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Many of these meditations and declarations are based on comments from the Coming Home Family, from September 2020, when they spent a week praying for us. Some are our responses to their input and prayers. Others are based on scriptures that have been foundational to us or poems and things we've felt God has said. It is all very personal to us and our journey, but you may find some of it useful. See here for more info on how these became part of our Prayer Strategy

Day 1: The Garden and the call.

“You have been about the Lord’s work, faithfully, tending the garden, shooing off the rabbits, working hard to keep it beautiful and grow good produce. 

But this is God’s Garden. He is the Gardener, and He wants in. In this idyllic cottage garden, He wants to walk and talk with you. Take time out to sit and watch the garden...  

And in a corner of the garden is a fruit tree, all overgrown. It’s time to clear away the brambles... 

of disappointment, of dreams unfulfilled, of prayers unanswered. 

Brambles which have grown over a long, long time, stifling the tree.  It’s time for the fruits of the Spirit to grow and abound in your lives again.”
 

A call to do the hard work of getting rid of disappointment. 

Yes, Lord, we'll clear away the brambles

A beautiful invitation to sit with God. 

Come into our garden, Lord, and sit with us awhile,

And a promise: of new life abounding, of supernatural growth, of disproportionate return on your investment!

Yes, and Amen!

Come into our garden, Lord, and sit with us awhile,

We'll watch it grow together; we'll look at it and smile.

We'll stop and smell the roses, as we delight ourselves in You.

We'll clear away the brambles and let the light shine through.

Then once again our tree of Life can flourish as before,

As the sunshine of Your love brings fruit forevermore.

Day 2: Come out of the Shadows!

"Stop playing hide and seek," You say, "You must be seen and heard -

I've got a job for you to do, are you ready for My word?"

"Yes!" we shout, "we see You, Lord! Yes, we hear You too,

Here we are, Lord, ready - whatever You ask, we'll do."

Peace, my soul, be still, our Abba comes to call.

He wants to spend some time with us, so let's give Him our all.

Day 3: Seen and heard in Coventry

We see you, Lord

We hear you, Lord 

As the wind drops and the storm falls silent.
As the grey skies turn blue and the sun breaks through.
We see you, Lord
We hear you, Lord
In a child's laughter and a parent's kind words.
In carved creativity and the dew on the ground.
We see you, Lord
We hear you, Lord
In the sparrows cheerfully feasting on berries.
In the autumn light painting the fields.
We see you, Lord
We hear you, Lord
In the whisper of the river brushing its banks.
In the sharp, twisted branches of the ancient oak.
We see you, Lord
We hear you, Lord
On a hilltop above Coventry, we cry out.
We see you, Lord! 

We hear you, Lord!
In the stillness
In the candlelight.

We see you, Lord. We hear you, Lord.

 

Day 4: The Presence and the Fire 

I saw a pillar of God’s power and presence over you... as if you are in an in-between, a wilderness season - you’re not where you want to be. In a time like this, it’s important to keep your focus on worship, on hosting His presence in your life, and he will sustain you day by day. 

The invitation before you is one of increased intimacy and greater trust - can you live by His daily provision without knowing exactly what’s next? 

Your journey out of the wilderness to your new land will be marked by his presence and his power as you worship him and take faithful steps - keep trusting His day-by-day provision and not hoard yesterday's blessing - like the Israelites who stored the manna and found it went bad by the next day.

Your presence is a column of cloud - by night, a pillar of fire,

Lead us out of this wilderness, Lord, to the place our hearts desire.

You are the One we trust, Lord, so lead us by the hand,

We will worship as we follow You, into the Promised Land!

And we'll trust in Your provision as we follow day by day.

We will not hoard the blessings but freely give them away.

Lord, may Your Presence be a pillar of power over us as we travel through this wilderness. We will worship as we follow You, into the Promised Land!

Day 5: Think Big!  

Set a fire down in my soul, that I can't contain, that I can’t control,

We want more of You, God, with all our heart, strength, mind and soul!

And we want to think big, Lord, sorry for thinking small.

