Pastor's Blog - January 2012

As we begin the New Year, let me share this prayer by John Birch of Kidwelly, Wales, United Kingdom. It speaks beautifully of the ways that God is at work in the seasons of our lives. May God bless you as we move through the winter of 2012. (ELP)

There is a winter in all of our lives,

a chill and darkness that makes us yearn

for days that have gone

or put our hope in days yet to be.

Father God, you created seasons for a purpose.

Spring is full of expectation

buds breaking frosts abating and an awakening

of creation before the first days of summer. Now the sun gives warmth

and comfort to our lives

reviving aching joints

bringing colour, new life

and crops to fruiting.

Autumn gives nature space

to lean back, relax and enjoy the fruits of its labour

mellow colours in sky and landscape

as the earth prepares to rest.

Then winter, cold and bare as nature takes stock

rests, unwinds, sleeps until the time is right.

An endless cycle

and yet a perfect model.

We need a winter in our lives

a time of rest, a time to stand still

a time to reacquaint ourselves

with the faith in which we live.

It is only then that we can draw strength

from the one in whom we are rooted

take time to grow and rise through the darkness

into the warm glow of your springtime

to blossom and flourish

bring colour and vitality into this world

your garden.

Thank you Father

for the seasons of our lives.

Read more at: http://www.faithandworship.com/

Prayers_Winter.htm#ixzz1gXom9NoW

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