Thames Path Pilgrimage
The Thames Pilgrimage Path, was a journey from Putney to Barnes and back, along one of London's most beautiful stretches of the River Thames. As we walked
together, we were invited to slow our pace, to notice God's presence in creation, and reflect on his faithfulness.
Isaiah 55:1–3a ‘Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost...Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.’
This invitation from Isaiah reminds us that God welcomes everyone. As we walk beside the flowing waters of the Thames, we remember that Christ is the source of the living water that refreshes our souls and renews our hope.
Our first stop was at Holy Trinity Church on the north side of Putney Bridge, we paused here and spent some time absorbing. There were many people getting ready for a wedding later that day and it was a good opportunity to see how different people come in and out of churches for different seasons of their lives.....what is it that draws us to go to church?
After we left Holy Trinity, we walked through the sun bleached gardens of Fulham Palace, which was where the Bishop of London lived until 1973. We then joined the Thames Path and walked alongside the river, noticing all those who past us, running, cycling or simply out to enjoy the beauty of the river, it was the lowest I had ever seen it. A reminder that we were in an extreme period of drought.
Just before Hammersmith Bridge we stopped for lunch, the weather was hot but clouds came and covered us for a while.....it was a lovely time to talk with each other and share time in community. We then went over the bridge and walked through some residential streets to St. Mary's, Barnes.....we welcomed the coolness of the church and were met by Christabel, who share with us the history and worshipping community of the church.....ending with prayer. It was good to have time to reflect on how God's hand is continually working his purpose out in each generation.
We had a ice cream stop before returning to the river, as we did this we passed the Barnes Wetland Trust....then before we knew it, we are back on the river. We paused here and reflected again:
‘Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’ John 4:14
Sometimes, like a river, our journey of faith can feel smooth and peaceful. At other times, there may be obstacles, uncertainty, or difficult currents. Yet Jesus walks with us through every part of the journey. When we feel spiritually tired, empty, or lost, he invites us to come to him and drink deeply from his love.
We continued on in silence for a while, to notice what we sensed God might be showing us as we walked.....as we did this we past many sights on the river, the tide had come in and the river was full of life. We then reached Putney Bridge and we went across the road to St. Mary's, Putney.....such a historic church.
The church is mentioned in Samuel Pepys diary and Charles Dickens ‘David Copperfield’. It is also famous for the ‘Putney Debates’ 1647, where Oliver Cromwell took part.
St. Mary's has a cafe! so it was a welcome rest after 6-7 miles to stop and have a cup of tea....we then walked back across Putney Bridge to the tube station......
Here's a prayer that we used to run through our day
Lord Jesus, you are our Living Water.
Refresh our tired hearts and renew our faith.
Help us to trust you when the journey is difficult and to recognise your presence along the way. May your love flow through us, so that we may bring refreshment, hope, and kindness to others.
Lead us always closer to you, the source of life and everlasting love. Amen.
Comments