Lent 2026 RSVPs
I’ll be posting your RSVPs to this year’s Lent series here! Thanks so much!
RSVPs
Second Week
I loved revisiting the conversation with Paul Sanders this morning, and – as well as enjoying his wonderful swallows – I’m drawn to the idea of taking 5 photos during the day (in black and white, just out of interest, as that’s what he prefers) as a reminder of the sequence of where I was and what I was focusing on at that moment. I’ve only got to three so far – looking closely at the cherry blossom in the garden this morning, driving in the mist later on, and now, sitting at my desk adding today’s entry to my journal. I think this might become a regular practice!
Thank you too, of course, for all your inspirational thoughts!
much love, Hazel R
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I have really appreciated the encouragement you have given to us to pause, be still and take notice of the precious gifts around us. Here is my offering …
Pause
Pause…
Green leaf lit up by the sunshine
Pause…
Blackbird on fence using tail feathers to balance
Pause…
Cotton-clouds not pausing as they drift across the blue sky
Pause…
Restful breathing of dog on chair
Pause…
Tiny insects dancing in a shaft of light
Pause…
Shadows from branches waving in the fresh air
Pause…
Even the high pitched sounds of tinnitus are beautiful …
When I pause.
Jane W
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Mini Sabbath Monday became Mega Magical Monday for me.
I awoke tired and concerned. I’d had a busy few days, and then I’d “got” to make Monday special and creative!
Wise, shrugged, amused advice was: have a rest!
So I did, I ate a lot, read a bit and walked in woods bursting with new life.
I didn’t pick up a pen, pencil or knitting needle,
And in my mini sabbath, these thoughts whispered to me:
Resting after busyness isn’t failure, it’s resting.
On the seventh day, God rested after all his work of creating.
God isn’t driven to be productive all the time.
Thanks be to God!
Mandy Cartwright PS: thank you to everyone for their RSVPS. Every one was so meaningful, I’ve spent a lot of time looking and reading. They are a real blessing.
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This was taken today – a still of a Red Kite going, flowing, soaring on the thermal air. Rachel T
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Beautiful blossom and clouds that almost look like fingerprints on the blue sky!! Jo dG
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A gentle image of life through death yesterday, at Dean Cemetery, Edinburgh. Roland B
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Thank you again for such a thoughtful path into Lent.
I was inspired by the phrase “even the sparrow” today, which seems to carry some emotion with it – “look at us, we even let the sparrow in”. And also by Susan Ogilvy’s beautiful book of paintings of nests which showed me what a sparrow’s nest looks like (you can see the sparrow’s nest (and the swallow’s) in the illustrations in this article.)
Even the sparrow
Even the sparrow joins in. Sigh.
Noisy chatter, messy eater, messy builder.
A nest? More like a heap.
Creative chaos,
Throwing everything in.
No thought of artistic merit.
Not really what we had in mind.
Shall we hide it at the back,
Safe, but out of sight?
Wait. How about front and centre,
Where no-one will miss it?
Even the sparrow.
Thank you. Rachel R
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I made this living wreath when leading a workshop last weekend- everyone participating agreed the creating and making was really enlivening. It will, with some spring warmth and rain, flower in time for Easter. It’s felt like a long winter and this wreath speaks to me of God’s goodness and faithfulness – provision in the not yet and blessings beyond measure in what is still to come.
Give us today our daily bread… Thy kingdom come thy will be done.
Clare T
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Walk attentively
There it is, an almond tree
Blossoming God’s love.
Wendy P
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‘In every image that stirs our soul, God is whispering to us, calling us deeper into His love and presence.’
I have never been able to adequately describe what I believe to be encounters with God. Often, though not always, they take place through the gateway of His Creation – yes, fleetingly – but awesomely and memorably, in that optimal state of consciousness described so well by Paul Sanders in today’s wonderful Lent reflection.
My experience of these precious moments is perfectly expressed above, in St. Augustine’s eloquent quote. Now, at last, I have the words …! Gill K
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Loving the reflections and especially the imagery of the open hand.
1. Once the “brick” has been put down, the hand is free to receive.
2. And continues to receive … the bread.
Chris S
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Miriam M
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I am having a go at writing a haiku each day this Lent. The last two days have not gone as expected and I did feel lost and that I don’t know ‘my purpose’ just now. The Visio Divina exercise spoke clearly to me:
A line and some birds
God sees the complete picture
Can I lift my eyes?
Thank you, Jonathan R
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Many thanks for the series so far, it has been great to join with everyone in the Lent community again. Today I intentionally booked an hour in my day to do a quick small sketch, something I never normally do.
It was a sacred space in a busy day, and I found a moment of joy in being creative. Inspired by a rabbit I saw on my early walk yesterday.
Best wishes, Di W
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I took this yesterday evening at 10pm when the halo round the moon was a luminous blue. I was overwhelmed with a sense of connection with all those suffering in the Middle East.
I was still, and knew the flow of connection with all Abraham’s children.
