20th July 2022

A thought from George Ford

‘When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him “Here truly is an

Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.” “How do you know me?”

Nathanael asked. Jesus answered “I saw you while you were still under the

fig-tree before Phillip called you.” Then Nathanael declared “Rabbi you are

the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”’ (John 1:47-49)

Reflection

For Nathanael the broad leaves of the fig tree offered a cool and shady place to sit and read the scriptures. Jesus had seen him there and knew him from his doing this. Jesus will know us – and we Him, when we regularly find our quiet and shady place to read God’s word and pray. So let us pray as St Richard prayed:-

Prayer

Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits thou hast won for us. For all the pains and insults you have borne for us. O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother, may we know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly day by day. For your name’s sake.
Amen.

Worship

‘Bless the Lord O my Soul; O my soul worship His holy name. Sing like never before, O my soul. I’ll worship Your holy name. You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger, Your name is great and Your heart is kind. For all your goodness, I will keep on singing; ten thousand reasons for my heart to find. Bless the Lord O my Soul; O my soul worship His holy name. Sing like never before, O my soul. I’ll worship Your holy name.
(Jonas Myrin & Matt Redman, 2011)