You will never walk alone

The song “You will never walk alone” began life as a show tune from the Roger and Hammerstein musical Carousel in 1945 but only became widely famous when Liverpool fans in the nineteen sixties adopted it as their anthem.

In many ways it sums up what Christians believe about the Holy Spirit, that when we link to God’s Holy Spirit through faith and prayer then you never are alone and the energy of God’s love comes into your life.

The spiritual writer John Ortburg put this in practical terms when he explained it this way: “Never worry alone. When anxiety grabs my mind, it is self-perpetuating. Worrisome thoughts reproduce faster than rabbits, so one of the most powerful ways to stop the spiral of worry is simply to disclose my worry to a friend... The simple act of reassurance from another human being [becomes] a tool of the Spirit to cast out fear -- because peace and fear are both contagious.”

This time of year is a time of worry for many facing exams and this is one of the times when we most need to connect to God’s Holy Spirit. Newbridge Parish has composed a very apt prayer which puts into words our need for Divine Wisdom:

Prayer for those doing exams
Lord, pour out your Spirit of wisdom
on all students doing exams at this time.
Help them to remain calm,
to attend carefully to the questions asked,
to think clearly, to remember accurately,
and to express themselves well.
Grant that they may reflect
the best of the work they have done,
and the best of the teaching they have received.
When the results come out may they be satisfied that they did their best,
and may whatever path they choose in life bring them happiness.
May your love be upon them O Lord as they place all their trust in you. Amen

Fr. Peter O’Reilly