Samson, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
Samson: Isles of Scilly
The twin hills of Samson, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, make the island easily recognisable from the sea. It is named after St Samson of Dol, the same Samson who was trained under Illtud at Llantwit Major and who travelled extensively through Wales, Cornwall and Brittany. It was not known whether he lived on the island but in the 1990s there was an exciting discovery. On the shoreline of East Par beach, a stone lined grave was discovered. It is thought to be associated with the lost chapel of St Samson which was on the island. Subsequent excavations uncovered remains of a wooden structure from the 6th century AD, concurrent with Samson’s life. Further north the foundations of a later, rectangular stone building, two graves and a rough stone font were found. (credit Isles of Scilly Handbook by Neil Reed). These were probably a medieval chapel built after the initial Celtic one. Having heard of this association with Samson we decided to boat out to the now uninhabited island and pray there, seeing if we could find these locations.
On arrival we referred to the map and found our way to the shoreline above East Par but it is a long stretch of beach and we had no idea where the site was actually located. So I prayed as we walked along when suddenly I sensed the familiar presence of God and angels. Looking around across the overgrown undergrowth I noticed brambles in the form of a curved circle as though indicating an enclosure. They were raised slightly perhaps on rocks. As circular enclosures were a sign of Celtic Christian sites I felt excited. This and the sense of God’s presence encouraged me to stop and pray here. I began to lift up the name of Jesus singing, ‘Praise the name of Jesus’. A tangible peace enveloped me.
I still myself in the place where Samson sat and wait
Gulls wheel and cry overhead
It feels like my happy place
The wind tussles my hair
I am alone, with my dog and the birds
A wren trilling joyfully
I wait for you God
I wait for your precious presence Holy Spirit
You are near and my heart is peaceful in this place
I am content just being with you here
No agenda other than to listen
To contemplate your beauty and kindness and love
Your goodness abounds all around me
From the flowers, to the birds, to the colours of the sea
I am so grateful to be yours Jesus
Thank you
As I’m thanking God I go into a vision.
I see Samson sitting inside a stone prayer cell warming his hands by a fire. He is joyful and laughing. I see him alone but it as though the Holy Spirit is sitting next to him, and they are communing in conversation.
Then I see him standing in the sea worshipping and praising God, hands lifted upwards in adoration, and it reminds me of the tales about Cuthbert doing similar on Lindisfarne.
I ask God if there are any angels here.
I immediately see two red fire angels. They are carrying holy fire. The fire is alive and flickering. It seems to arc out from them, over the water touching down on the other islands too. Then I see there is a portal to heaven from here with angels descending. I don’t see any ascending at this point, but it reminds me of Bethel and Jacob’s ladder.
The Lord Jesus begins to speak, and I write down what He says.
‘The time of My return is set by My father. Pray for the winds of My Spirit to blow and reignite the flame of passion for Me. There is no more urgent time than now to be praying for the winds of revival to be released once more across your nation. Pray that the fire Samson carried will be released once more with holy fervour and passion. Pray for the youth to be ignited and set ablaze. Pray for the manifestation of My glory in power and miracles. Do not constrain the glory of My Spirit’s power even in your praying. Pray big. Pray beyond your understanding. Pray prayers of astounding faith. Pray, pray, pray! Here in this holy place set apart on the world’s edge, where prayers have hit heaven before, pray once more. Let My kingdom become evident again that the people passing by will know it is Me. May My name be honoured and revered once more, and this generation turn their hearts and the eyes of their hearts heavenwards in adoration. This is a holy place, a set aside place of great importance, not in the world's eyes but in My eyes. Pray big prayers here.’
My heart feels how precious this place is to God and in obedience I pray big prayers under the Spirit’s leading and in His power. It feels such a reverent time and very holy. My mind wants to understand, ‘Why here? Why so far from anywhere else?’ But the walk of faith involves trust and obedience, and it is not always for me to know why. I just know that in this isolated spot I had a rare encounter and the privilege of meeting with God in a profound way.
