Fish on Friday

Good day to you my brothers and sisters.
Yesterday I spent a productive hour and a half with Kate, my forensic art therapist. My memory of the art I did was very good. I am not so sure now if it was the art that was very good, or me talking out and coming to terms with where I am in this life!

  Now, starting with a brief passage from the bible, I shall then introduce you to some writing by St Ephrem the Syrian;

                            Seek and you shall find
Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
                                                                                                                              (matt. 7:7-8) 
  This was the simple invitation Jesus gave to us all. For us to begin our spiritual quest for purpose, fulfilment and meaning by starting with prayer. The search for the answers to what we need, want and answers to critical turning points or crisis are found through diligent prayer. From humble posture of prayerful moments spent on bent knees many seekers have received vivid answers of hope and at other times a resounding no when one door shuts, but another opens to a new possibility. Christ, Jesus, gave us the promise that if we seek diligently we will be rewarded for our seeking.

  We should think of ourselves as travellers asking for guidance, whilst making a new road through uncharted land. If we fail to ask we may wander lost for only God knows how long. Yet with time spent in diligent prayer then our questions will be answered.

Our earnest seeking with consistant practice of prayer will enhance our journey and our lives. Everyone who prays and seeks with an earnest heart will receive. Rich, poor. young, old, man or woman. All people can be seekers and are welcome through grace to ask the Lord to grant them mercy and fulfill their needs.

 When despodency seizes us, let us not give in to it. Rather, fortified and protected by the light of faith, let us with great courage say to the spirit of evil: "What are you to us, who are you... a fugitive from Heaven, and a slave of evil? You dare not do anythin to us: Christ has dominion over us and over all.
        St Seraphim of Sarov

Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.
        St Ephrem the Syrian