We know You've got big plans for us - what we need, you have it all.

From now on, we'll not limit ourselves, nor play it somewhat safe,

We'll put our best foot forward and so step out in faith.

Although it looks on paper like we haven't got a thing,

We've got Jesus with us, and we know HE IS THE KING!

(When I was praying for you guys, the song ‘Set a fire’ by Jesus Culture [Will Reagan] came into my head immediately. I was struck by the lyrics -
"Set a fire down in my soul
That I can’t contain, that I can’t control..."

“Think Big! The Lord is asking you to stop limiting yourselves, stop playing it safe, stop thinking small. He’s got some big plans for you, so big that on paper it looks like you wouldn’t be equipped, qualified or resourced to do, but HE IS WITH YOU.”)

Day 6: Seek first His Kingdom

“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:33-34, MSG)

“These verses are a great provocation at this time, seeking first… means everything else comes second, third, etc… so simple and yet incredibly challenging to live out daily.” 

We won't worry 'bout a thing, Lord, cos everything's gonna be alright,

When we're seeking first Your Kingdom, Your ways and Your light!

The other things You'll give us, we hardly need to ask,

When we give our whole attention unto Your fitting task.

We won't worry about tomorrow - today's stuff is enough,

And we won't have any FOMO, cos we know when things get tough

We'll just look towards Your Kingdom and the good things that You do,

And steep our lives in 'God-stuff', for we really do love You!

Day 7: Waiting for God

Our hope is not deferred, Lord, for our hope is only in You. 

A longing fulfilled is a tree of life; we’ll rejoice in all that You do,

As we sit beneath its branches, birds and small creatures will come

Its roots will go deep, its branches high, and all will find rest and a home.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for the One.

Our righteous reward will shine like the dawn, and our cause like the noonday sun.

We delight ourselves in You, Lord, for You are our hearts' desire.

We commit our way and trust You; so, come, set our hearts on fire.

Day 8: Still Waiting for God

We will shout for joy to You, Lord, and a new song we will sing,

for You have set us high on a rock, and You have done marvellous things!

You lifted us out of the slimy pits, out of the mire and mud,

We'll sing a hymn of praise to our God, now we are washed by His blood.

Many will see and fear the Lord, and put their trust in Him,

When they hear of the wonderful things He has done, they will stand in awe and sing!

And You will renew our strength, Lord, on eagle's wings we will soar,

We will run and not grow weary, we will walk, and faint no more.

Day 9: Watching, Waiting, Working with God

We will inherit the land, Lord, as we hope in You and Your grace,

The Lord is good to those who wait, to the souls who seek His face.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never end;

So, we will wait and hope and get ready - to go wherever You send.

But we can't do it in our own strength, Lord, 

It's Your Power that we seek,

Your Grace will be sufficient; 

We are strong when we seem weak.

So, we’ll boast all the more of our frailties; 

In our weakness, His power works best; 

We will gladly brag about how weak we are. 

That Christ’s Power on us may then rest.

His Power to enfold us; to dwell with, and reside;

Over-shadow and protect us; our own strength - move aside.

Day 10: Waiting...?

‘Have courage and wait,’ You said - ‘keep your eyes on Me’

But I’m so tired of waiting - will my vision ever be?

Will my time ever come, my season to shine?

‘My child,’ You say, ‘this vision - it’s not yours, but mine!

It’s not yours to do; I’m doing it, can’t you see?

Do not get disheartened; rest your soul, your eyes on Me.

I’m working in your waiting, I’m causing things to grow

Even though you cannot see them, beneath the soil or snow.

The cold winter’s nearly over, see, the spring is on its way

The times they are a-changing, the seasons in full sway.

The Spear tip is planted deep, the sapling’s springing up

Soon the blossoms will appear; get ready with your cup.

Leaves and branches budding, the roots are going deeper

The mighty, righteous oak. The Lord He is our Keeper.

Day 11: ...Or Hanging Around?

The Lord is our Keeper.

He will not let our foot slip, nor will He fall asleep

He who never slumbers, watching over us, will keep.

