Rather than a reflection, this week before Christmas we offer you Tim Watson’s Morning Prayer for those Socially Distancing or in Isolation, which is below.
It can be used at your leisure - along with more great resources by Tim and others, downloadable from arts label Proost.
We also commend to you our Advent exhibition of Sheffield photos and poetry from Adrian Scott.
Prologue to a Traipsing, by Adrian Scott
MORNING PRAYER FOR THOSE SOCIALLY DISTANCING OR IN ISOLATION
Opening Prayer
Creator God,
I hold before you the day that lies ahead:
The hours that stretch out before me
I hold before you my heart
Help me to find space for you and the things that uplift
I hold before you my mind
Help me to find both stimulation and rest when they are needed
I hold before you my body
Help me to stay healthy and find a balance of activity in the hours ahead
In the midst of it all, you Lord are present
Amen
Stepping Into Silence
In the silence I wait on you Lord, knowing that you are near
silence is kept
~
In the silence I wait on you Lord, knowing that you care
silence is kept
~
In the silence I wait on you Lord, knowing that I can trust in you
silence is kept
~
You may like to read a sacred text or poem. Suggested bible readings are from 1 Samuel, Psalm 113 and the Magnificat, Mary’s famous song from early in the gospel according to Luke.
Prayers for Others
Wonderful God,
I hold before you all those who I would have seen today
Neighbours
Colleagues
Friends
Make yourself known to them
Help me to serve them from a distance
Help me to hope for them from a distance
Help me to love them from a distance
Amen
Closing Prayer
Wonderful God,
You know my every breath
And the beat of my heart
You know my delights
And you know me
Draw near to me this day
Amen.