by Rosemary Shirley
Streams of living water
This is the source of the river Ebro, Spain’s longest river. It rises here from the rocks of the southern side of the PicosEuropa in Cantabria, south of Santander and flows south east for 580 miles, becoming a mighty river, pouring out intothe Mediterranean. It all starts in this wonderfully tranquil place of gentle birdsong and swishing trees, of clear sweet air, of soothing colours, as the combination of the soil and trees make the water this beautiful pale green. But the river seems in such a hurry. It’s as though, although in its infancy, it already has work to do, places to see, people to meet. The Ebro rushes on across open plains, farmland, through woods and valleys, passing through hamlets, villages, towns and cities. Its water provides for industry and for homes, for recreation, canoeing, swimming, fishing. It has been a route for travel and communications for millennia. Each drop is a gift and has purpose.
Near the black dot in the centre of the photo is the rock where it bubbles into life. There’s just a gap. I’ve been here twice now and each time have been surprised how quickly the river is born. Some springs are little trickles that wander off but not here, this is wide in just 100 metres.
Bubbling on and on at the same rate, day after day, year after year, reliably supplied from the mountains’ rainfall, in a cycle of life-giving water.
This is a true and real stream of living water.
And of course, that thought triggers music and words in my head… the second verse of Glorious things of thee are spoken
See the streams of living waters, Springing from eternal love,Well supply thy sons and daughters, And all fear of want remove;Who can faint, when such a river Ever flows their thirst t’ assuage?Grace which, like the Lord, the giver, Never fails from age to age.
The streams of water are springing from eternal love, to give us, God’s children, everything we need. God’s grace is as unfailing and reliable as a spring. For the Celtic Christians springs were another of the thin places where God is close, in touching distance, where the sense of the creator and his provision for us is as crystal clear as the water itself.
Jesus declares: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of a believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” [John 7:38]
The gap in the rock here at the Ebro spring looks like the open tomb of Easter morning, just a simple broken rock pouring forth new life and hope. Jesus is the living water, providing the necessary spiritual nourishment for our souls to thrive, but not just for us. It’s not just for our use, that would be like trying to trap the Ebro, here at the spring, impossible.
No, the living water will flow out from believers, nourishing and watering, providing and changing, enabling and growing.
‘Let it flow through me, let it flow through me, let the mighty love of God flow out through me’
Let us prepare to allow God to pour his streams of living water into us and through us.
Be aware of your sitting position, supporting your body, your back.
Be aware of your breathing
The flow of air through your mouth and nostrils, into your body, expanding your chest and belly.
On each breath feel yourself relax and settle more and more.
Allow your mind to pass up and down your body just seeing if there are any niggles stopping you from relaxing as much as you can, pause on any, acknowledge sensations then let them go and move on.
Breathe in tranquillity, breathe out anything that is creating a barrier.
At this moment we do not need to do anything but be still and allow the streams of living waters from God to work in us.
Heavenly Father, open our hearts to the silent presence of the Spirit. Lead us into that mysterious silence where your love is revealed to all who call.
“Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.”
20 minutes silence
May this group be a true spiritual home for the seeker, a friend for the lonely, a guide for the confused.
May those who pray here be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to serve all who come, and to receive them as Christ Himself.
In the silence of this room may all the suffering, violence and confusion of the world encounter the Power that will console, renew and uplift the human spirit.
May this silence be a power to open the hearts of men and women to the vision of God, and so to each other, in love and peace, justice and human dignity.
May the beauty of the divine life fill this group and the hearts of all who pray here, with joyful hope. May all who come here weighed down by the problems of humanity leave giving thanks for the wonder of human life.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.