Recently I set out on a bike ride, not to get anywhere specific, just for fitness and fun. The weather conditions seemed perfect, bright but not too sunny, not to warm either. From what I could see there was no wind, I didn’t notice the branches moving or fast moving clouds.
I was thoroughly enjoying my ride and then I turned a corner; at this point the effort required to move forward doubled! I could not see the breeze, nor did I notice the effects of it around me; yet when going against it I felt the full force, I noticed my struggle.
Like most of us these days I was recording my ride via one of many apps, to later share on social media. I was cross that my pace was dropping, who was going to believe it was suddenly so windy!
I persevered (well I had to get home some how!) and after turning a couple more corners suddenly this same breeze was directly behind me. My efforts lessened, suddenly this breeze was supporting me to move forward with ease. I became aware that I wasn’t solely responsible for completing this ride, the breeze was supporting me too. I still couldn’t see it, but as I cycled effortlessly there was no denying its presence.
You can see where I’m going with this…
Let us pray.
God, we cannot physically see you in just the same way we cannot see the wind. Remind us that if we pause and take note, if we become aware of what is happening around us, we can sense you, just like we can sense the wind.
The rustling of a barley field, the fast moving clouds, the joy of watching a bird hovering in the air, the leaves blowing free from a tree. We cannot see the wind but we have full access to its effects.
That moment of calm, a compliment paid, a sunset that fills us with joy, a chance conversation with a stranger. We cannot always see you but we have full access to your holy presence.
Throughout our journeys we are so grateful for all the signs and indicators you provide that tell us we are watched over, that you are always with us.
Often in life we choose a path and we struggle, it is difficult to move forward, the effort of moving does not bring reward. This sense of struggle as we move against the breeze, against your will for us, is simply a reminder that you are there. You want to take us one way; as we persevere against your flow the journey becomes uncomfortable.
Holy Spirit when our journeys get too much, may we pause and take stock, may we consider the direction we are going. Encourage us to be still and take note of what is going on around us. Just like the leaves drifting down a lane show us which way the breeze is going, may we be open and eager for your signs as to which way we should go.
Where is your breeze blowing today oh Lord? Where does your will want to move us on to with speed and ease?
Holy Spirit when we align ourselves with you and walk the path you have envisaged for us, the breeze will be behind us. We can move forward knowing that with grace, love and mercy we stride forward on our journeys.
Jesus, for some of us it seems no matter which way we turn the journey is a struggle.
Remind each of us that our lives are not a straight line heading towards a destiny out of our control; rather life is an ever twisting journey of sudden bends and new things being revealed at each corner. For that person who feels like their journey is a struggle, be with them Holy Spirit and remind them that there is always another turn, always another corner, always another route back to you where the breeze of your love will send them faster than ever before!
Let us pause a moment to think about our lives, our journeys, where are we struggling harder than we need to simply because we refuse to flow with God’s will?
Heavenly parent give us the wisdom and strength today to take that first step, not necessarily forward, but a step that turns us, moves us to face a direction which is in keeping with your will, a direction that allows us to flow with the Holy Spirit and follow the footsteps already laid out by Jesus.
Amen!
The Unexpected Prayer 