Dusk Till Dawn

The Raven's Writing Desk
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From the Raven's Writing Desk (ravenswritingdesk.co.uk) Watch this space dusktilldawn.substack.com

  1. 01/22/2025

    What Can I Do?

    This week, we’re focusing on prayer as we reflect on Jesus’ example and commandments, praying through selected verses from John and Exodus. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. — John 13:15 Praying Through Scripture Lord Jesus, Help us today to follow your example:To love one another, as you have loved us.To feed the hungry, and welcome the stranger,as though we were feeding and welcoming you.To humble ourselves like servants to one another,Washing one another’s feet, serving on bended knee.Forgiving others, as you have forgiven us,Taking up our cross daily, as you did on the road to Golgotha,Denying ourselves, and following you. You have made us holy, as you are holy,With that in mind, let us also be obedient,As you were obedient to your father. Coming down from heaven, not to execute your own willBut in service of the will that send you to us.Let us give up our lives for you,Teach us to give up our lives for our friends.This is love. As you spent time with the father,Withdrawing to wildernesses and quiet places,Let us pray. As you spoke with the nations,and sent others to do so after you,Guide us in how to makes disciples near and far,Baptising them in the name of the Father,and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. As you came to establish the kingdom of God and His righteousnessShow us how to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness For the hour comes, and now is, when your true worshippers shall worship.We will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.Make us into vessels of worship for the Father. Amen Today’s Readings John 13, Psalm 32, Exodus 30-32, 1 Chronicles 4:16-20 Recommended Media https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ajNqR0e65U This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

    2 min

  2. 01/21/2025

    Eternal Flame

    This week, we’re focusing on prayer as we reflect on Jesus’ example and commandments, praying through selected verses from John and Exodus. As I mentioned in Monday morning’s podcast/newsletter keep in mind as you read that all Scripture, though not always binding, is inspired by God and vital for teaching and spiritual growth. You shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may regularly be set up to burn. — Exodus 27:20 Praying Through the Bible Lord, Here is my oil, take it.Burn it upon this lampstand.This oil is sin and shame,The most common of all commodities,Let it burn away. Here is my oil, take it.Burn it upon this lampstand.This oil is my worship to you,May my heart ever produce it,and may it rise as a pleasing fragrance before you,Let that passion burn forever, Here is my oil, take it.Burn it upon this lampstand.These are my earthly desires,I have no need of them, for they have been replaced,As they burn, let others cast theirs to join them.Let it burn away. Here is our oil, take it.Burn it upon this lampstand.This is the eternal faith,Which belonged to our fathers,Which at times has lessened,But has never run dry.Let it catch alight in the hearts of men. Here is my oil, take it.Burn it upon this lampstand.This is the last of it,I have nothing else to offer.This oil is my life,Take it, and burn away all of its impurities,Take it, and transform its ugliness,Take it, and give me yours in its place,Take it, and take my new life with it, it is yours,Let my life burn bright, as an example of your goodness. Amen Today’s Readings John 12, Psalm 31, Exodus 27-29, 1 Chronicles 4:11-15 Recommended Media Last year, I sat down to write an article I’d been planning for behind the scenes for at least a year. It didn’t take that long because of the research, but because of my preconception that it wouldn’t change much. I felt convicted after a few conversations with other writers, and a few days later, I hit send. That article has gone on to become my sixth most popular article of all time, and I have received more feedback than I could possibly have hoped for. What was the article on? The book of Leviticus. In the months since, I’ve seen this book rise to the forefront of conversation and attention for many pastors and lay-persons alike. This article from Cut for Time by Chris Nye is just the latest example of that. I highly recommend you read the article below. We will be in the book of Leviticus later this year, so use this as an opportunity to get excited ahead of time! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

