Grassington Meths

Grassington Methodist Church is a typically symmetrical and elegant nonconformist chapel a little off the main road in the attractive Yorkshire village. Its congregations are not large and, unusually for the 2020s, it has nonconformist competition a few hundred yards’ distance. Although I have never been able to get inside and inspect the interior, the outside I have always found rather charming. Located at the end (or start) of a popular dales walking route, the words ‘Walk with God’ are painted above the lower windows with suitable, pictorial accompaniment.

Attached to the front railings were a collection of peculiar ribbons and a laminated sign, which stated:

What are the ribbons for?

You are invited to tie a ribbon to the chapel railings as a silent prayer. This may be to say thank you for anything joyful that you wish to acknowledge or to remember sadness, grief or any loss.

God hears all our prayers.

He is with us in the good times and in the difficult times.

He is with us today, tomorrow and every day to come

I would have personally preferred an uplifting Bible text, an evangelistic verse or a dispenser of Christian leaflets to take away and read. Judging by the number of coloured ribbons, which had been tied to the said railings, however, plenty of others were pleased to participate. I came across a similar practice, below, at a beech tree in the vicinity of Avebury stone circle, an overtly pagan sacred site.

The respective devotees’ intentions and reasons may have differed, but the outward result is the same. We all find it hard to express our deepest spiritual yearnings, and outward tokens and symbols seem to assist some with the articulation. Nevertheless, the God of the Bible can always be approached through the name of Jesus, for through the person, words and actions of His Son, He revealed Himself to our fallen race. To talk to Him, one needs no long words, fancy theological vocabulary or even coloured ribbons. What He most seeks is a repentant heart and a humble spirit. The God of the Bible can be known, and He delights in hearing our prayers. 

Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

So He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us day by day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins,

For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.”

Amen.

-Luke 11:1-4, New King James Version