Joy
The scripture for today invites us to recognise that joy, especially joy which God gives, is a source of strength for life. Therefore we can celebrate even in the midst of grief. Throughout Scripture God’s people are encouraged to celebrate with joy.
How is God wanting to share God’s joy with you today?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To be able to enjoy the good things of life that I am given
Setting: Imagine the people listening to the words of Nehemiah. Imaginative Contemplation.
Scripture
Nehemiah 8:8-10 NIV
They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Poem
The Gift – Madeleine Gorham
When I am feeling down, I wander
through the woods to find some healing.
I leave my desk with its busy list behind.
And as I walk, my troubled mind
calms, as I find silence.
I know a secret place where herons fish,
and cygnets nestle by their parents.
And once, bubbles broke through the surface there,
where trees were mirrored in the water.
Then two otters rose.
They rolled and dived,
over and over,
an ecstasy of light and water,
whilst I gazed enchanted, watching them at play.
And in that moment of pure gift
I came alive,
feeling one with all Creation.
I stood on hallowed ground
and bowed.
I would call it prayer.