We have now published a digital version of our Walking With God booklet, a collection of readings and contributions from representatives of local communities and the congregations. It has been collated for Chester Cathedral’s celebration of ‘Pilgrimage’ – as part of the national ‘2020 Year of Pilgrimage, Year of Cathedrals’.
Here, Cathedral Sidesman, Bedelia Brett Rooks adds her own contribution:
Psalm 139
v9 : “If I take the wings of the morning , and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
v10: “Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me”.
The clear sense that God is with us in every extremity and distress as expressed in Psalm 139 has a special significance for me. There have been two episodes in my life which have demonstrated this sense of security. The first was while I was in Ghana, on a day out in the car with my parents on a narrow stretch of road with a deep ditch on either side. In front of us was an overloaded truck. I indicated my intention to overtake. The driver may not have seen us, and started to pull over to the side where I was trying to pass. I could see the danger but had no option but to keep going. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder, steadying me and, with it, a sense of calm. The danger passed, as did we. Neither of my parents had touched my shoulder. We knew that we had had divine protection: “Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me”.
The second occasion was during a period of great personal difficulty. I found it difficult to believe that the Lord was really on my side. During a walk, when I told myself that I could not believe any more, the clear realisation came that there was no other option but to believe as there was no one else: “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence”.
There are many expressions in the Bible of God’s rock-like dependence and faithfulness. During this period of pestilence and plague, we who believe are especially blessed and privileged. And it has to be our prayer that “those who do not know the Lord Jesus or who love him not” may come to know Him and to have that assurance.
Click to the page-turning version of Walking With God, published by Chester Cathedral here.
Please note: the page-turning version of the booklet features pop-up advertisements on screen; these can be removed by clicking the X at the top right of the advertisement. This is version two of the booklet.
For a pdf version of Walking With God, click here. This is version two of the booklet.
A printed, third version of Walking With God is also now available. If you or your parish wish to receive a copy, then please email Canon Jane Brooke to arrange to pick up some copies. It is hoped that funds will be raised for the Alzheimer’s Society through donations. Email Canon Brooke here.