    2 min

  3. 01/21/2025

    As It Is Written

    This week, we’re focusing on prayer as we reflect on Jesus’ example and commandments, praying through selected verses from John and Exodus. His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. — John 12:16 Prayer Lord, How many times, and in how many ways did you make yourself known to your people, casting our doubts and fears before you, but they did not hear it. Disciples, Kings, Judges, Prophets, Priests, and all peoples, they heard but did not understand. Now in these days, you have made yourself known through your son. And yet they still do not hear. You have been glorified, and our hearts are now mesmerised by that glory,As we gaze upon you again this morningbring to mind those evidences of your splendour.Those things that were written,All those things which you have done. Give us faith for those miracles you have yet to do,Tales of which are known only to you,but have yet to be written in the annals of earth. Amen Today’s Readings John 12, Psalm 31, Exodus 27-29, 1 Chronicles 4:11-15 Recommended Media I have three journals in my eye line right now, along with another dozen or so scripture journals, most of which are largely empty. That isn’t to say that journalling is boring, or unhelpful, just that it can be daunting at times—…and buying journals is a hobby all of its own. This video talks about benefits and uses of journals, through stories of journalling throughout history, as well as his personal journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HCmv6aDYbQ&list=WL&index=10 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

    1 min

  4. 01/20/2025

    Glorious One

    This week, we’re focusing on prayer as we reflect on Jesus’ example and commandments, praying through selected verses from John and Exodus. As I mentioned in this morning’s podcast/newsletter keep in mind as you read that all Scripture is inspired by God and vital for continual spiritual sustenance. “The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.” — Exodus 24:16 Praying Through the Word Yahweh, The whole universe speaks of your glory, The Sun and Moon obey youas they rule the sky by night and day,The waters and the storms follow your commands,And yet you have deemed it right, at times,to fall upon particular places, to make yourself known to us. Now, your glory dwells in us.Like a devouring fire, which consumes our sin,and like a thick cloud full of your power. Lead us to follow your commands, as does the earth,As do the sun, and moon, and stars,as the storm did before the disciples’ eyes. Move our hearts to contribute our small gifts to your great kingdom.Not seeking to build our own fragile kingdoms on earth,But your great kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen Today’s Readings John 11, Psalm 30, Exodus 24-26, 1 Chronicles 4:6-10 Recommended Media https://www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk/p/dont-finish-that-book This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

    1 min

  5. 01/20/2025

    Wept

    This week, we’re focussing on prayer. Many of this week’s readings touch upon Jesus’ example, his commandments to us, and the way he calls us to follow him. This is something we need help with every day, and so rather than spend time expounding on these passages, we’ll pray through a verse or a portion of them, and then I encourage you to go and read them yourself. This week’s readings are primarily from the book of John, or the book of Exodus, but keep in mind while you read that these are both from God. The commandments in the Old Testament may not be binding on us, but they are informative and important. As Paul once wrote to his disciple Timothy: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16–17 “Jesus wept.” — John 11:35 Let’s Pray Praying Through Scripture Lord Jesus, I have wept,How many times have I wept,For my sin, and for those committed against me,In grief and in anguish, and for lessons learned too late. Your tears inspire joy in the midst of my sorrows, That you have cried, pouring out the most pure form of raw emotion,Is yet another example of the image to which we are being conformed. Help us today, help me today, to weep more readily,To rejoice more readily, to give both to you, your providence, your timings,and trust the saviour who wept for a lost friend, whom he would shortly see again. Amen Today’s Readings John 11, Psalm 30, Exodus 24-26, 1 Chronicles 4:6-10 Recommended Media https://www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk/p/seconds This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

