Thought for the Week
by the Rev Steve Proudlove, All Saints, Ilkley
ONE of the most precious privileges of being a priest is that I get to pronounce God’s blessing upon people; be that at baptisms, weddings, at the end of church services, or just day-to-day as I go around town and pray for people. For some, to hear someone audibly speak words of God’s blessing can make real for us what we might otherwise find hard to believe – that we are all blessed and loved by God.
We’ve finally arrived in 2017 and for all of us another year, another dawn, is a blessing direct from God. This isn’t just because the turn of the year can symbolise a new start and a fresh chance to do things differently. Instead, the New Year is a symbol to remind us that each new moment, each breath I take, is a gift of blessing from God.
Some of us may find this idea of God’s blessing in every moment difficult to believe. When our ‘moments’ are dark and difficult, when they seem fleeting and disappear so rapidly, when we may have lost the ability to appreciate them compared to how we used to live; in all these moments, it can be difficult to see life as a blessing from God. Others of us may find meaningful expression of the blessings we receive in life without acknowledging or thanking God.
For both these sets of people, it may be useful to ‘hear’ words of blessing; whether that’s to somehow be tangibly reminded that even in the dark times there is meaning and hope as the light of God breaks in, or whether it’s to be reminded that all good gifts and circumstances are given by a generous and powerful Giver who blesses even those who do not realise their blessed-ness.
For everyone, as we walk the pathways of 2017, uncertain and unknown as they are, it is a privilege to pray God’s blessing upon you. May his light shine in your darkness. May his strength carry you when you fall. May his mercy assure you that there is hope beyond failings. May his joy fill your year. The blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you all, now and forever. Amen
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