Prayer for Liverpool
Unlike many of the cathedral clergy, my home is not beside the cathedral. Instead I own a small house on the boundary between Kensington and Fairfield. Ideally placed for me to walk into the uni – when one is allowed to and when, truth be told, I’m not feeling lazy! I am blessed that within these lockdown weeks, my daily constitutional walk can be around the beautiful Newsham Park – indeed it was one of the reasons which attracted me to living in this area. I do feel very fortunate, though, when I consider those people who don’t have such facilities around them in the present time – particularly those in inner city regions, families living in apartment blocks etc. I keep them very much in mind and prayer – how it must be when one has no green space nearby in these difficult times. Yesterday’s gospel was taken from St Luke (Luke 24:13-35), and records the encounter for two of the disciples on Easter day on the Emmaus Road. It was beautifully and imaginatively unpacked and reflected upon by Canon Leslie and Canon Neal yesterday; and it made me think we are all on some sort of journey – in our day-to-day living, but especially now, even though our main feelings are ones of stasis, seemingly not going anywhere. But we need to allow Jesus to open our eyes to see the journey we are on and the opportunities it might bring post-lockdown…in the changes to our lives and how we live them; in the changes in attitude to things that we consider of worth, rather than just things to accumulate and have; the things we really miss when we don’t have the freedoms we all take for granted – like being in touch with loved ones, seeing them, being with them. Our present journey as a cathedral church means we can creatively keep everyone in our hearts, thoughts and prayers, more than usual. All of us are on a new Emmaus road, a journey looking forward to being open to all and worshiping together once more. But, as my postman engaged me in conversation on Friday, perhaps we might allow Jesus to open our eyes in this period to new ways of loving neighbour once the lockdown is over. It is proof itself that even on this unknown road, where we don’t know where the journey will lead us, God's love is still at work through the people around us, in the every day, and He will bring us to a safe earthly destination where lives are hopefully changed permanently for good in helping one another. The creative power of the love of God can open our eyes to all these new opportunities to be Christian, to be Christ in the world at large – during this journey this day, may our prayers be to allow God to do so for each of us….in Jesus’ name. With my love and prayers for you all; stay safe…. Canon Mike While you're here: Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.
1 Comment
Valerie Connolly
27/4/2020 10:24:00 am
A lovely meditation Canon Mike
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supporting you during these uncertain times AuthorLiverpool Cathedral is a place of encounter. Built by the people, for the people, to the Glory of God Archives
September 2022
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Prayer for Liverpool
brought to you from Liverpool Cathedral St James Mount Liverpool L1 7AZ |
Liverpool Cathedral is a place of encounter.
Built by the people, for the people, to the Glory of God www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk |