18th June. 2020. Daily Devotion.

After these days of North Sea haar and low clouds it was very pleasant out for a walk in the warmth of last evening. It feels that summer has returned, at least for a while. Officially summer begins on Saturday, June 20th with the longest day of the year at 16 hours and 38 minutes of daylight. Here are some thoughts about summer to lift the spirits.

29 He told them this parable: ‘Look at the fig-tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Luke 21:29-31

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” ~ C.S. Lewis

“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” ~ Henry James

“His seed shall endure for ever, And his throne as the sun before me.” (Psalm 89:36)

Most of the Old Testament references to summer are warnings to make the best of the days:

“5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Proverbs 10:5

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8

Good reason to tend your garden or look after your tomato plants!

“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Prayers

Holy God, as I stumble through this life, help me to create more laughter than tears, dispense more cheer than gloom, spread more joy than despair. Let me remind those I meet that our final existence will be total joy, and that we may taste this joy through the Spirit even today.

Never let me become so indifferent that I will fail to see the wonder in the eyes of a child, or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged. Never let me forget that my total effort is to cheer people, make them happy, and forget momentarily all the temporary unpleasantness in their lives. And in my final moment, may I hear You whisper, “When you made My people smile, you made Me smile.” Amen.

To Be Led by God’s Gifts

Heavenly Father, for the words of faith shared in devotionals, from the pulpit, in the sanctuary, in prayer, in song, that colour my life so richly: I give thanks, and pray that they will enrich my journey of faith, sharing a bit of grace with other earlier saints.

For the sacrifice, the example, the gift of your Son; who came to earth and lived among us, who gave us words to guide us, who infused the law with Spirit and taught us the beauty of change within our hearts; for the loving way Christ showed us, I give thanks, and pray that His words may lead me to live life as your servant, as your disciple, today and forever. Amen

Almighty God,
healer of the sick and strength of the weak,
look with mercy on all those who suffer at this time.
Bring healing to those who are sick,
bring peace to those who are anxious,
bring strength to those who care for them,
and bring wisdom to our leaders
that our whole society may journey together through this difficult time
with determination and generosity,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer from Canterbury Cathedral