Words of Light and Hope from Rev’d Judith Sweetman, Hon. Associate Priest

Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. …He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

From the first letter of Peter, chapter 2, verses 21-25

What can we say about God’s love? We can say that God’s love is unconditional. God does not say, “I love you, if…”. There are no ifs in God’s heart. God’s love does not depend on what we do or say, on our looks or intelligence, on our success or popularity. God’s love existed before we were born and will exist after we have died. God’s love is from eternity to eternity….

From:” Bread for the journey” by Henri J M Nouwen

 Just as I am, though tossed about

With many a conflict, many a doubt,

Fightings and fears within, without,

O Lamb of God, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;

Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need, in thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come.

 

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come.

Part of a hymn by Charlotte Elliott, 1789-1871

 

 Prayer

 Christ the sun of righteousness,

rise in our hearts this day,

enfold us in the brightness of your love,

and bear us at the last to heaven’s horizon;

for your love’s sake. Amen

From Common Worship Daily Prayer, following Psalm 19