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sharon 
Sharon Fasanya

‘How clearly the sky reveals God’s glory! How plainly it shows what’s he has done! Each day announces it to the following day; each night repeats it to the next'
Psalms 19: 1-2
 
As I sit here in the garden writing this I hear God’s glory, the birds chirping away, the squirrels running through the branches of the tree behind our garden, the amazing flowers growing beside me and the blue sky above me.
 
Throughout the 12 weeks of lockdown we’ve faced all sorts of challenges; working from home, home schooling our kids, not being able to connect in person with those we love and care for, not being able to enjoy the outdoor activities we took for granted. We’ve seen people we know pass away or been sick with COVID-19. Even now as lockdown eases, the world outside our homes is still uneasy as to how we should act and behave and what is safe and what is not. It’s an unusual time for us all. This has made me feel very anxious and more introverted than I have ever been with my emotions and not wanting to leave my ‘safe’ home much. 

However, I’ve heard from so many people how they have found more time to pray and read the bible and form a stronger connection with God. This has been my personal challenge. It has been more difficult for me to pray and connect with God and feel him near me and guiding me. I cannot blame my lack of a greater connection on the busyness I’ve been experiencing. I’m now understanding how much I relied on church on Sundays and our worship together to keep that connection stronger. 
 
Therefore, the last 6 weeks or so I’ve been trying to learn various methods and ways of praying. I listen to more worship music on my own and sing... to myself... luckily for others, as my voice is not that good!
 
Each morning I now look outside my office/study windows and thank God for what I have which has helped to start the day in his glory. I’ve been saying to myself ‘Come Holy Spirit, come’. This I feel brings me closer to God each time and opens my heart and mind to him afresh each day.
 
Song
 
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your glory and the beauty all around us. Thank you for not giving up on us when are weak and trying to be strong for others. Give us the strength to keep going. Thank you for accepting us in all our faults and sending the Holy Spirit to work through us. We ask for your help today to continue to guide us through these uncertain times.
 
Prayer Request
As some schools or year groups return and some businesses reopen in a different way pray for those directly affected by the changes, for resilience and flexibility as they adapt to the ‘new normal’.