Words of Light and Hope from Tony Hawes

Almighty God, you have made us for yourself,

and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you:

pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself,

and so bring us at last to your heavenly city

where we shall see you face to face;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

 

Relax your body and quieten your mind.

Be open to God in the silence.

God is with you – here, now.

Do not strive or be anxious.

Be silent, be still and let God reach you.

Let God love you……

(The Julian Meetings)

 

In the depth of silence no words are needed,

no language required.

In the depth of silence

I am called to listen……

 

Listen to the beating of your heart.

Listen to the blowing of the wind,

the movement of the Spirit.

Be silent – said the Lord.

And know that I am God……

 

And listen to the cry of the voiceless.

Listen to the groaning of the hungry.

Listen to the pain of the landless.

Listen to the sigh of the oppressed

and to the laughter of children……

 

For that is authentic communication:

listening to people,

living with people,

dying for people……

(International Assn. For Mission Studies)

 

The flame of God’s love dwells in my heart

like a jewel of gold in a silver dish.

St. Columba.