Please remember to continue to support the food banks - they are
especially in need of goods for distribution during this difficult time
This new hymn has been written for ‘the first service at
which hymns are sung aloud following the Covid lockdown of 2020’ –
none of us knows when that will be! But you can use the words
at home – as a hymn or as a prayer. The hymnwriter suggests
the tune Abbot’s Leigh (the set tune for ‘Lord thy church on earth
is seeking’) or it could be sung prayerfully to ‘What a friend we
have in Jesus’
Loving God, we come before you
glad to offer praise in song,
thankful for the many mercies
you have shown us all along.
Months of social isolation
have not parted us from you,
and in every situation
grace and love have led us through.
Yet so many struggle daily,
so we ask you, Lord, to bless
all the sick, the sad, the lonely,
all who suffer pain and stress,
all who mourn the loss of loved ones,
all whose loads are hard to bear,
and all those whose calm compassion
comforts those for whom they care.
Father, send the world your healing;
guide and strengthen us, we pray,
so that we may keep revealing
something of your love each day.
Whether facing sin or virus,
and despite what time may bring,
we shall ask you to inspire us,
trusting you for everything.
Words: Ben
Batten, Chesham Methodist Church, 2020