Richard and Katy go Home

Katy and I had the chance to join with the 24-7 Prayer Gathering, Home, this last weekend.

And we cycled alot of the way (about 120 miles)! And took the train some of the way...

BiG thanks to Corringham and Stanford Boiler Room Community who hosted us warmly at their amazing hospitality and prayer house (pics below). It's amazing to hear the stories of God's provision there, and many new people giving time to pray with the Community there. And to be so blessed with hot baths, fine food and inspiring chat.

About 150 people from about 20 nations gathered in Southampton to share stories of prayer room and Christ centred communities.

The theme of our gathering was to consider the Scripture from Isaiah 56:7 "My house will be a called a house of prayer for all nations". How can we be at home with God? How can we welcome to God to be at home with us?

I learnt that God's Story (revealed in the Bible) is a story of wanting to be at home with people.

I also learnt that God has a home for us, a house of many rooms in heaven. And we can be a home, a temple in each one of us, for the Holy Spirit. And that as we pray and come in repentance and humility to God, He can be present in places for us and others to encounter.

I was inspired to meet old friends, and make new ones, and to hear more of people's stories. People who spring to mind include Lyndey and Katy from Wales, Merkel from Belfast and Alpin from Skopje (see tatoos!), James and Andy from Egham, Sarah from Exeter....

I feel inspired to keep on praying. And to offer myself, my community and my land as a home to God.

Richard

Pilgrimage Reflections

We made it!

Liz, James, Katy, Ian, Helen, Esme, Lewis and I made our pilgrimage across the Dengie Peninsular. We walked 9 miles to the chapel of St Peter, built by St Cedd when he arrived to bring the Gospel to the East Saxons in 653.

We prayed and read the Bible at points along the way.

We also use the Midday and Evening prayer from The Northumbria Community Celtic Daily Prayer Book.

And we met some more friends at the St Peter's and said and sung the Evening Prayer together (which sounded amazing in the ancient, high roofed chapel).

We reflected on that chain of relationship & discipleship that meant Patrick sent Coloumba who sent Aidan who sent Cedd.

I appreciated the big open skies of the Dengie, the beauty and wildness of creation. And I learnt that who we walk with really adds to the journey.