Dear All,

 

Our focus this week is on eventide.  The evening is a special time & one which is so different one season from another.  At the moment, if only the weather would allow, it is long & light – sitting outside in the evening, taking a leisurely walk, observing the sights and sounds of the closing of the day in nature – all these can give us a sense of peace, of serenity – not always, but sometimes.  We are offering you a few pieces of writing that reflect on this part of our day.

 

We hope you enjoy this week blessing.  It is ‘Bless to me O God’ from Heavenly Peace.  Please pray it for anyone you know in particular need at this time.

 

We are taking some time off during August so this is the last one until the first Saturday in September – likewise zoomed Evening Prayer will come to an end on Thursday 3 August (Friday 4th for the community) and restart on Friday 1st Sept for community & Sunday 3rd for everyone.  I hope everyone understands that we need re-fuelling time!  Have a good month!

 

With our love

 

 

A Sunset Psalm of Turning   

Edward Hays

Slowly we are turning once again

to look into the dark, star-sprinkled space

through which our planet is travelling.

All life is aware of the approaching view,

and the sunset beauty of this day’s end

is an overture to the awesome grandeur

of the eternal vision that awaits us.

As the earth turns outwards,

may my thoughts turn inwards

to the Sacred Mystery that dwells in my heart.

At the end of this day

I sing a song of thanksgiving

for the wonder of life.

I lift up my voice in gratitude

for all this day has held for me

as I turn my memory to its flood of gifts.

 

pause for recollection of blessings & gifts………………..

 

Blessed are you, Divine Mystery,

who has chosen to dwell within me

and has enriched this day

with zestful life, beauty, love,

and the discipline of my trials & temptations.

Blessed are you, O God,

most blessed are you.

 

Evening

Alistair Maclean

When the shadows fall upon hill and glen:

and the bird music is mute:

when the silken dark is a friend:

and the river sings to the star,

ask thyself, brother, ask thyself, sister,

the question thou alone hast power to answer:

O King and Saviour of us all,

what is thy gift to me? and do I use it to thy pleasing?

 

A Blessing

As we prepare to sleep

And to lay down the challenges

of our lives & our world,

let us ask for God’s blessing.

May God bless us this night

by renewing our strength

to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

May God bless us so that we have grown in wisdom

 when we rise.

May God bless us by filling our hearts full of love

to care for our earth & its people –

tomorrow may we bring forth new life.

Bless us dear Father, Son & Spirit with peace –

peace in our hearts, peace in those we love & care for,

Peace in our shared world.

AMEN.