Running until Thursday 1st September, Forty Days of Summer for 2022 is our annual time out to share in devotions that we can use at home, as individuals, on holidays, as groups. This summer we taking a summer break in Colossians — a letter written by Paul to the Christians meeting together in Colossae. Colossae was a market town in what is now present-day Turkey. It was overshadowed by the two bigger towns in the area, Laodicea and Hierapolis but it held a special place in Paul’s heart. Epaphras had been released from Paul’s ministry in Ephesus to go to Colossae and try to start a vibrant Christian congregation. This means that the Colossians are like Paul’s ‘grandchildren’ and he cares deeply about how they are getting on. The young church was struggling with its direction and values. Epaphras, in his concern, visited Paul in prison to seek his wisdom, and so Paul wrote this letter to them all. The two other churches in the cluster, Laodicea and Hierapolis, were facing the same struggles, because Paul wants the Christians there to read the letter too. All this is around thirty years after the Resurrection.
How do I use these Resources?
There are twenty-four readings over six weeks for you to use at home, on holidays, on your own or with others. Don’t worry about falling behind. Just do the reading for the day that it happens to be, or gently work your work through the whole letter.
Allow yourself time for this moment with God
Make it special. Will you make a cuppa? Do you want to sit in a special place? Will you light a candle? Take five deep breaths. Check-in with how you’re feeling – in body, mind, and spirit. Take five more deep breaths and ask God to abide with you in this moment
Bible reading for today
You can read daily verses in this booklet, which are from The Passion Translation of the New Testament. You can use any version that you are comfortable with, of course
I Wonder
Take time to reflect on the ‘bucket and shells’ box. You may like to keep a journal of what you ponder over the course of the six weeks
Daydream with God
Take a few moments to let your thoughts roam around as you sit quietly with God
End with prayer
Turn to the selection of prayers for the right time of day, or simply say the Lord’s Prayer for yourself.
Prayers for after the Dawn
Lord our God, as with all creation we offer the life of this new day, give us grace to love and serve you to the praise of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Asking we have received, seeking we have found,
and knocking, the door has been opened for us. Amen
Prayers in the midst of the Day
I bind unto myself this day the power of God to hold and lead, God’s eye to watch, God’s might to stay, God’s ear to hearken to my need, the wisdom of my God to teach, God’s hand to guide, God’s shield to ward, the word of God to give me speech, God’s heavenly host to be my guard.
We came to you hungry and thirsty
And you have fed us with the bread of life. Amen.
Prayers around Dusk
O God our protector, by whose mercy the world turns safely into darkness and returns again to light: we give into your hands our unfinished tasks, our unsolved problems, and our unfulfilled hopes; for you alone are our sure defence and bring us lasting peace in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Coming to you weary and heavy laden
we have found rest for our souls. Amen.
Prayers in the Dark
Lord, it is night. The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God. It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be. The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you. The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace. The night heralds the dawn. Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities.
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone,
Lord, make me well in safety. Amen.
You can download the whole resource here:
1 Comment