    2 min

  6. 01/18/2025

    Seven Stars and a Sword

    In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. — Revelation 1:16 The book of revelation is magnificent. Throughout the Bible we get these rare glimpses past the veil of heaven’s door, where those present transcend time and space altogether. If we are to understand this book, the answer isn’t to demystify it. We shouldn’t seek to try and tie events or images in Revelation to the past, present, or future in an attempt to uncover more grounded explanations of the text. Instead, we need to remystify ourselves. There is, of course, much for scholars to draw out from this book, but while they do that, let’s just wonder at it for a moment. Before we dig ourselves, we should stop to observe, to take in the full scope of the task ahead of us. Most importantly, we need to pay attention to the one who gave us this message in the first place. Who is this who holds stars in his hand? Whose speech is so sharp that it has become itself a sword, and with a face that outshines the brightest sun? How does John respond? When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades. Revelation 1:17–18 This hand that held stars now holds onto John. This most blessed friend whom Jesus loved on earth, and for whom he died. John saw a glimpse of this before, but now he sees Jesus in his fulness. Do you see him? Can you push past the desire to wrap your head around this, and instead have your mind warped and changed by the possibility of such splendiferousness! This is our Jesus. He is the first and the last. The Living One. Dead but now fully alive. How glorious is our God! Let’s pray. Praying through the Bible Lord, Help me to see you today.You hold me in your right hand,you hold your church close,just as you held John. When John saw you,He fell at your feet like a dead man.O how I wish I could have fallen beside him,How glorious will that day be,When finally I see you face to face. You have said: “Don’t be afraid.” — so, purge me of all ungodly fear.I am the First and the Last — eternal, yet you humbled yourself and came to us.and the Living One — in whose life we now live, who called us to himself!You were dead, but look—you are alive forever and ever! You alone hold the keys of death and Hades.I trust you Lord, to do justly with your people,to open doors that seem locked away forever,for if you can open heaven’s gates to me,what could possibly be beyond your power? Amen Today’s Readings Revelation 1:9-16 Psalm 28 Exodus 18-20 Genesis 2 Recommended Media to Start Your Day The language of remystification I used in this piece was drawn from the work of Malcom Guite. Although I have since lost the video in which he used this word, I’d love to introduce you to him here all the same. If anyone alive has met an Ent in person, it might well be Guite. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGuiM8zjiXU Grace and Peace, Adsum Try Ravenhill This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

    3 min

  7. 01/17/2025

    Stronghold

    The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you,O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. — Psalm 9:9–10 Verses like these leave me awestruck. Why? Because I know how true they are. My strength is finite and my weakness infinite, the Lord remains steadfast forever. In the midst of many sagas of weakness in my life, I have awoken in the halls of our Stronghold, the Lord. Bruised, beaten, and afraid, a great fear of God has overcome me, and promised that there is no force on earth as great and as powerful as he. For all those who trust in the Lord, who know to call upon the name of Jesus, we will never be lost or forsaken. For he always sees us, always knows our hearts, and surrounds us with his strength when the final remnants of our own disappears. I don’t know what you’re going through right now, but whatever it may be, fall upon the mercy of God. Whether a mess of your own making or a circumstance out of your control, bring it to the Lord in prayer today. Let’s pray. Praying through the Bible The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,A stronghold in times of trouble.We who know your name put our trust in you,for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. I sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion! Be gracious to me, O Lord!See my affliction, for you do not forget the cry of the afflicted.You are the one who lifted me up from the gates of death,How much more may I trust you in this life and the next! I rejoice in your salvation. Amen Today’s Readings John 10 Psalm 27 Exodus 15-17 Recommended Media to End Your Day I’ll write poetry again.Not today, no, not today,Perhaps tomorrow? Claire does though, and every poem of hers I read is a reminder of the power of verse. Read her latest piece, Maps of Belonging, and find out why. https://lanternsinthedark.substack.com/p/maps-of-belonging-a-poem This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

    2 min

  8. 01/17/2025

    Known

    What does it mean to be known? How do you quantify that? As with many words, we’ve cheapened its use over the past century, and so we’ll often hear people talk about knowing things or people that they have no connection with whatsoever. On the flip side, we recognise some other kinds of knowledge that go beyond this. When we talk about knowing someone biblically it confers a level of intimacy reserved for marriage. That seems to be our spectrum then, right? Where does Jesus’ knowledge fit? He says: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” — John 10:14-15 I would suggest that if fake knowledge is a 1, and biblically knowing someone is a 10, we cannot even calculate the value of God’s knowledge. He knows every hair on our head, he knew us before the universe began, and he has searched even the depths of our hearts. No one on earth could ever know us so well, and yet he has gone a step further! Not only does he know us, but he has made himself known to us too. Let’s pray. Praying through the Bible Good Shepherd, You know your own, and you have counted me as one of them,I know you, I have seen your works, and have felt your joy in my heart.I know the depths of love you have for me, help me to dive yet deeper into them. As the Father knows you, so do you know the Father;Father, Spirit, Son, Holy Trinity,Be with me, and I with you. Let me never cease wondering at the generosity of your perfect love,That you would lay down your life for your friends,and that you have counted me among them. Amen Today’s Readings * John 10 * Psalm 27 * Exodus 15-17 Recommended Media to Start Your Day Earlier this week I headed to Oxford for my monthly visit. In this article for my main newsletter, The Raven's Writing Desk, I muse on the various reasons I go there so often. I hope you will find it helpful. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

    2 min
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