These prayers of mine are not new, but they remain relevant, and will soon be published.

Mothering God

Mothering God, hold in the safe embrace of your love

Those who mourn

Those who ache with longing

Those whose hearts are pierced as by a sword

Mothering God, like a small child learning to walk, take by the hand

Those who attempt new things

Those who are uncertain or unsure

Those who wobble and weave

Mothering God, like a dancing partner, spin with delight

Those who rejoice in success

Those whose dreams have found fulfilment

Those who dream the dreams of your Kingdom

Mothering God, grant they all may find themselves

Comfortably resting

Like a weaned child

On the parent's knee.

Amen.

A few hymns I have been known to sing in the night...

It is well

Blessed be the Tie that Binds

Nada te Turbe (Let nothing disturb you)

Today's image is one from a long time ago, but none the less it's a good one.

Hope springs eternal, so the saying goes - and as I look around, I certainly see signs of hope.

Last night I ame across this rather amazing little video of people self-isolation in Edinburgh... 'Sunshne on Leith' is one of my favourite 'weepy' songs...

sunshine on leith

And one of our own folk wrote this rather marvellous poem called 'Broadband Church'

Today I am really grateful for the folk who look after communications for our church.

Now, back to today's 'to do' list!!

This afternoon I had the luxury of spending time sat in the back of a car, driving through glorious countryside, en route to Loch Lomond where I conducted a minimalist wedding ceremony for a couple whose wedding had been brought forward, twice, as a result of recent events.

I was a beautiful setting, and the people passing, at a distance, on the public footpath created a great 'cloud of witnesses' who cheered as the couple sealed their marriage with a kiss (they do, after all already live in the same house...)

It was a very precious few minutes, full of love and laughter, tenderness and tenacity.  May God bless you M & J - I look forward to seeing the photo with me standing 2m distant!!

HM Government has now provided a defintion of Key Workers which includes the following paragraph (emphasis mine):

"This includes those essential to the running of the justice system, religious staff, charities and workers delivering key frontline services, those responsible for the management of the deceased, and journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting."

This seems to mean that I am now defined as a 'Key Worker'.

It means the children of rabbis, imams, priests, ministers and so on may well remain in school (at least in some places).

I think most of my readers are pray-ers and if you are, please pray for us as we seek to combine common-sense, compassion and, when needed, courage.  If you don't do praying then thoughts, vibes and well wishes are all equally appreciated.