Freda S
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Any talk of swallows instantly makes me smile. They should be leaving South Africa about now, for their epic 6,000 -7,000 mile journey. Let’s hope that they have tail winds to being them here by early April. I offer a haiku of praise:
My heart is lifted
By your constancy of love
In swallow’s advent
Thanks so much, Trevor P
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After spending time looking at the photo, I saw connection. Someone coming in to a gathering, fellowship, being welcomed into the space. I did this picture. Annabel R
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Here’s my prayer for St David’s Day:
coming to me senses
I see you in the mountain tops
When clothed in winter’s snow
I hear you when my mind says yes
And you are saying no
I smell your every fragrance
As the spring flowers bloom
I know that I was knit together
In my mother’s womb
And when I taste the coming year
Your Love will lift me when I fear
So I will trust you every day
Just knowing Jesus is the way
And through each ‘sense’ stay close to you
Until my life on earth is through.
Haleliw haleliw
Just coming to my senses
Haleliw Haleliw
I’ve come into my senses.
Meg M
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I have really enjoyed tracking the moon over the last couple of weeks, although skies have not always been clear.
Although I knew it before, I’ve realised more deeply how it is not only the phases of the moon that show us our progression through the (lunar) month; it’s also the progression of the moon across the heavens and the timing of the moonrise and moonset.
During my life I’ve gone through hundreds of lunar cycles, but never really noticed these changes before. I wasn’t paying attention!
This was about 10 minutes before sunrise this morning. Mick L
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I would have have automatically photographed the hibiscus before I watched your interview with Paul. The shadow is beautiful. A sock sneaked in. Elaine N
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I love this tree in our garden. It’s a sycamore, approximately 150 years old but possibly older. I have watched it through the seasons of the 22 years we have lived here and I feel a connection to it. It is a constant, towering and reassuring presence. This was taken five years ago in late February, the promise of spring already present. In summer it offers a canopy from the shade, the limbs almost encompassing us in a hug. We call it Solomon. Nature, a gift from God, gives us bounties such as this. Tracy B
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Thank you for the opportunity to join in your daily Lent reflections for the first time. It has been a real blessing so far. I was all ready to send you something else this morning and then I saw the photograph and this just bubbled out .
“I’m coming, I shout,”
As I fly to join them.
“I’m sorry I’m late,
I was busy elsewhere.
Is there a space for me?
Can you fit me in?
I don’t want to be any trouble,
I’ll just go on the end.”
Then a voice sang out,
And he turned to greet me.
“Welcome my daughter,
I’ve been waiting for you.”
“I’ve saved you this space,
Come and sit by me.
Give me all of the things,
That are weighing you down.”
“We will rest here tonight.
Just Be Still.”
“And tomorrow you will fly.”
God bless you. Janet W
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I’m currently with my wife in her homeland of Korea and I look forward each day to your reflections popping into my Inbox at about 3pm! We were treated last night to a ‘Blood Moon,’ the last of its kind here until 2072. Then, on my early morning walk I was thrilled to see the full (and white again!) moon going down behind the trees. How blessed we have been.
Eddie G
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A few weeks ago I had a go at needle felting. I copied these rose buds but when I got home I saw a butterfly. It came to mind when I saw the first Brimstone last week. Though it looks nothing like the picture, I got great pleasure from doing it.
Enjoy! Fiona T
I’m reminded of a line in T.S.Eliot’s poem Four Quartets:
At the still point of the turning world…
There is only the dance.
Blessings, Jo C
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A walk along the coast path at Mawgan Porth last night – the first clear sky after weeks of rain in Cornwall – and we saw the sunset and then later, the moon! The clear sky and warm breeze felt like a gift of relief.
Between Sunset and Moonrise
Glowing golden path
Dappled fire lights ocean blue
Orange sun sinking
Afterglow mists air
Everything cools, gentle breeze
Lifts and balms my soul
I wait for moonrise
Search above the sandy dunes
Rippled silky still
In the space between
Sunset and moonrise, a hush
Descends, liminal
After dinner, ale,
Conversation & laughter
Rich dark has fallen
Shining disc revealed,
Bold, brightly silvered and full
Lighting cobalt night
Give us today our
Glowing sun, give us tonight
Our gathered moonlight
Caroline B
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Sitting in pain
I closed my eyes
God breathe in me … 🙏
… and with me 🙏 .
I opened them
and beheld these before me,
God’s light reflecting on them.
I was drawn into the beauty and gazed and gazed in wonder.
I felt His love embracing my soul,
the whole world and such peace.
All is well. Thanks be to God
Amen.
with love, Sue T
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Good morning Brian
I am on a silent Lenten retreat this week at Launde Abbey, and I wrote the following haikus whilst sitting in the grounds of the Abbey yesterday:
Clouds slowly moving
Brilliant, shining, Grace-ful, sun
Squirrels at my feet.
The full mid-day sun
is food for the hungry soul
This is our daily bread.
