The Scheme for July and August can be found here

Joel 1-3; Acts 18; Psalm 119:1-16

The prophet Joel confronts us with a way of being that is all but unknown to us. In a day of disaster people are called to prayer, fasting and repentance.

Again, as earlier when we considered the Psalms, the prophets direct us to an understanding of the world where God is all and in all, and that whatever life brings is only ever an occasion for communion with the Living God.

Fasting it must be said is not a discipline much practised nowadays with respect to prayer, yet for our forebears in faith, up until this last century, fasting was seen like prayer as part and parcel of a life turned towards God.

I wonder, next time we face great need, perhaps we too might listen to Joel, and fast.