Alternative Collect for today, the 6th Sunday after Trinity:

Creator God,

you made us all in your image:

may we discern you in all that we see,

and serve you in all that we do;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Daily Reflection:

More than two centuries ago the poet William Blake wrote:

‘To see a world in a grain of sand,

And a heaven in a wild flower,

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand

And eternity in an hour.’

It’s in the very nature of the poet and the artist to be acutely aware of the world around them, to ‘discern’ meaning in all that they see and experience. We all inhabit a world full of beauty, mystery and astonishing complexity, but all too often are blinded by familiarity or busyness to the wonder of creation.

This simple prayer carries a profound message for all of us. Try making it your own, taking it literally, mindfully, and be prepared to see the world, and yourself, in a new light.

Revd Rosemary