of life which pays lip service to equality and to values of diversity as we meet it every day. It seems to be our very differences which make your gifts so wonderful, showing us the value of every living thing, which means every living person too. Amen Continue reading February 17th Lenten journey

Lord, I am filled with your sunshine today. The ground is hard frosted and the birds have determined on spring. Your beautiful world lifts everyone’s spirits. Yet I know there will be some bereaved today, who cannot understand why the sun keeps on shining in their loss. Console them Lord. Help me to be sensitive to those whose hearts are not filled with God-given joy. Amen Continue reading February 16th Lenten journey

Lord, I am wondering about the different ways we worship you. Why so many Lord? Why do we become comfortable with particular traditions and ways of worship? Although we have come far from the old enmities between Christian denominations, we still feel uncomfortable when others speak of Jesus in a different way. I love going to different churches and chapels and centres to worship you from different perspectives, I know I can learn from each one. But I still crave what I know best. Help me to be more courageous in welcoming other traditions and valuing them all for their … Continue reading February 15th Lenten journey

Lord, I am beginning to learn after years of analysis and anxiety that I think too much. I prepare and plan and try to foresee every eventuality, and found it helpful because, when afraid, I had plans to lean on. I told myself I worked hard and took considered action, when perhaps I really spent most of the time thinking and took the least actions needed. Planning can be helpful, but it takes courage to take action, especially when there is no time to think. I will never be action woman, but I am starting to see that by grasping … Continue reading February 14th Lenten journey

Lord, I feel downcast today and I feel guilty that you know that, since you can see that I have nothing whatever to feel downcast about. I have everything to love in my life. Sometimes I just have to stop and take stock. To reflect on You and regain a sense of your love. To regain clarity when my clogged calendar diverts my eyes to near vision. I don’t want to keep letting you down Lord. Keep me focussed on your way. Amen Continue reading February 12th Lenten journey

Lord, help me to bridge the world of today which is in front of me and the world of all time in which you live. When I grasp desperately at time to fulfill my commitments to colleagues and friends and family, keep reminding me to make time to think of your Word. And most of all, help me to open my mind and heart to what matters most of all, not the urgent things that must be done but the love and trust which must underlie all those activities, without which they are pointless. Amen Continue reading February 11th Lenten journey