Today is Thursday. There is general agreement that our word “Thursday” stems from the Norse god Thor. We associate Thor with thunder, storms, sacred trees and strength.
Whilst I don’t believe in Norse mythology, I do find it useful to consider mythical characters and the rhetoric previous cultures have built about our world. These stories can often bring insight in to our own faith, and the tales we tell ourselves about our experiences and religious practice.
God is almighty and all encompassing, and sometimes reflecting on these folklore and legends helps us to consider specific aspects of God, aspects we often neglect.
Let us go to God in prayer…
Almighty God, you are all knowing and all powerful.
You are loving, comforting, nurturing, kind, patient and merciful.
But you are also a God of strength and force who drives storms in to our lives, to shake us up, stop us in our tracks, make us consider different paths. These storms remind us of our mortality and fragility and our need to reconnect to you for shelter and sanctuary. We give you thanks for this.
Thunder is the sound we cannot see. This reminds us that whilst we may not be able to always see you, we can always hear your word and feel your presence through the Holy Spirit.
With thunder there is often lightning, these bolts of sheer energy and electricity that shine a light in to the darkest corner, illuminating our skies. May we always be open to the lightning in our lives, the times when you are using that which is around us to suddenly light up a path for us, or highlight an area of darkness we are scared to explore.
After a storm comes the most powerful stillness and silence. A storm can be clearing and re-energising.
For those of us today who feel trapped in the storm, deafened by thunder, blinded by lightning, remind us that this too will pass. This storm will pass and the stillness that follows will be a great moment of reflection and healing.
Amen!
The Unexpected Prayer 