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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Rev Grace Thomas

Good morning.

Today, the Church of England commemorates priest and poet John Donne. Born in the Elizabethan era of the sixteenth century, Donne penned many poems about love, religion and death. My favourite, however, has to be the poem entitled ‘The sun rising’, which begins with the lines - Busy old fool, unruly sun, why dost thou thus, through windows, and through curtains call on us?

The tone of these opening words always makes me smile. I hear Donne’s frustration at the morning sun interrupting his blissful slumber and I am reminded of the many times when I have shared his sentiments. How often have I cried out in frustration when the morning sun has burst through and disturbed me in my comfort?

Donne’s poems stood out at the time that they were written because he did not accede to the conventions of the day. His language could be very direct in nature – as seen in the opening lines of The Sun Rising. I think this is what I find so appealing about his poetry – its raw honesty. I’m reminded of the prayer that Mother Mary Clare of the Sisters of the Love of God – a Church of England Community in Oxford – would urge her Sisters to say:

‘Here I am, God, what a mess’.

Direct, honest and to the point. Sometimes that’s all I need to say – knowing that God hears my prayers and accepts me as I am.

Faithful God, thank you that I can bring all my mess and frustration to you. Help me to be honest and direct with you in prayer and to trust that you will listen to me, just as I am.

Amen

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