I saw Manchester, the holy city...

We're in the middle of a series on "Cities and Gardens" at the moment and last night was about Jerusalem. There was space to reflect on the history of the city, the Holy of Holies (and thin places), the lament for place and values, and about our hopes for the future. Ben finished the evening with a meditation and prayer - which I've adapted slightly to reproduce here:

I was standing on Victoria Bridge
Looking back over the city
And the cold
Blue autumn sky broke open over my head
And the Sprit of God breathed on my eyes
And my eyes were opened:

I saw Manchester, the holy city,
Coming down out of heaven
Shining like a rare jewel
Sparkling like clear water in the eye of the sun
And all the sickness was gone from the city
And there were no more suburbs and apartment blocks
No difference between Beswick and Didsbury.

I saw the Irwell running with the water of life
As bright as crystal
As clear as glass
The children of Manchester swimming in it

And the Spirit showed me the tree of life
Growing in Piccadilly Gardens.

I looked out and there were no more homeless people
There were no women working the streets
There were no more junkies up the allies
HIV and AIDS were a thing of the past
There were no more racist attacks
No more attacks on gay people
No more rapists
No more football riots
Because there was no more hate
And I saw women walking safe at nights
And the men were full of passion and gentleness
And none of the children were ever abused
Because the people’s sex was full of justice and joy.

I saw an old woman throw back her head
And laugh like a young girl
And when the sky closed back her laughter
Rang in my head
For days and days
And would not go away.

This is what I saw, looking back over the city,
And I knew then that there would be a day of resurrection
And I believe that there will be a day of resurrection.


(With due respect and a reverent hat tip to Doug Gay)


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