Forest Church – 20 August 2023
Shelter is our theme today, sensing God’s protection in the natural world.
Peace
“We meet in Jesus name. Whether you consider yourself a close friend or are just curious, we meet in Christs peace. Peace be with you”
Share a sign of peace.
Celtic Prayer
I arise today
Through a mighty strength:
God’s power to guide me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s eyes to watch over me;
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to give me speech,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to shelter me,
God’s host to secure me.
Amen.
Song – You Are My Hiding Place – lead by Gloria
You are my hiding place
You always fill my life
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I feel afraid I will trust in You
I will trust in you
Let the weak say I am strong in the strength of the Lord (Repeat).
Reading: Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea:
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved:
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved:
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us:
The God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth:
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two:
He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us,
The God of Jacob is our refuge.
Finding a shelter or refuge – worshipping actively
We all go and look for a place to encounter the protection of God. It could be a tree trunk, a low branch, a hollow in the ground…
If you can, feel free to take a photo of your refuge to share with the group later…or just describe it in words!
(Those of our group who can’t do this physically can explore with their minds and spirit…)
Celtic Blessing for a summer’s evening
I have travelled the week in trust and travail.
My soul’s teacher, help me to clarify and bring order to the muddle of this week
Pause for self-reflection
Into your hands I commit the burdens and unresolved issues of this week: as I sleep may the Holy Ones give me insight and help to bring them to resolution.
Holy Mystery, I come in quietness to the hearth of rejoicing,
Where your sacred fire ever burns.
I enter the hospitality of your heart with joyfulness.
Amen.
Based on Celtic Devotional, Caitlin Matthews.
http://www.faithandworship.com/Celtic_Blessings_and_Prayers.htm#ixzz2jf6VPtFw
