Treasure in Clay Jars
Launde Abbey Quiet Day – 1st March 2021
‘We have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.’
(2 Corinthians 4 v 7 – see full reading below)
Programme
10.00am Worship
10.15am: Talk one ‘The gift of ourselves’
Reflection
12.00 Optional Midday Prayer
1.15pm: Talk two ‘The treasures of God’
Reflection
3.15pm: Closing Worship
A prayer as you enter into this quiet day
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing,
dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
(St Therese of Lisieux)
Invitation to reflect after Talk One:
- Spend some time with 2 Corinthians 4 reading it through slowly two or three times. Notice which word or phrase stands out for you. You might like to highlight it in your handout or make a note in your journal. Ask God what he is saying to you through this and turn this into a prayer.
Is there anything you need to do in response? - Are there any negative thought patterns you have been carrying that you need to repent of and let go? Remind yourself that these thoughts are not you, they are only thoughts.
- Can you identify a weakness or vulnerability in you which you have felt ashamed of and seen as a ‘crack’ or blemish in the pot of your life? How might God be using that crack?
- If you are able to you might like to go for a walk. Walk slowly and notice what is around you? Try to hear how God might be speaking through the things you see….
Midday Prayer
Find our short daily services for the whole of Lent at laundeabbey.org.uk/lent
Invitation to reflect after Talk Two:
In the quiet space you have this afternoon, I invite you to spend some time listening – to yourself and what you have noticed going on in you this morning.
- What has encouraged you?
- What has disturbed you?
Bring those thoughts and feelings to God and then spend some time listening to what God is saying to you. What treasure is God showing you today?
Spend some time looking at the picture of the Kintsugi Pottery bowl.
How does this speak to you?
What do you notice?
What might it reveal to you about your own life?

Kinsugi pottery bowl
Breakage and repair are part of the history of an object and it becomes more interesting and beautiful
Treasure in Clay Jars
4 Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. 11 For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.
13 But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—“I believed, and so I spoke”—we also believe, and so we speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. 15 Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
16 So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, 18 because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.