Tenebrae, directed by Nigel Short, sing “Bless the Lord My Soul” from Rachmaninoff’s Vespers. “Bless the Lord, my soul. Lord God, how great you are!” As I begin to pray today, I acknowledge the greatness of God, who created me and everything around me, the earth, the moon and the stars, who makes springs gush forth in the valleys and grass grow for the cattle. And I place myself in the hands of the great and wonderful God.

Blagoslovi, dushe moya, Gospoda, blagosloven esi, Gospodi.

Gospodi Bozhe moy, vozvelichilsya esi zelo.

Blagosloven esi, Gospodi.

Vo ispovedaniye i v velelepotu obleklsya esi.

Blagosloven esi, Gospodi.

Na gorakh stanut vody. Divna dela Tvoya, Gospodi.

Posrede gor proydut vody. Divna dela Tvoya, Gospodi

Vsya premudristiyu sotvoril esi.

Slava Ti, Gospodi, sotvorivshemu vsya.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, blessed art thou, O Lord.

O Lord my God, thou art very great.

Thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

Blessed art thou, O Lord.

The waters stand upon the mountains.

Marvellous are thy works, O Lord.

In wisdom hast thou made all things.

Glory to thee, O Lord, who hast created all.

Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 55:10-11

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

and do not return there until they have watered the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

In today’s reading, the word of God is likened to the rain and snow that water the earth. Perhaps at this time of year, it’s falling all around you?

Watch and listen or imagine the water falling into the earth, trickling down towards the deep roots of plants and trees.

Can you imagine receiving the word of God in this way, as watering you, refreshing you, and reaching your roots, especially when you feel spiritually dry?

What is it like to be revived by the word of God in this way?

Now imagine the seed that has been sown, sprouting roots which spread out into the damp earth. Then, above the soil, new shoots appear.

Now picture the harvesting of wheat, eventually turning into a freshly baked loaf. What do these images stir in your senses?

As you listen to the reading again, imagine the Lord giving this word to the prophet Isaiah.

What goodness might the word of God accomplish through you?

Take a moment to ponder now, how might God’s word flow out through you today, in your words and actions and love?

You have given all to me,

To You, Lord, I return it.

Everything is Yours,

Do with it what you will.

Give me only Your love and Your grace.

That is enough for me.

Amen.