Photo was taken at Tooreenbawn, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)

This small tree called ‘Witch Hazel’, is one of the delights of any garden during the month of January. It’s scent is light and sweet and carries right across your garden. The flower clusters have spidery, narrow petals that survive much better than large petals at this time of year. Most importantly it is one of the first plants to give a loud message: “Winter is nearly over and spring is about to begin”.

Thought on Thursday – January – 21/01/2021

Private prayer is habit forming, make it part of your life and you will not want to live without it anytime soon. But it would be a mistake to think that it exhausts the possibilities of living the spiritual life. Besides praying by yourself there is much, much more.’ ~Barbara Cawthorne Crafton

As we head towards the end of January, it is another reminder just how quickly time can pass by. Sometimes life goes at such a fast pace that we forget about our own quiet time or the need to make space just for ourselves. It is always good to take time out or to make a moment for our own quiet prayer. It is quality time that no one can take away from us, a moment when we can simply be ourselves. It allows us to be honest and express what ever is going on for us.

But it is also good to pray too as part of a community. Praying with others gives us the sense of a journey together and that we are not in isolation. Praying together allows us to support and encourage each other. Most of the major religions in the world actively encourage community participation. It is all about finding the balance between what is private and what we do together. Personal prayer gives so many comfort and a sense of purpose. But it can never be done exclusively on our own.