God of peace

0:05

The Absorbeat

Today is Sunday the 4th of October, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, beginning the 27th week of Ordinary Time.

On this feast day, The Phoenix Consort sings a version of The Absorbeat, a prayer attributed to St Francis of Assisi: ‘May the power of your love, Lord Christ, fiery and sweet as honey, so absorb our hearts as to withdraw them from all that is under heaven.’

Let these words seep into your heart and mind as you prepare to pray today.

4:10

Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.

Philippians 4:6-9

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

5:40

Permeate

Paul invites us not to be anxious, but to bring everything to God in prayer and thanksgiving. What worries or preoccupations are most present in your mind today? As you become aware of them, can you place them gently in God's hands? What changes when you remember that you do not carry these concerns alone?

Paul speaks of the peace of God, a peace that goes beyond understanding. Have you known moments when God's peace has touched your life, even in the midst of uncertainty? As you sit quietly, notice what is happening within you. Is there a sense of peace, however small, already present?

Paul encourages us to dwell on whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise. As you listen to the reading again, notice any word or phrase that draws your attention. How has God's presence in your life awakened a desire for what is good, beautiful, or life-giving? What attracts your heart today?

9:07

Philippians 4:6-9

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

10:20

Paul reminds us that the God of peace is with us. In the quiet now, speak with Jesus as one friend speaks with another. Where do you long to grow? What rough edges, hopes, or desires would you like to place before him? Listen for what he may wish to offer you in return.

As this prayer comes to a close, we join with our Franciscan friends all over the world in marking 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi. To close, we will pray with a new song by One Hope Project based on St Francis’ prayer, ‘Instrument of Peace’.

15:14

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen