Thursday 

Loosely themed around the days of the week on which they were to be broadcast this series really used the Qur'an to illustrate what I was saying, rather than what I was saying being more of a commentary on the Qur'an.

Sometimes life seems to be just too much to bear. Sometimes it can feel like really hard going. We can get tired of life as we tire in life, but we usually recognise that life needs to be lived, and we somehow struggle through our problems, and then, after what may seem a short time in retrospect, we can look back with equanimity.

There is a part of us that knows, even in the depths of our trials, that life is a long distance event. We know that this too will pass, and to reach the other side we just need a little fortitude and a lot of patience. We need to find a way of sustaining our hope.

Qur’an says "To God belong the East and the West; He guides whomsoever He will to a straight path … So remember Me - I will remember you; and give thanks to Me and be not ungrateful. All you who believe, seek help in patience and prayer; surely God is with the patient.”

To temper the discipline of patience in our daily trials we remember the blessings that are the context of our lives and have gratitude, and gratitude is such a nice feeling. So much so, that it is surely worth a little prayer and praise - and all praise belongs to God. And the more we praise the more we feel gratitude, and so the more we feel like giving praise.

“So be patient in the face of what they say, and proclaim your Lord's praise before the rising of the sun, and before its setting, and proclaim your Lord's praise in the watches of the night, and at both ends of the day; hopefully you will find yourself well-pleased.” says Qur’an.

All Merciful God, help us to have patience through our trials, and to never lose sight of your bounty. Show us hope, and help us to see the Creator’s presence in the midst of our creation. Amen