Fifteen years today
my Mum sadly passed away
Thank God for her life.
Bread for the journey.
Bread for today and tomorrow
is bread for the soul.
Best wishes, Diane M
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Thank you Brian and – thank you to everyone for the amazing word pictures, creative responses and photographs in the RSVPs. I wish I was more creative myself.
I offer this today, as a response to last Friday’s verse, “You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing” (Psalm 145).
EMPTY YET OPEN – a prayer to my God
Just as I am
open to you
seeking your plans
not my “do… do… do…”
Offering myself
no more, no less
receiving your wealth
as my sin I confess
Thank you for all you give
Your spirit, your grace,
that I may live,
come Lord into this sacred space.
God bless you – each one. Paula S
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Greetings to the whole wonderful community!
The silence holds
Yet knowing God is present
Comforts me
Like a shelter
In my storm
He surrounds me
Holds my portion
Holds me.
Gill H
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It was hard to choose just one thing from this week – you have provided a feast once again.
I am currently on a course run by Paul Sanders (thanks to that Advent interview which introduced me to his work and philosophy), so I am currently photographing in conditions that would not usually attract me.
This morning, I got up early to photograph the sunrise, hoping for last glimpses of the full moon, but it was foggy. Then I remembered something Paul said to me: “You will never find what you are looking for, but you will be given something you can work with…”
This morning’s lesson: When the sunrise is cancelled, look for the light in creation. To me, the blossoms announce that spring is here and will not be cancelled.
I also enclose a photo of the full moon taken yesterday evening.
And here is a prayer based on your reflections about daily bread:
Help us to step into Your overflow
so that we can grow
in body, mind, and soul –
this moment and every moment after.
Every blessing, Susanne I
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Reading your beautiful poem today and thinking of how we welcome seeing the migrant swallow return to us each year, I pray that we would be a more welcoming nation to the migrants, asylum seekers and refugees who come to dwell in the land we live in. “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.“ Joy H
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Inspiration 🙏🥰. Hilary M
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A Haiku inspired by Psalm 84 Visio Divina:
I notice the gap
“Pause. Dwell. There’s space by my side.”
Coming home to you
Ben W
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Waiting for the moon last night. It was worth it! Eve M
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I meditate on the words of Psalm 23 every day. This piece of textile art represents both the green pastures and the darkness. It’s called “The Valley of the Shadow.”
As I was sewing the gold thread along the darkness I knew Jesus was there too. Of course He was!! He is present throughout the Old Testament, why was I so surprised! I think it was because I felt a sense of real encounter, the Lord IS my Shepherd, grace upon grace!
Celia J
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Oh, like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free …
It’s not my work but the image today took me to a memory of uni days when as a then undiagnosed depressive I had many struggles. It was of listening to the song ‘Like a Bird on a Wire’, by Leonard Cohen. I share the lyrics for all who struggle to be free – which is I guess, everyone. David M
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My poem is seeing the middle bird in flight as representing Jesus:
The birds on the wire give us insight for sure
One turned away, one bowed low to the floor
Jesus is coming his presence is near
Are we ready for Jesus or is it just what we appear?
Formal in rows or standing back
Indifferent or not sure if there’s something we lack?
Jesus is near us so don’t be unsure
So let’s bow to his lead, it’s time to soar.
Jonathan C
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This has been a comforting, but in some ways challenging two weeks. We spent a few days in the Netherlands, and this wonderful stained glass window speaks to me of that gateway of presence, trust in Him – yet realising the difficult circumstances around us, and some churches there are now deconsecrated. But the windows and His presence remain.
‘A day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.’ Thank you, Lord. Simon M
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I was sent this picture by a friend who was walking past our church in the light of the full moon … It fed my soul! Blessings. Clare Hayns
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Your reflection today plus Paul Sander’s photograph of the swallows reminded me of this short poem I wrote a while ago.
Blessings. Jane S
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This photo was taken in Saturday while walking over Port Meadow in Oxford at the end of a day out with a dear friend. The reflecting moon gave us a moment to pause and share. I was mindful of the spires in the distance and used the opportunity to tell her (she’s not a Christian) of this Lent course and how much it helps bring Jesus back to my centre. Thank you Brian. As always. Kate P
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A children’s song by a Salvation Army lyricist John Gowans has this verse, bringing me to a simple childlike perspective:
There are hundreds and thousands
millions of sparrows,
Two a penny, far too many there must be,
There are hundreds and thousands
millions of sparrows,
And God knows everyone and God knows me.
The verses continue to consider how many planets, how many children, there are, but God loves everyone and God loves me.
Simple but profound. Wendy K
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I love the photograph of the swallows – the space in the middle for the one landing and the one turning as if welcoming him. Powerful image!
I took this photograph on Monday at a local nature reserve. I love the beckoning light beyond the path which weaves through the tangled trees. As we walk through the storms of life, His light leads us on. The moon was so beautiful as I walked to choir last evening! Susan L
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I wrote this poem last week after being moved by a book called The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. It’s about two sisters and the French Resistance during World War 2. I was broken in tears whilst reading it and then your reflection ‘resistance is fertile’ – and it all tied in to what God was stirring in me.