If you keep your eyes on Him, like He keeps His on you,

Your heart will overflow with love, for the promises are true.

How can anyone be disheartened when they look at Jesus’ face?

So, stop looking at the lack, and feast your eyes on Grace.

It is sufficient for you; so, put away your sorrow -

Focus on the here and now, don’t worry about tomorrow.

Without the caterpillar, there’d be no butterfly.

And without the pupal stage, the caterpillar would just die.

Instead, it is transformed, remade in secret place,

So, like the chrysalis, hang around and seek My face.

You, too, are being transformed, on My anvil being shaped - 

I know it hurts sometimes, that’s why I give you faith.

So, keep climbing up the hill, and hold tight to My hand,

When you reach the mountaintop, you will see the Promised Land.

Day 12: Walking the Good Way 

“This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” (Jeremiah 6:16 NIV)

We're standing at the crossroads, Lord, and looking all around-

We're asking for the ancient paths, where is the holy ground?

We're asking where the good way is, and walking in that way.

And our souls are finding rest, as we're walking every day.

"This is the road we want, Lord!" We look to you and say,

"We will walk in it, Lord, as we watch and listen and pray."

Day 13: Avoiding Acedia

“...so that you may not become half-hearted, but be imitators of those who through faith and patient endurance are now heirs to the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12, Weymouth NT)

We’ll soak in the scriptures, and we’ll persevere.

We’ll work hard, pray, and be moved to tears.

We’ll be diligent, right to the very end,

For our hope is assured, though we may contend.

We will not be lazy, indifferent, sluggish or slothful,

but persistent - through patient endurance, we'll be hopeful.

We'll follow the example of those 'Good Ones' of old,

And inherit the promise, and all we've been told. (Based on FR Gibson’s notes on how to combat Acedia– the ‘noonday demon’, the temptation to sloth, discouragement, etc. and Hebrews 6:11-12)

Day 14: Sent to Coventry 

We have sought the peace and prosperity, Lord,

Of this city to which we've been sent

And it has prospered, and we have too, 

As we've prayed for Your blessings to descend.

When time is ripe, to us You will come, 

And fulfil Your good promise; You will bring us home;

To our place, which you have prepared.

For You have plans to prosper us, 

And not to harm us; still,

Plans to give us hope, 

And a future, so we will 

Call on You and pray, 

And You will listen, too,

And because we seek You with all our hearts, 

We will find You.

“Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jer 29:13 AMP)

Day 15: The Vision is Coming! 

'The Vision' is coming' 

We believed You said, 

For You have been working unseen

to bring about Your purposes - 

You will do it - you'll bring it into being.

And we don't have to do a thing, 

You said - it's already on its way.

It's coming to us soon, 

So, we'd better get ready and pray.

We're getting set to take it, 

to grab it with both hands,

But we won't try to anticipate,

We will follow your commands.

You told us to wait patiently, 

to keep our eyes on You -

So, we won't even look for it - 

We will look only to YOU.

And we'll listen for Your voice saying

'This is the way, walk here',

We will have courage and wait, 

And we won't have any fear.

Day 16: Peace and Protection

“Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’”  (John 14:27) 

“You O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord.
and he answered me from his holy mountain.
I lay down and slept,
yet I woke up in safety,
for the Lord was watching over me.” (Psalm 3:3-5) 

“And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, and no one will make you afraid; many will entreat your favour.” (Job 11:17-19) 

When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. There are many who say, ‘O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!’ You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety. (Psalm 4:4-8)

Day 17: I Will not Live in Fear

‘Do not be afraid,' You say, so I’ll not give in to fear;

For Perfect Love casts all fear out, and I know this love – you hear!

Stop trying to rob my peace by whispering I’m no good;

I’ve been redeemed by God, washed clean by His shed blood.

I stand among the righteous, not because of what I’ve done,

But because I believe in Jesus, the Christ, the Living One.

So, I will sleep in Peace, and in Peace, shall I awake;
For He makes me dwell in safety; I will trust for His Name’s sake.

