Daily Devotional reflections

As we journey through these uncertain times, each day Sean will seek to post a thought or reflection, a Bible verse or a prayer.

Sunday 12 July 2020
By Fred Coutts

St Columba

[The St Columba stained glass window in Brechin Cathedral is by William Wilson]

ST COLUMBA

St Columba made the journey from Ireland to Iona in 563 founding a community and building a monastery there. Iona became the centre of the early Celtic Church in Scotland and the north of England.. From there, missionaries went out to many parts of Scotland and beyond.
In the window Columba is pictured in the coracle in which he and his companions sailed from Derry to Iona, while the dove circles around. The saint’s name in Gaelic is Columcille, Dove of the Church.
The dove is the sign of peace and the spirit of God. Focus today on feeling the peace of God around you and opening yourself to the power of the spirit to do his will.

John 20:19-22

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.

A Prayer of the Iona Community

O God, who gave to your servant Columba
the gifts of courage, faith and cheerfulness,
and sent people forth from Iona
to carry the word of your gospel to every creature:
grant, we pray, a like spirit to your church, even at this present time.
Further in all things the purpose of our community,
that hidden things may be revealed to us,
and new ways found to touch the hearts of all.
May we preserve with each other sincere charity and peace,
and, if it be your holy will,
grant that this place of your abiding
be continued still
to be a sanctuary and a light.
Through Jesus Christ.
Amen

BLESSING

Circle me, Lord.
Keep protection near
And danger afar.
Circle me, Lord
Keep hope within.
Keep doubt without.
Circle me, Lord.
Keep light near
And darkness afar.
Circle me, Lord.
Keep peace within.
Keep evil out.

(David Adam)