The Nightingale sang for the lost, the forsaken,
The murdered, the raped, the tortured,
the taken.
The children whose parents would never return,
The millions of bodies ruthlessly burned.
The nightingale sang, not from mountain or tree,
For this courageous voice was no longer free.
Captured and caged, her song now a plea
For an end to all violence, domination and greed.
For humanity to weep, to be broken, to learn,
To be horrified, terrified,
Moved to discern that this beautiful planet,
created in love,
cries out for its people to see that above
all the wars and rejection that humans create,
all the prejudice, fear, arrogance, hate.
There is only one way
To save the human race.
Let love determine action
Let love extend grace –
to everyone
regardless of sexual orientation,
of gender, social status, or state of immigration,
regardless of colour, religion or creed.
Let love break down barriers
Let love meet the needs – of all.
For we all live on God’s homemade ground
And we need loving kindness to grow and abound.
The Nightingale sings.
In her song we trust.
May Love conquer hate.
Have not doubt.
It must!
Blessings, Karen L
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I set out early today before sunrise- had intended to find a quiet space outdoors to sit with wellspring Wednesday morning and read today’s offering. The sunrise and an old oak – and Paul Sanders – small gifts like these 🙏 (and my two girls!). Sarah G
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The idea of walking around in someone else’s shoes always reminds me of this scene in the wonderful film ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ (the reference is about halfway through the clip, which is only around 2 mins 30 secs long). It’s one of my favourite books and films – Gregory Peck was born to play Atticus Finch!
Hazel P
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Thank you for your thoughtful reflections this lent- I so appreciate them. I would simply like to share a couple of songs that have struck a chord with your writings. ‘Look at the Birds’ by Xander Stock, and this one from last week when I was driving and it came on the radio- a simple act of resistance- hands in the dirt, gardening. ‘Gardening’ by JJ Heller.
Many thanks again Brian. Gill D
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We have just returned from our holiday in Cyprus. There were so many sparrows, I was inspired to paint a watercolour sketch three of them. I remembered how God knows when a sparrow falls and ‘Even the sparrow has found a home.’ You quoted that very verse this morning! I love the flow between us all as we journey together
Sent with love, Sue H
First Week
Many thanks for your thoughtful offerings. Certain phrases have been really helpful and in particular the phrase about “empathy, practiced well, is surely prayer” has really stayed with me. I used to work as a clinical psychologist so know the power of empathy but loved this new perspective. You may have seen this clip. It’s an animation, only 3 mins long, with Brene Brown talking about empathy as a sacred space.
Enjoy! Geraldine
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This halo appeared around the sun last Tuesday morning when we were facing a difficult family issue. It was as if God was saying, ‘Don’t worry, I am with you in the pain’. It has helped to turn the day into a beautiful memory. Thanks be to God. Howard G
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Here’s my creative offering for this week. It’s a work in progress, I’d never used procreate on my iPad before so it’s a learning curve! I’m thinking through the Grace theme – Grace is something I aspire to, when I can work out what it is exactly 😄 The primroses were looking so pretty in the garden today, so they seemed an appropriate addition. Lindy P
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Patti F
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I’ve been reflecting on this poem over the last few days and wanted to share it with the community:
Let’s pull each other up
not by the boot straps
But how the sun pulls up the flowers
Gently
Shine your light on my fractured skin
Let me know it’s ok to be
I’ll do the same for you
I’ll be the sun for you
Daragh Fleming
For me, it speaks into many situations in the world right now. It speaks of resistance, grace, love, empathy and gentleness. Tim P
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Brian, thank you for your, as always, most inspiring meditations. Here is my contribution for Week 1. A focus on spring and colour – a lift to the spirits after this long wet winter …
What a joy and relief
after the winter that’s been
to see the willow in leaf
and clothed in soft green.
On its bare brown arms
pinky red blossoms
are bursting forth
The first flush and blush of spring.
Oh flowering quince, you make my heart sing!
Yellow is such a happy colour
after the gloom of winter’s gray
Daffodils are painting out that pallor
At last, a splash of sunshine has come our way.
How subtly stylish is the crocus
dressed in many shades of mauve
Stripes converge to its purple focus
Gems nestled in green – what a treasure trove.
Jane (Bradford-on-Avon)
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Here is my offering inspired by your writing, the interview with Elizabeth, John the Baptist and Psalm 107 28-31
Enoughness
There is something in the quiet resistance
That speaks of ‘enoughness’.
Hush and listen
A whisper of a song rises
It straightens, levels and guides
To a safe harbour
Blown and held in the wind of unfailing love.
Rachel Ta
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Here is a Haiku that I wrote at the end of last week:-
How amazing is
Your Grace, O Lord. Amazing!
Graceful as a dove.
