Bittersweet Gethsemane
olives
rained down like bullets
on the ground,
branches
violently shook
his face
contorted in pain,
his clenched fists
roared against the tree
as if flailing in anguish ‘
against the totality
of his creation,
the whole
sorry mess of it
and this moment
it had led him to
his was a tough love,
love of the toughest
most bittersweet kind
and now,
his whole life
hurtling towards its climax,
his divinity
fought the intensity
of mortal weakness
and his human face
revealed itself
Abba
take this cup away
anger
grief
vulnerability
wrestled with the calling
tensions
exploded from within him
as the inner battle
raged
until finally
it was over
he was spent
his whole body
slumped,
relaxed exhaustion
overcame him
and the greater calling
restored itself
to its rightful place
within his mind
in a whisper
the words came
yet not my will
but yours
be done
peace
strengthened him
the hour
had come
Thank you for dropping by.
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Vaughan Park Scholarship
In early 2010, I had the privilege of studying and writing at Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre in New Zealand where I studied the power of imaginative contemplation with the scriptures to facilitate healing.
Retreat Leading
Since 2004, I have worked as a Christian Writer and Retreat Leader.
I specialise in weaving contemporary poetry, scripture and contemplative meditations into retreat times and my retreats are usually aimed at helping others to deepen their relationship with God and to receive his healing love.
I am always open to discuss ways in which I might be able to help those seeking a retreat leader, or seeking to find a suitable retreat for themselves, so please do get in touch.
Please support me by praying for my ministry.
I'll be posting my latest news and prayer requests on this site.
Thank you ...
Read My Poetry Online
Prayerful Moments Page
Head over here to see it a series of Prayerful Moments created to help people find their 'calm place' during the pandemic.
Email Me
Click here to visit my contact form page.
Interesting Web Links
- ArtServe
- Association of Christian Writers
- Audri Coleman - Book Cover Design
- Bible Concordance
- Crucifixion Tree wood sculpture
- Greenbelt
- Ignatian Spiritual Exercises
- Inspiring Calm - CDs for meditation & prayer
- Julian Meetings
- New Wine Summer Conferences
- Retreats Association
- Sacred Space - lovely online prayer
- Shoreline Conversations
- Shoreline Editions
- Simply Healing (The Order of Jacob's Well)
- The artwork of Mary Fleeson - Lindisfarne Scriptorium
- The artwork of Peter Millward
- The Coverdale Trust (who are supporting me)
Photo Credit
The photo at the top of this page is courtesy of David Beale.
Thank you David.