My times are in your hand

Your liturgy resources are at the bottom and links to other items here. I did have a razzle-dazzle drama script and video to post, but that seemed inappropriate given the tone of this week’s reflection, so I’ll leave those to another time. Peace be with you.

Fay xx

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

In you, O LORD, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.
You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.
My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.

Yesterday, I received an email from a friend suggesting we meet up for coffee. Normally, this would be a happy event, catching up and chatting about this and that.

But I don’t think our chat over coffee will be cheery. Not this time.

The last time I saw my friend, she was lamenting that her pet had been put to sleep, a sad loss, but a release from suffering. But also rejoicing that her husband had been moved to a closer hospital following his treatment, which made visiting so much easier. She was looking forward to when he would be able to come home.

He died four days ago.

There are no words to describe such a devastation. I cannot imagine how she must feel.

Today’s psalm seems so appropriate for such a time as this. Such mourning is common to all humans, but each one suffers uniquely. Perhaps you are one of them.

The psalmist speaks powerfully of this painful reality and the many waves of emotion that roll over us in times of distress. Be a rock of refuge … a strong fortress … rescue me … deliver me … save me. The picture sweeps from a drowning man to a castle under siege, to an animal trapped in a net, to a refugee. We may feel like all of these are we readjust our minds to the new way of being.

There is no quick answer to the pain of loss. This is not fixed by an injection or a tablet, although tea and biscuits with a friend may help for some parts. But grief is a long road and parts must be walked alone.

Although not totally alone. Not abandoned, not deserted, not forgotten. For the Christian there is comfort. This is David’s Valley of Shadows, and the parts walked alone, are walked with God.

My times are in your hand.

Liturgy Resources for Fifth Sunday in Easter

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16, John 14:1-14

Confession and Absolution

In you, O LORD, I seek refuge,
do not let me ever be put to shame.
Into your hand I commit my spirit.
My times are in your hand.

In your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me and rescue me speedily.
Into your hand I commit my spirit.
My times are in your hand.

Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.
Into your hand I commit my spirit.
My times are in your hand.

O God, let your face shine upon your servants,
save us in your steadfast love.
Redeem us, lead us, guide us,
for your name’s sake.
Amen

Blessing and Dismissal

May your hearts not be troubled.
May you find your home in the Father’s house
May you know Jesus, the Way, the Truth, the Life
May you be filled with the Spirit who guides our hearts to God.
And the blessing of God Almighty
be upon you and those you love,
today, tomorrow and always.
Amen.

God in the strength that God provides
to live and work to his praise and glory.
In the name of Christ, Amen.