Diane M
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Day One – grace upon grace – magnolia buds poised to bring grace
Day Two – setting an intention by buying flowers for a bereavement course at
work
Day Three – early blossom in the park honouring the creator
Day Four – the magnolia buds opening in the sunshine
Day Five – Stopped in my tracks by the moon in the afternoon sky
Sarah Y
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I’ve been pondering ‘graceful’ and ‘grateful’ – so for the RSVP:
Grateful for the sunshine today
With waxing moon still gracing the sky.
Graceful daffodils bursting into bloom –
Deo gratias!
Many thanks for everything so far, Brian! Marian M
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I wrote this on Monday. Thank you for this series once again, drawing everyone together.
Lesson in the desert
Who am I?
If not the sum
of
My achievements,
My reputation,
My possessions …
Then:
Who am I?
‘’You are my beloved,
In your scrawny nakedness, just as you are.
I made you. You are my child.
Look into my eyes and listen –
Really listen –
With you, I am well pleased.’’
Jenny H
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Standing upright,
Face towards the sun,
Open to the light and life.
May I be more open
To your love and grace,
So that I too may show
Your beauty in my face.
Jill M
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Thank you so much for this Lenten feast! So much to take in and ponder. I took this photo in my garden and it inspired me to write a short poem! Blessings, Jill M
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Your compass point prayer is ministering deeply to me and my RSVP is this song ‘Shepherd of my Soul’ by Christy Nockels (I love her!). Somehow the music and the words of the prayer reach a place deep inside.
Thank you Brian for all that you put into these reflections. Wendy Pat
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This photo I took responds to my journey so far. It is ‘Aconites and Cedar Trees’, and as I look at it, and remember the walk and the place where the photo was taken, it feels me with a deep sense of calm and joy. It also gives a strong sense of being on a journey. Sheila R
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Life-lit love
Shine within
Both Day and Night
Anne D
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Here comes the sun.
Judith H
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Grace
I was always
Inclined to think
(maybe I was taught)
That I deserved nothing
But over seven decades
(A blink of Your eye)
I have received
And received so much
That now I know
That you do not blink
But gaze steadily
At me in constant love
When we are loved
There is a wonder
At what on earth it is
Our lover sees in us
That starts in us
a desire deeper than words
A longing for a closeness
Which will last forever
That is why My heart says
That I will seek each day
The face of my lover
Your face, O God
The mystery remains
Of amazing grace
That finds and loves
Wretches like me
When loved like this
My soul grows
Like the rose buds
And Unfolds in fragrance
So teach me grace
To know myself
In the paradoxical joy of
Worthy and undeserving both
Of a love so sufficient
It cost You everything
In wood, nails and blood
To gasp – it is finished
There, there it is
The breaking of my pride
The fall of my defences
In your loving eyes
As you turn them
Towards my plea
And respond
Today, you and me
Paradise
David M
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Inspired by Sunday’s sermon, I’ve been hunting for joy. I found joy in these blooms in the garden. Audrey J
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Singing Resistance so resonates with my spirit in a powerful way. Thank you so much! Gorden Jensen who is a singer/songwriter wrote a song entitled “Grace Upon Grace” back in 1983 which so perfectly speaks to your Gracing the Days Series.
He lived in SeaTac Washington, working as an engineer at K.S.T.W. television. He also was a WW2 marine veteran. He and his family enjoyed camping and boating on a cabin cruiser that he built, which was named after him, the “Gorden Jensen”.
Back in the 1980s, when I was in my 30’s, my husband Terry, who was the choir director at a tiny Nazarene Church in Woodland, WA, taught this song to us who sang in his small choir. The song so impacted me then and continues to have deep meaning. Celeste VS
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Gardening with intention … with grateful thanks to Brian, Mirabai Starr and Ali Foxon
I made space to spend time in my garden, noticing many welcome signs of Spring – doing so with ‘loving intention’, ‘aligning my heart gratefully and grace-fully with God.’ Oh, how I prayed that this damaged world would pause too – and realign in Love.
Here, I was marvelling at the intricacy of unfurling buds on a handsome flowering currant shrub.
Dr. Ali Foxton, of ‘green sketching and doodling’ fame, says, “training our brains to look out for joy (or wonder, or curiosity, or surprise) in our surroundings counters our default tendency to focus on the negative and look for evidence of what’s wrong in the world. This isn’t fluffy, positive thinking. It’s neurobiology: joy spotting calms our nervous system, lifts our spirits …” (She advises sketching of course, not taking photos! I will be returning to that captivating exercise another day!) Gill K
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Here is my response to: “May your Soul scatter salt & flicker light, today”
Sue W
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I’ve been struggling settling into Lent and have found it hard to pray, but listening to your interview with Elizabeth Macaulay this morning reminded me of the power of song and a song I wrote on Ash Wednesday a few years ago. I used to sing it over myself, loved ones, nations, friends, and enemies, and today I have started singing again…
The painting in the background is called “Masterpiece”. It was inspired by Ephesians 2:10 NLT (we are “God’s masterpiece “) and 2 Corinthians 4:7 NIVUK (… yet carry “treasure in jars of clay”). I was reminded of it when I heard the line “Be open to be broken.” in the moving U2 song.
