Today’s reflection for Thy Kingdom Come, on the theme of prayer, is written by Revd Canon Jeff Williams, Director of Education. Thy Kingdom Come is a global ecumenical prayer movement, this year taking place between 29 May and 8 June.
I am so conscious of the difference between positive routine and unquestioned habit in relation to prayer. The wealth of the Benedictine tradition that is a golden thread through our Cathedral and diocese, particularly related to daily routine, worship, prayer and service is something I embrace – but not perhaps in the ways a traditional book on prayer might cover!
When you have two very (very!) large dogs, that need two significant walks a day (and they aren’t shy in reminding us in a ‘pushy’ and dog-vocal way), this can easily become a chore when the frost and ice are biting at 6:30am, or when the rain is horizontal at 6:30pm when you just want to have a cuppa and relax after work. It’s definitely easier on a balmy summer evening strolling to the field across the road. However, these, and the myriad other days, with differing weather, priorities, contexts and mind-set, all offer opportunities for prayer, that in my experience, help me focus; be both specific and general in prayer, as I stride the streets, slosh the fields or pound the sandy shore.
Prayers for the families I know, but also those I don’t, in the houses I pass daily. Prayers for the environment, in the spaces I am privileged to enjoy and experience daily. Prayers for Creation at the times I am outside daily. Prayers for my own work, service and life as I prepare and return from the twice daily walks, built-into the time for the putting-on or removal of my boots, wellies, trainers or sliders, depending on the season.
When the weather and context allow, I embrace something we encourage children in our schools to try: ‘Sit Spots’ are opportunistic or planned places to stop, sit and reflect – either being inspired to reflect and pray by what we see, and/or hear; or a comfortable place to sit and have some shut-eye-time to reflect and pray for situations, countries, or people that are on our hearts.
Having grown up with our family’s back garden on the side of a mountain, and with three miles of a golden sandy beach just a short bike-ride in front of my childhood home, I’m hard-wired into praying in beautiful natural places. However, I’m also a proponent of creative prayer spaces indoors. We support schools and parishes with the wealth of Prayer Space ideas and materials that they (you!) can access. The word ‘prayer’ therefore hits me (often literally and physically, with boxes, lego, Playdoh, washing-line pegs, pens, paint and much more) whenever I enter my office, which is alternatively known as the ‘Prayer Spaces Store-Room’!
I must admit that jumping into a river or the sea, which is a regular thing, is less of a prayer-opportunity when said hounds start flapping around above and below the surface! However, who knows what might develop into a positive routine?
