Faith in times of Crisis 21- by Dr J P Hunter

St Nun’s Church Pelynt East Cornwall  by Rev’d Paul Collings 

(also opening for worship in September)

Meditation by Dr J P Hunter

Psalm 145: 1-3, 8-10, 14, 18-21. New International Version

A psalm of praise. Of David.

1 I will exalt you, my God the King;

    I will praise your name for ever and ever.

2 Every day I will praise you

    and extol your name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

    his greatness no one can fathom.

8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate,

    slow to anger and rich in love.

9 The Lord is good to all;

    he has compassion on all he has made.

10 All your works praise you, Lord;

    your faithful people extol you.

14 The Lord upholds all who fall

    and lifts up all who are bowed down.

18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,

    to all who call on him in truth.

19 He fulfils the desires of those who fear him;

    he hears their cry and saves them.

20 The Lord watches over all who love him,

    but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.

    Let every creature praise his holy name

    for ever and ever.

Meditation

As this coming Sunday we are rejoicing that our church building will re-open, we are also aware that people may have sorrows and burdens in their lives. This is a Psalm of praise by David recognising God’s greatness and goodness, while at the same time pointing to God as the great burden-bearer. God is able to lift us up because: his greatness is unfathomable 145:3, he is righteous 145:7, he is gracious, compassionate, patient and loving 145:8-9, he remains near to those who call on him 145:18, he hears our cries and saves us 145:19-20. In both circumstances, if there are reasons for joy and praise, or burdened by sorrows, turn to God for help. He is ready to lift you up and bear your burden.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you that we are able to re-open our church building this Sunday. Thank you that we will be able to come together again to seek your Presence, worship you and find courage in fellowship with each other. We also bring to you those who have sorrows or burdens in their lives, those who are lonely, those who are anxious, those who are uncertain and those worried about their safety and health. We bring all our concerns to you because you are near to those who seek you. Amen.

Hymn – StF 88, verse 1,2

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!

Come, all who hear; now to his temple draw near,

join me in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;

surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,

if with his love he befriends you.