鲍鱼tv

A reflection and prayer to start the day with the Revd Catherine De Souza, Senior Leader of City Church in Cardiff.

Good morning.

I used to live on a houseboat on a tidal part of the River Thames so I became very familiar with understanding tide times and the rhythms they bring. There were some aspects of life on a boat that were influenced by the tides, whether it was remembering to wear boots when spring tides caused the river bank to flood, or how steep the walk across the gangplank would be when the tide was out and the boat rested at an angle. But my favourite part was when the tide was in and it coincided with bedtime, as it meant that I could fall asleep on a boat gently rocking from side to side on the water.

The tides are a wonderfully rhythmic part of God鈥檚 creation. We can learn a lot about rhythms from Jesus who practised habits of rest and of prayer. Who regularly spent time eating and talking with others, but also spent time in solitude, alone with God. There are regular rhythms, or spiritual disciplines, that we can practise to help us to draw closer to God. I particularly appreciate having a regular rhythm of prayer and Bible reading to help me to spend time in God鈥檚 presence.

Although I no longer live on a boat, when I visit the beach or see images of the sea on television I鈥檓 often reminded of the tides and of how God has created us to experience good rhythms in our lives.

God, thank you for the many ways in your creation points to rhythms and thank you for your example Jesus of living with helpful habits and patterns. Help us to practice rhythms in our own lives that draw us closer to you. Amen