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A reflection and prayer from St Davids with the Very Rev Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire.

Good morning. Today is the last of our week of prayers celebrating St David, Dewi Sant, which began with me in Jerusalem. I am now back in St Davids, and today we consider how words can move mountains.

The best known of the miracle stories that developed around David’s life relates to the Synod of Brefi. Known as a holy man and wise teacher, he was called upon to settle theological disagreement.

It is said that as he spoke the ground rose under him so all could see him, and a dove – symbolising the Holy Spirit – settled on his shoulder, demonstrating God’s approval. His words carried the day. The church at Llanddewi Brefi indeed stands atop a small hill.
Other words attributed to David have had lasting influence. On the final Sunday before his death, it is said he preached ‘be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things you have seen and heard from me.’

Be joyful – it’s a call to be optimistic, constructive, generous and open-hearted; to encourage, and bring out the best, in one another.
Keep the faith – we should live with integrity and honesty, be trustworthy, and help one another uphold high standards, values and principles
And do the little things – be diligent, keep our promises, persevere in all that is good and right and true.

Our Patron Saint provides a moral compass not only for Wales, or for Christians. These are wise words for people of every faith and none, though we know that God will help all those who aspire to live by them.

Lord God, we thank you for St David, Dewi Sant. Help us in our day also to be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things you set before us. Amen