Be still and know that I am God
(Psalm 46.10)

St George’s Church welcomes you to their contemplative prayer sessions, a gentle introduction to some of the prayer encouragements shared by St Ignatius of Loyola.

Ignatius lived in the 16th century and, after a major injury in war, had a life transformation in being drawn into the knowledge and awareness of the love of God. Thereafter he committed his life to encouraging others to find their way to be open to the grace of God, through ways of praying and through drawing near to the life of Jesus in every detail.

In this series we explore different ways of praying, taking space and time to draw alongside Jesus. These prayer times are open to everyone who desires to receive from God through prayer. The work of prayer is not our striving but God’s grace, so we come together, wherever we feel we are with God, to be open and to ask for His grace.

The series takes place monthly on Saturdays from 9.30am to 10.30am. Please contact the Benefice Administrator for further details.

The Cross stands empty

The cross stands empty

stark, against the sky.

Our worst fears and predictions

are torn aside like a veil from the face.

We cannot but be joyful                           

for our hearts leap within us.

Sing in praise of forgiving love,

the love God has for all humanity.

Blessed be God whose mercy surrounds us.

Blessed be Jesus, the core of our hearts’ longing.

Blessed be the Holy Spirit, our joy and liberation.

Yvonne Morland, Iona Dawn, Wild Goose Publications, 2006

God of glory,

we sing your praises, this special day,

Halleluiah, risen Lord!

Halleluiah, love triumphant!

Halleluiah, Redeemer, Saviour!

May the joy that we feel

create a wave of peace and celebration

which washes away doubt and fear

to a broken world

and a new beginning for humankind.

Amen

Rupert Bristow, 999 prayers, Kevin Mayhew, 2015