I will not be afraid, whatever comes my way;

I’ll put my hand in His, and follow day by day.

Day 18: Saved and Called

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time” (2 Timothy 1:9)

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:4-6) 

Righteousness Through Faith

“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. (Romans 3:21-25)

Day 19: Prayer of Abandon 

“Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit” Lk 23.46.

“This is the last prayer of our Master, of our Beloved...may it be ours...And may it not only be that of our last moment, but of all our moments.”

“Abba, I abandon myself into your hands. Do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you. I am ready for all: I accept all. Let your will be done in me and in all your creatures. I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my spirit. I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and I give myself, surrender myself into your hands without reserve, with boundless confidence, for you are my Father.”

(Jesus’ last prayer, as imagined by Charles de Foucauld)

Day 20: In the Rain

May God’s presence be with you in your fellowship together, sustain you today and enrich our lives for the days ahead...

In the showers

May the showers of the presence of God refresh you

In the cold

May you find warmth to sustain you

In huddling together

May you find encouragement together

And know that you are not alone

In the buffeting winds

May you be steadfast in Him who is our Rock

In slips & trips on wet grass and unseen guy ropes

May your eyes be alert to dangers,

Your feet kept sure

And your way be protected

And in the rain,

May He immerse you in His love

and reign over you and all those with you

Reflections while running in the rain, Memorial Park, Sat 16th July 2011

To those camping in the now pouring rain at Lenchwood (from Mark Johnson)

Day 21: A City on a Hill pt1

I gaze upon the city, as if from high above

I see the lights come on - little beacons of His love.

Like on a winter’s morn, as the city comes to life -

Just one or two at first; the milkman, and his wife.

Prayer warriors in combat, or professionals ‘on call’,

But soon the early risers, to be followed by them all.

One by one, I see, down every road and street,

The lights are going on, they’re turning up the heat.

Now every home’s ablaze, the power’s dialling up,

The points becoming streams; poured out as from a cup;

Rivers of light, like lava flowing, city wide

Soon, a single beacon, holding back the tide.

Day 22: A City on a Hill pt2

The light shines in the darkness and will not be overcome;

A city on a hill - Oh God, Your Kingdom, come!

Set this place ablaze, on fire with Your love,

Help us kindle flames with our old and dried up wood.

May Your Spirit blow, causing glowing embers

To fan into flame, a city that remembers

The seeds sown in the past, all holy souls’ petition

A legacy that lasts, coming to fruition.

Lord, in this city of three spires, build a unity that inspires

So that all our little lights become one amazing fire.

Burning bright for You, Lord; a passion for Your Word,

Your Spirit poured out, a witness to the world.

Day 23: Prayer is the ‘real’ work pt1

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; it undergirds the rest;

If you build without foundations, it will not stand the test.

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; so easily overlooked,

When we're eager to get started, to get in-stuck!

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; it can change the spiritual tide;

then it only takes a finger to push the boat out wide.

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; it’s standing in the gap,

holding things together, when we’d rather take a nap

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; best done on our knees;

humble hearts and faces; hear us, Lord, if You please.

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; the rest is ‘mopping up’;

Dry and hard without it - no over-flowing cup!

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; let’s all apprenticed be,

Journeymen all learning on this never-ending sea.

Day 24: Prayer is the ‘real’ work pt2

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; one can never plumb the depths;

There’s always more to learn; countless prayerful steps.

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; a timeless conversation;

going on for all eternity, through every generation.

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; it's a relationship, you see;

Between you and your Creator, it’s how we’re meant to be.

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; will you stop and stay awhile?

Be still and know; I’m with you, you always make Me smile.

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; but it shouldn't be a struggle;

If you just come to Me and wait, you'll soon feel like a snuggle.

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; but what I’m really wanting,

Is your heart - not your words - is it really that daunting?

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; I know just what you need,

And I always answer; to your heart and words, give heed.

Prayer is the ‘real’ work; But My will you must know;

So come and be transformed, by the beams of love aglow.

