Quiet Spaces: A light for my path

Content

In this issue we remember that the word of God is a light for our path. Carol Jerman takes up this theme in her contribution 'A lamp to my feet'. Jean Watson writes about the light Paul encountered on the road to Damascus, and Alison MacTier from the Retreat Association helps us to think about being 'Companions along the Way'. Janet Fletcher reminds us of the 'light that will sustain us, open up prayer from deep within us'.

Time to wonder, to be, to feel, to explore; a pausing point, a breathing space. A new way to deepen and develop your quiet spaces of spiritual reflection.

About Quiet Spaces:

Published three times a year in January, May and September, Quiet Spaces provides a regular flow of inspiration for your spiritual journey that can be dipped into over and over again. Each edition reflects on a theme offering a wealth of thought-provoking comment that can also be used in sermon preparation and leading worship.

Quiet Spaces provides:

• Undated inspiration articles exploring the theme of each edition
• 'My Space' pages to journal your own meditations and thoughts from reading the articles and engaging with worship

The Editor writes:

The theme of this issue was inspired by verse 105 of Psalm 119 where we read, 'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.' This particular translation of a famous verse is taken from the King James Version of the Bible, as this year we are celebrating the 400th anniversary of its publication in 1611. The Bible brought light and new understanding to a people who had no regular opportunity to hear the word of God read to them in their own language. What a revolution, and indeed a revelation, it must have been! Now, in the early 21st century, as we have such an abundance of ways of accessing scripture, it is hard to take on board what a limitation not having an English-language Bible at all must have imposed on people.

Perhaps these days we are more likely to be distracted by many other things, the innovations of our own time, to give much time to rediscovering the word of God as 'a light for our path'. So now is your opportunity to spend time with this theme. The issue begins with a contribution from a local friend of mine, Carol, who thoroughly enjoys walking the mountains of North Wales, telling of a walk she went on recently. Jean Watson's article, which follows, reflects on the light from heaven, which was an integral part of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus.

The Retreat Association promotes retreats through the UK, and Alison reminds us that the need to be listened to is a A light for my path 5 natural part of our human make-up. She helps us consider the companionship of a spiritual director. Janet Fletcher speaks of the light of faith and God's presence with us, bringing into our lives 'love, peace and hope... light that will sustain us, open up prayer from deep within us...'.

Prayers from Vittoria Hancock, plus our usual contributions by Margaret Harvey and Tony Horsfall, are here too. There is also a short liturgy you may like to use and a meditation based on different types of doors and on the famous Holman Hunt painting entitled The Light of the World. The meditation and the liturgy could also be useful for a small group. Then there is Anna's story, a kind of Christians' Midrash or story about a story, which could also form the basis for a small group session and will be enjoyed by those who like storytelling. There is also an article about the different types of light. So hopefully there is a full spectrum of light and colour for you to explore in Quiet Spaces!

And remember that the light of the scripture is the same light, the light of Christ, which came to our predecessors of many generations. For them, as well as for us, even if we use different vocabulary, we can all say, 'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.' So thank God for that light, coming to us in each generation in diverse ways.

In this issue:

• The Editor writes
  Heather Fenton
• A lamp to my feet
  Carol Jerman
• A light from heaven
  Jean Watson
• Companions along the way
  Alison MacTier
• My space
• The inner light of hope
  Janet Fletcher
• Moonlight: a meditative story
  Heather Fenton
• Short meditations and prayers
  Vittoria Hancock
• Torches and umbrellas
  Tony Horsfall
• My space
• Margaret's space
  Margaret Harvey
• 'Behold I stand at the door and knock' a liturgy
• The properties of light
  Heather Fenton
• Anna's story
  Margaret Harvey
• Two sayings
• Pilgrims to the Manger
• Naomi Starkey

View items in similar categories

• Quiet Spaces
• Prayer and Spirituality

Endorsements

A wonderful source for meditation and prayer.
Sister Frances Dominica, Founder and Trustee, Helen and Douglas House

Let those who risk taking 'time out' to read Quiet Spaces be filled with the wonder, awe and beauty of what God presents to them each day.
The Revd Canon David Adam

Author info

Contributors include Jean Watson, Carol Jerman, Janet Fletcher and Alison MacTier.

• View other titles by Heather Fenton (editor)

Reviews

Book details

• ISBN: 9781841018317
• Published: 01 July 2011
• Status:
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 80