In the Spirit of Gibran: Ten Devotional Reflections on God Inspired by the writings of Kahlil Gibran Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931) was a Lebanese-American poet, artist, and philosopher whose work bridges East and West. His most famous book, The Prophet, is beloved for its spiritual wisdom, lyrical beauty, and deep reverence for the soul's journey with God. 1. On Religion "Your daily life is your temple and your religion. Whenever you enter into it, take with you your all." Reflection: Worship is not confined to buildings or hours. In each task and kindness, let us find our sanctuary. 2. On Joy and Sorrow "Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain." Reflection: God meets us in the deep well of our feelings. In every tear, the potential for joy is being prepared. 3. On Divine Doors "God has created several doors which open onto truth. He opens them to all who knock on them with the hand of faith." Reflection: Truth is not a single doorway, but many sacred paths. Walk yours with faith, and you will find God waiting. 4. On Christ Within "In every man there is Jesus and Judas." Reflection: Within each of us is the capacity for grace and betrayal. The journey with God is choosing daily whom we reflect. 5. On Self-Knowledge "Do not be joyous because of praise, and do not be distressed because of blame. Know thyself... Then thou shalt know thy Lord." Reflection: Knowing God begins with knowing ourselves. In stillness, honesty, and humility, the Divine becomes clearer. 6. On Prayer "You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy." Reflection: Let our praise rise not only from need, but from gratitude. In joy, too, may we meet the Holy. 7. On Love "When love beckons to you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep..." Reflection: God's love refines us. It is not always easy, but it is always sacred. 8. On Good and Evil "You are good when you walk to your goal firmly and with bold steps. Yet you are not evil when you go thither limping." Reflection: God cherishes every effort. Whether we walk strong or struggle, grace walks beside us. 9. On Unity of Spirit "I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit." Reflection: The Divine transcends walls. Let us honour one another's devotion and the One Spirit that binds us. 10. On the Soul’s Unfolding "The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals." Reflection: Let us be patient with our own becoming. The sacred work of God is slow and beautiful. May these words bless your day and open your heart to the quiet presence of the Divine in all things.(painting: ungfrun i bön (1640-1650))
At Evensong lead by the Rev Edward Johnsen, the focus was on Acts 11:1–18 and John 13 31-35 this was a wonderful discussion on love … Acts 11 … This passage recounts Peter explaining his vision of the clean and unclean animals and how God directed him to share the gospel with Gentiles. The emphasis is on God’s inclusive love. Peter’s realisation that “God has granted repentance that leads to life even to the Gentiles” (v. 18) reveals love as boundary-breaking, welcoming all people into God’s grace. Love in this context means seeing others as God sees them, beyond cultural or societal divisions, and embracing them with openness and acceptance. John 13:31–35 In this passage, Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. This is a love characterised by humility, sacrifice, and selflessness, as shown by Jesus washing His disciples’ feet earlier in the chapter and foreshadowing His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The call to love one another is not just an ideal but the defining mark of discipleship: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (v. 35). Combined Reflection on Love These passages highlight two dimensions of love: inclusive love (Acts 11) and sacrificial, Christlike love (John 13). Together, they show that love transcends barriers, seeks the good of others without self-interest, and is the identifying trait of a follower of Jesus. To love as God loves is to extend compassion and kindness freely, building a community where all are valued and nurtured.It was a beautiful service.Illustration: Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet (public domain)
A Summer Church The wind has swept, a gentle grace, From sunlit skies to this sacred space. A church of stone, where shadows play, And golden summer light holds sway. The silent air, a gentle hum, As fading day begins to come. The church stands still, a tranquil sight, And whispers secrets in the night. The windows gleam, a soft, bright glow, As twilight paints the landscape low. The pews are empty, yet they hold, A story whispered, brave and bold. The stillness deep, a sacred peace, Where summer's light begins to cease. And in this church, so calm and bright, We find a solace in the night.(photograph: William Aitchison (Wink)