Here is a poem I wrote when I originally painted the picture:
Masterpiece
In places, the glaze has peeled,
revealing patches of raw clay –
yet, life-giving water is gushing forth,
a fountain of joy,
touching everything it its path.
A fragile jar of clay,
rough, unfinished, flawed,
but brimming with treasure:
One of God’s masterpieces,
an ordinary vessel housing His light, love, and glory.
Some vessels remain on the shelf, fractured and broken,
yet there is hope.
They too are invited to be immersed in the river of life.
by giving God’s spirit access to the whole.
I have enjoyed combining work I created in two different seasons and times for “Wellspring Wednesday” (Great name, Brian!) Every blessing to the Lent community, Susanne I
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Thank you for our daily dose of gathered Lent ponderings, inspiration & wisdom thus far. I made this image ‘Lifeline’ in response to last week’s themes & have placed a copy where I see it each day as a visual prompt. Claire H
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My haiku is inspired by today’s reflection and the compass prayer (which I am finding the most helpful yet):
God-light strengthens me
As I move house, knowing that
Your house is my home.
In this time of change for me, your reflections are such a source of support- thank you. Sarah B
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Here is my RSVP – inspired by how, in spite of all the rain, Spring returns, defiantly!
How is it this sodden earth
still brings forth Spring’s colourful mirth?
Yellow trumpets sound to stay awhile,
see, the frogs are back with gaping smile.
Blue-tits return to claim their nest,
in God our refuge we find our rest.
Come, resist the gloomy days,
receive the Grace, go out with praise.
With love, Jo Gardiner
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A contribution for your Lent series.
‘A beach view yesterday,
The warming sunshine
Brightens the sea.
A kitchen view today,
The warming brimstone
Brightens the garden.
A grieving friend now,
Our warming compassion
Brightens their hope.
Thank you for another gentle, yet most inspiring series. Sending blessings and love, Paula K
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Thank you Brian for your gracious generosity and sharings, not least U2 this morning. Wow. Below is my offering for this week – born of just such an encounter yesterday…
“Singing through the dark times
Through the ash and smoke
Weave the grief into the song
And sing our way back to hope” … Ameyn.
Sometimes our song can be in the expression or silent movement of the body – when fierce and gentle meet, mercy and misery embrace and all is transformed in that allowing paradox.
Blessings be. Ann (aka Wild Soul)
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Today’s reflection about the sun struck me in such a special way. Here is my RSVP. Not at all eloquent but heartfelt!
Father God
You are all that you say you are
You are not distant, but close
When trials come, your glory shines
And your faithfulness quells the noise
When fear threatens again
You speak “it is done”.
Amen.
Claire W
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We walk the same ground.
Pass the Light to one another.
Liz H
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Here is my Grace Prayer /poem:
Gratitude to be free to be the person who the Divine called to be
Reflect on God’s Goodness
Attune . May I attune myself to God’s heart
Compassion . Give me a compassionate heart for the vulnerable
Emmanuel God with us. Empower me
Sally W
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Like many others in this community, I have set an intention to show up to my creative space every day. Keeping it small and simple helps me to do that!
Blessings, Jo C
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The sun has shone from time to time in West Sussex this winter – lifting spirits all round. This photo is Bosham West Sussex, taken on 7 February – after your email today I want to title this photo ‘The Lord’s face shines upon us and is gracious unto us.‘ Elaine Col
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Janet W
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My intentions for this Lent are summed up in these few lines, with thanks to David W in the CAC community.
To live simply – making more space for contemplation, reading and ‘being’.
To forgive deeply – both myself and others.
To love fearlessly – being courageous in facing challenges.
Thank you, Brian, for the deeply moving and inspiring interview with the pastor from Minneapolis and for all the links. What courage and what a role model for us to open our eyes to the injustices that are around us that need to be called out. With love, Tricia U
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A quiet resistance – laying on a bench to observe the trees, slowing my breath, body, heart down after a day at work. Morag S
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Together through Lent
Pilgrimage has been a powerful theme for me over the last year and this continues into Lent. I found the “live at five“ session on Friday very uplifting. We gathered from many different places, yet we are all fellow pilgrims.
And I feel myself joined by other pilgrims across time and space: Joe and Nick and The 17 from the Mid-Faith-Crisis podcast; Bill the pony from the Lord of the rings; Hwin the mare and Eustace Clarence Scrub from the Chronicles of Narnia; Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics; and Hildegard von Bingen. And my most important companion, the she-ass (Ezelintje) who could see the angel and thus saved Balaam’s bacon!
As we journey through Lent, our Muslim cousins are making a similar pilgrimage through Ramadan. Sadly, I will miss the next Live at Five – we are invited by Muslim friends to share in Iftar, the breaking of the fast at sunset. It’s perhaps a small act of resistance and solidarity (it’s not so easy to be a Muslim in the Netherlands).