Day 25: Stronghold Busters

We are strong and courageous. We are not afraid, nor discouraged, for the LORD our God is with us wherever we go. When we bring people into the promised land to take possession of it, the Lord Himself goes before us, He is with us, and will never leave us, so we will not be afraid; we will not be discouraged. We will wait patiently for the Lord and our hearts take courage as we trust Him. He sees us and hears us, for the Lord watches over us, turns to us and answers our prayers. (Joshua 1:9, Deut 31:6,8, Psalms 27:14, 34:15)

Day 26: God’s Promises Bring Hope 

“Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true...Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised...  God has given both his promise and his oath... Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.  Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:11-20NLT) 

I’m not afraid to sail these seas

I’ve got an Anchor holding me

Through howling winds and grinding waves

My heart has a peace that never fades

We’ve got an Anchor

An Anchor that holds us

Though a stormy gale shall rage

I will hold a steady gaze

He’s my Compass, He’s my Guide

He will lead me through the night

We’ve got an Anchor

An Anchor that holds us

I no longer sail alone

The love of Family’s brought me home

Love’s my Hope, yes, Love’s my Keel

Truth’s my Anchor, it holds me still

We’ve got an Anchor

An Anchor that holds us

We’ve got an Anchor in our souls

It is our hope that won’t let go (From ‘Anchor’ song by Molly Scaggs)

Day 27: The Spear Tree

I dreamed I ‘saw’ a spear 

come whistling past me on my right, 

quite fast and low, it seemed;

Turning, I watched its flight, 

and saw it land upright, tip down, 

buried in the ground. 

It then took root, and budded; 

grew branches like a tree, 

and lots of birds and creatures 

came for sanctuary.

The Spear is in flight

Where it lands God only knows

So, we will trust and keep on praying

until the Way, to us, He shows.

Day 28: On the Way

"This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." (Jer 6:16 NIV)

Stop, look and listen - what's coming down the road? A loaded wagon, full of possessions, refugee-style, like pioneers on a wagon trail. More coming; some a long way off; will need shelter, somewhere bigger, “a wide, open space.” 

And I see a tree, it bears fruit, provides shade; it is strong and well established with deep roots. (“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” Is 61:3).

I realise: this is us. 

We have to go ahead, prepare the ground for the others who will come. We have to go first, open up the area, like monks preparing the ground for their monastery. (Claiming, cleansing, clearing out unwanted spiritual forces). We are the vanguard, the harbingers, making a way. 

("Go through, go through the gates; prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway; clear it of stones; lift up a signal over the peoples"Isaiah 60:10 ESV) 

Listen, something's coming nearer; I hear a rumble, a roar, an Exodus?

What's ahead? 

A green and pleasant land, flowing with milk and honey; a sheltered spot; safe, quiet; 

I see dimly, through soft, misty light: gentle hills, wooded tops, green valleys; some way off, yet clearly glimpsed. I'm standing on a high hill looking out over a wide vista as dawn breaks. Is this what the Promised Land looked like to Moses when he stood on top of Mount Nebo? (And will I ever enter in)?

I turn around and look at the road behind; a rocky way, a dry, hard, empty ravine, a difficult way to travel, but necessary; good and valuable lessons learnt. We had to travel that way in order to get to where we are now - can't take shortcuts- there are none. 

But there is a way through the wilderness. ("For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." Isaiah 43:19 NLT)

 

61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
 because the Lord has anointed me
 to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted,
 to proclaim freedom for the captives
 and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
 and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, 

the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
 instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
 a planting of the Lord
 for the display of his splendor.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
 and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
 that have been devastated for generations.
5 Strangers will shepherd your flocks;
 foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
6 And you will be called priests of the Lord,
 you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
 and in their riches you will boast.

7 Instead of your shame
 you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
 you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
 and everlasting joy will be yours.

8 “For I, the Lord, love justice;
 I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
In my faithfulness I will reward my people
 and make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
 and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
 that they are a people the Lord has blessed.”

10 I delight greatly in the Lord;
 my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
 and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
 and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
 and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lordwill make righteousness
 and praise spring up before all nations. (Isaiah 61 NIV)