The Rain - Reflection by Canon Ellen

May 2020 was the driest May on record and even in lockdown most of us have been able to get outside and enjoy the sun – some of us have even been able to get an impressive tan.

Today is the 3nd day in a row that it has rained - Though you’ll see in the photo that our cathedral continues to shine in the sun even on a rainy day. Perhaps I am alone in welcoming the rain but it came as a blessed relief to me. The land was getting parched, the flowers were beginning to wilt and I was predicting a hose pipe ban by July. The rain has brought crisp fresh (perhaps a little bit too fresh!) air. I can see the grass getting greener already and the flowers on my patio are very grateful indeed.

Ours is a lush and bountiful country and the diocese of Liverpool has some of the most impressive farm land in the northwest. I am sure the farmers were also grateful for some rain. But, this wet spell will have driven us indoors a bit more and it may be placing more pressure on us as we can’t share our domestic space with people outside our household. The burden of the lockdown, even if it has eased a little, is defiantly weighing heaving on me at the moment. 

So, my prayers this week have been about how I am asking God to help me sustain my mental and emotional health for the longer term. Even on rainy days, or gloomy days how will I remain optimistic and connected to God. How on sunny days will I keep my eyes on glory and not rely on my own strength to get me though.     

St Patricks Breastplate
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.

Canon Ellen

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.