Mick L
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Using words from you and Pastor Elizabeth …
Bear witness, pass light
A power greater than fear
Come now, sing your part
Philippa P
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Prayer for the way ahead
Life is full
Of the unknown
And uncertainties
As we just take one step
And then another step
And another
Into the gift of time and space
Which lies ahead.
But we learn so much along the way.
We are reminded
Of the presence
Of the present,
The gifts which surround us
Here and now
Even as we pause
With bated breath
For guidance
As we grope
In the dark
With our torches of desperation,
Our searchlight of fear,
Our need for control.
God presents us with
His gift of candlelight.
Soft
Gentle
Enough.
May we humbly adjust our eyes
To this glorious gift
As we trust
In his immeasurable love
for each of us.
Jane W
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Here comes the sun. Ruth O
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How does your reading ear hear tears?
Is there a tear in the air that scares?
My tears tear me and
My tears tear me.
Light and love break in any way.
Jonathan R
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‘Though the music of the heart may grow faint, there is in each of us an unprotected place that beauty can always reach out and touch’ (John O’ Donohue).
So much hope and richness already amidst the world’s pain in our community coming together. Thank you as always for creating these times. Love and blessings to you all. Sue T 🙏🙏🙏
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I love the compass prayer. This morning, the phrase “I shall not want” brought a real smile to my face. Singing resistance brought tears to my eyes and I can’t believe I don’t know all about U2! The Tears of Things is so meaningful, and I’ll remember that David didn’t have to be Goliath to defeat him! Here is my unpolished RSVP. I’ve attempted a psalmish style!
What am I for?
My God, why am I here?
That question awakens me,
The night voices prick my sleepy consciousness.
Where am I?
My God, where have you brought me to dwell?
In a place of enough,
Where I have everything I need.
But what about those without,
Those who don’t know the enoughness of God?
Surely I should be doing something,
There must be a way I can save them.
Quiet, says God,
Hush your constant demands.
Turn your blinking eyes to the sun,
Turn away from yourself and breathe me in.
I am the one who saves,
I am the provider of enough.
Rest, receive, share, resist,
Live, tell, do.
Mandy C.
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As a family we have faced a “tear-soaked month“ as our daughter-in-law was subjected to endless tests confirming a rare cancer had spread, BUT through it all we have and are experiencing, day upon day, God gracing us with his presence and peace, teaching us resistance to fear and as He has promised “making the rough paths smooth “. And as we look to Him “the light of our lives “ – though the way ahead is rough and uncertain – we too are singing our way back to hope! Thank you Brian. Sonia P
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Thank you for all the inspiring reflections and RSVPs so far. It’s wonderful to be here together again. Here is my journal to date. I try to create a collage page each day, focusing on a few sentences from the day’s reflection. Sending love to all, Hazel R
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A reminder for me today that when times are dark God keeps his promises and the sun will return. Wendy P
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I can’t stop singing along with all the songs from singing resistance – but especially ‘O the red sun rises’ – something deep inside me has been stirred. If I was on two feet I’d be prayerfully dancing to the music. Michelle H
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I picked this up in a charity shop for a few £s about 4 years ago and what a very fortunate find. It is a coloured etching by the artist Hannah Swain.
When I bought it, the words at the top (‘Turn your Face to the Sun and the Shadows Fall Behind You’) weren’t visible as the picture had slipped in its frame.
Since I bought the picture, I have found the words and the composition a great comfort. I love the interplay of the sun and moon figures and the angel, top right. I have been through a prolonged time of stress and bereavement and the picture speaks to me daily of God’s presence and warmth.
I’m sure when I bought it all those years ago, the picture was a gift given to me by God; and outpouring of His grace. Heather P
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How clearly the sky reveals God’s glory!
How plainly it shows what he has done!
Each day announces it to the following day;
each night repeats it to the next.
No speech or words are used,
no sound is heard;
yet their message goes out to all the world
and is heard to the ends of the earth.
God made a home in the sky for the sun;
it comes out in the morning like a happy bridegroom,
like an athlete eager to run a race.
It starts at one end of the sky
and goes across to the other.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
(Psalm 19)
Photos of the sunset and moon rise last week. Angie M
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Thanks for such a beautiful reflection. Heres my response.
Here comes the sun
Such radiant light
To ease away
The fear of night
Here comes the sun
A pure true light
To offer us
A different sight.
Matt C
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I’m enjoying the series so much. It’s been a balm / oasis in a time of wondering how we live in times like these! Here’s my haiku response.
Music as Resistance
Half-time joy, choirs, rock,
Show “Love is stronger than hate”.
God bless our singing!
Nb, includes Bad Bunny quote from Super Bowl half-time show and Grammys 🙂 Michaela T
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Annie H
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The little concertina book that I have attached is the creative outcome of this week. Thank you for guiding us this season!
