Joy
The joy which the Spirit grows in us – a pervasive sense of well-being – is not dependant on circumstances, but on God’s presence and action in our own lives, or those of others. This action is often surprising. In our Scripture today Jesus is filled with joy because of the unexpected and surprising ways of God. God is a God of surprises.
What are some of the surprises of God you have experienced which have brought you joy?
You are invited to take some time today to recall these, perhaps writing them down, and to savour the joy which they bring, giving thanks to God for them, as Jesus did. Notice how you feel afterwards.
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: That you may be given the gift of joy.
Setting: In today’s Scripture you might imagine Jesus welcoming his disciples back from their preaching exercise and rejoicing that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
Scripture
Luke 10:21 NIV
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said,
‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
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
Joy – Karen Groves
I sit amongst the green, in the warmth of the sun,
mindful only of this moment.
The blackbird’s golden-yellow beak opens and closes
in time with his fruity, melodious song.
Through the trees, shafts of sunlight reveal myriads of swirling insects
busy about their convoluted, yet ordered, networking.
A pair of butterflies together perform their 3D dance
up and down and around, over and over, as if to unheard music.
As time stops for a moment,
a flock of brightly coloured goldfinches, trilling on the wing,
lift the thin veil of the Kingdom in their flypast,
affording joyous harmony the briefest glimpse.
Colour, movement, order, song, harmony and joy.
Creation, busy at work, in all its glory.
I did not know the Holy Spirit spoke in goldfinch!
Today’s Music
It is well with my soul – Sung by Anthem Lights written by Horatio G. Spafford