Our Father, we come to you at the beginning of August as we celebrate the National Eisteddfod. We will have the opportunity again this year to enjoy the Eisteddfod AmGen and the creative talents of our nation. The talents of many nations are also enjoyed at the Olympics in Japan. We thank you for the technology that enable us to enjoy the talents of the ‘eisteddfodwyr’ and athletes no matter where we live.

Ryan Davies in his famous song ‘Ti a dy Ddoniau’ (You and your Talents) asks a question: ‘Ble gest ti’r ddawn?’ (Who gave you your talent?)

Our talents are your gifts and may we treasure them and use them wisely. Yes, we use them at the Eisteddfod AmGen and at the Olympics. We also use them to improve the lives of others and the world around us. Let us follow in the footsteps of Christians such as Howell Harris and members of the Trefeca Family who used their talents to glorify your name. May we use our various talents according to your advice in Romans 12: 6-8 (ESV – English Standard Version):

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

We are indebted to you for our talents. We ask for your guidance to use them wisely. May we continue to use them to the best of our ability for the good of others and to improve our world. We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.