Today’s lectionary led us to Job 16:1-17:2. The passage dives us deep into the depths of lament. I wonder how often you allow yourself into the depths of lament? Job helps us to go to a place of raw honesty. A place where we need to pour out our hearts. A place where hope can emerge from the depth of despair. We are preparing for a 24 hour period of continuous prayer across Manchester diocese from midday on Sunday 28 June to midday on Monday 29. I look forward to being involved in posting content onto the Thy Kingdom Come Facebook page. Our theme will take people from a place to lament to a place of hope.

The image on this page is part of a series of photographs by James C. Lewis. They have crossed my path as we make our stand and say that Black Lives Matter. This photograph helps us to re-imagine who Job was. “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job” (Job 1:1) This is such a wonderful book opening, introducing us to the homeland of Job. Uz is sometimes identified with the kingdom of Edom, roughly in the area of modern-day southwestern Jordan and Southern Israel. The peoples skin actual tone may not be the tone of the Job you imagine in your minds eye. Now is the time to reflect on the diversity of faces of our bible heroes. Now is the time share our faith stories. Stories of variety and wonder that unite all people no matter what creed or colour.