Day 3 - Last Night in the Rectory

A short blog today and a psalm:

Tomorrow's the big day (day 4 of pilgrimage) - but no turning back
(as the hymn has it) - tonight's my last stay in the Rectory.

Walked today over the Quantocks (hill range 2!) - fantastic views back over Exmoor - with some rain .
A large party of schoolkids overtook me and I wandered more - but to great avail.
Also had lovely views over the channel - only marred by the huge compass point of Hinkley - no prizes for guessing my thoughts about a potential new reactor there.

Saw two delightful churches on each side: Sandford Brett and Holford, very welcoming - as well as starting and finishing in Williton and praying with the vicar there.

No more views of Porlock and my last view of North Hill today (apart from as I begin tomorrow).
Also not much more sun - rain forecasted tomorrow - ah well.

Thanks to God for my progress so far.

Bill the Porlock Pilgrim


A psalm based on Psalm 83

We are called to be shepherds - and servants;
priests of all believers, I say.
Here (in Psalm eighty-three)  - we pray God
 - doesn't be silent - don't be still.

Why so? God speaks in sheer silence
after earthquake, fire and wind in "Kings"
But the psalmist calls upon God
to cut down with tempest and flame.

Does God answer?  Not by setting
the mountains ablaze. No hurricanes
blow, hurricanos says Lear, -  fear
God instead. Else be put to shame.

Don't keep silent; Lord, it's time to act
To return wholeness to our hurting world
Where enemies may try to destroy us
Don't hear the world say: "Have us act first".

So what can  I learn from today, from this psalm
To trust in God alone, whose name is the Lord
The most high over all the earth
 - will act when he wills, not in our time.

A midday canticle (based upon Psalms 90/1)

 I lift up my eyes to the Lord
LET US GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD
The mountains and trees are his also
LET US GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD

He will deliver me from the snare of the fowler
LORD, SAVE AND HELP US, FOR WE CRY TO YOU
From the midday storm and the evening plague
LORD, SAVE AND HELP US, FOR WE CRY TO YOU

By the still waters and springs you refresh us
WE PRAISE YOU AND WE BLESS YOU
You provide milk and honey for us
WE PRAISE YOU AND WE BLESS YOU

For the plague of pollution and the fever of drought
LORD FORGIVE US AND HEAL US
For the tempest of war and the storm of defeat
LORD FORGIVE US AND HEAL US

For he will command his angels concerning you
LORD, RESTORE US AND LEAD US
For you have made the Most High your home
LORD, RESTORE US AND LEAD US