Most people pray - at least in desperate times! but what is prayer about? is it saying prayers in church? or having a conversation with God with whatever words come to mind? or being quiet and somehow peaceful? or crying out for help but struggling for words? Some question the usefulness of prayer when so much war and violence continues, when evil seems to triumph and when prayers are unanswered.

I was browsing a second hand bookshop when I came across Simon Critchley's "On Mysticism." On reflection, it seemed a very good place to discover a work dedicated to exploring Christian mysticism but from a context outside of church life. Critchley is a professor of philosophy who confesses to an "intense curiosity for religion" despite agreeably spending most of his life in a secular world hostile to religion.

Looking through my inbox earlier this year I noticed there was a new email which seemed to come from myself! Andrew Lord had email'd Andy Lord and it was a surprise to find that there was someone with the same name living in Australia. What is more, we shared an interest in the work of the Holy Spirit in life and ministry.

What provides the anchor for our lives? Life comes with many ups and downs that can leave us feeling adrift. Often it is the love of others that roots and sustains us through all things. The late Queen Elizabeth II once said that her favourite Bible verses came in Paul's letter to the Romans, where he affirms that "nothing can separate us from the love of Christ" (Rom 8:35-39).

Walking down through the woods, past the worn oaks which have seen many years pass, a narrow gap leads through to a small open glade with a seat to pause on. In spring it is the home for a rare orchid but now into summer it appears a thriving rush of greenery. It is as if every tree and bush is reaching out towards the sun, stretching to try and make use of the space.

There is great pleasure in the simple five minute walk from our house to the church hall. Past the field which, in spring, sees the central tree surrounded by a circle of yellow flowers and a border of free flowing grass. Alongside the medieval church with its memories and embodied worship; the 1,000 year old yew tree that hints at life stretching further back; and the modern churchyard with chance to meet and chat.