Blessings, Rietje B
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“The moon came slowly up in all her gentle glory, and the stars looked out, and the face of Heaven shone bright and merciful. He raised his head; gazed upward at the quiet sky, which seemed to smile upon the earth in sadness, as if the night, more thoughtful than the day, looked down in sorrow on the sufferings and evil deeds of men; and felt its peace sink deep into his heart.” – Charles Dickens, Barnaby Rudge
With love, thanks, and all best wishes, Phil S
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This piece of textile I’m working on throughout Lent, seems to me to resonate with what you have spoken about this morning. It is a representation of God’s love entering into our wounded, broken selves, planting seeds of hope into our hearts. These seeds enable growth and greening, producing shoots which bear fruit and drop more seeds of hope into the world’s darkness …
It is the best love story! Blessings, Celia J
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I’m found, and finding sustenance, in the desert. Ben W
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I found some books of photos recently at a charity shop to use in my collage. I’ve been working through the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ and was about to portray kindness. But yesterday I saw ‘kindness’ in a different light after listening to the pastor in Minneapolis. So I made this page in response to being ‘salt and light’ in the most challenging of times. Annie PP
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I was delighted and surprised when the sky was clear and I was able to gaze on the half moon! This is my first posting so I’ve chosen a short format. However the last line isn’t long enough to summarise the meaning of ‘ready to face the paperwork of divorce after 33 years of marriage; and process the letting go and reorientation of life that I’m going through.’ It’s going to be an interesting Lenten journey this year.
Moon above hot tub
Bubbles relax my body
Spirit restored.
Kim
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Talking with a friend who is struggling, she mentioned the phrase “a bright sadness” which she had heard Lent described as. I wrote this in response:
A bright sadness fills
Our Lenten days, we know it
Ends with grace and life.
Enjoy the sunshine today. Susan L
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Good morning Brian and thank you once again for the grace-filled treasures you are giving us.
MY LENTEN PRAYER
I draw near Lord
as you draw near to me
I offer words of praise
through these 40 days
My God, my Saviour
this is my plea:
To be changed
to be still
to be more open
to your perfect will
To be moulded
to be shaped
to more reflect
you amazing grace
Yes, I draw near Lord
as you draw near yo me
Through this Lenten time
Help me God “Your will, not mine”.
God bless you, Paula Smith
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Resistance
To stand firm
To not be moved
Stubborn
Blindness
Bloody mindedness.
To resit alone
can become this.
We need give
and take
Flow and stillness.
Strength and weakness
Yet in the face
of evil
Maybe
that’s a different thing.
When the alternatives
are submission and
compliance or
aggression and
war or
fleeing and hiding,
to resist
is brave.
In our inner
Worlds
Different again?
Resisting
can mean
making a
choice
regaining control
when that
seems impossible.
May seem like
choosing death
over life.
Yet it believes
staying true
Is more
Important
than
winning.
Julie S
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Andy R
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I’m still engulfed by yesterday’s conversation and the songs … This was poem was read to us at contemplation this morning. ‘What if the future is soft and revolution is so kind that there is no end to us in sight / Whole cities breathe and bad luck is bested by a promise to the leaves.’ Coral S
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Here is my offering written yesterday after listening to your interview with pastor Elizabeth Macaulay. As you can see I have started by using the title of your reflection for Tuesday.
Thank you. Jane S
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It says a little much about my mindset that when asked what I was for, I straight away thought of tasks rather than values. So, this is my reaction —
What I am For
In purpose, utility,
Let me do
Nothing, for now
just see.
and beyond that
as musts need
simply be
Beloved and free —
Mine for thee.
Neville P
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I’m on my commute, having read your reflections this morning. Thank you. I looked up and saw one of the ‘poems on the underground’. I particularly like the last phrase, about the night sky liking a good conversation. It’s such a joy to look up into the night sky and share moments of communication, or possibly communion. I was so pleased I looked up this morning. Jan T
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I was introduced to this version of the Lord’s Prayer in the week for Christian unity. It comes from A New Zealand Prayer Book published by The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Jo M
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Feb so dismal, yet
bright white points on every sloe branch.
Spring Earth’s silent shout.
Mark P
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I follow poetry and readings on a site called Journey with Jesus. The following thoughts (a devotional reflection from someone in Minnesota) are from Feb 1st and are so in tune with your thoughts today. Salt and Light! Karen B
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I was deeply moved by the response of the people who gathered in the Methodist church of Pastor Elizabeth Macaulay after the violence in Minneapolis. Here is my response to standing in someone else’s shoes.
In the Shoes of Another
To step into the shoes of another
And call them a sister or a brother
Is more than an act of solidarity,
It’s a momentary glimpse of their reality;
Though you know you may never walk their walk,
Your presence is attentive as they talk,
Gently holding all that’s hiding in their words,
So they know their joys and sorrows have been heard,
It’s as though the well worn leather of their shoes
Has graced you with the story of their truths.
Sue H
Lent 2026 RSVPs 