17th August 2022

A thought from George Ford

‘The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence

of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind

tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the

Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the

Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord

was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.’
(1 Kings 19:11-12)

Reflection

Elijah was fleeing in fear and needed to listen out and hear God ‘s voice. He didn’t find him in the dramatic or sensational but in the gentleness of a whisper. Often we too in our striving, anxiety or fear are revving too hard. Just as a driver needs to change down a gear (or two) in order to achieve a manoeuvre we too should slow down, and take time with God’s word, prayer and then in silent stillness hear God’s re-assurance and encouragement – His peace amid our turmoil.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, in your great love help us today amid all our difficulties, struggles and striving, busyness and frustrations, to slow down and take time to attentively listen for your calming whisper of love, re-assurance and encouragement, and be strengthened by your Spirit through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Worship

The Spirit of the sovereign Lord is upon me now to love, to speak, to heal, to preach. The Spirit of the sovereign Lord is upon me now giving life. You turn ashes to beauty, Mourning to dancing, Anguish to songs of praise. Pour your Spirit over me, Let your love rain down. Would you take these hands of mine and use me? Pour your Spirit over me, Let your love rain down. Would you take these feet of mine and lead me? (Tom Read 2007)