Wednesday 11 December

Reveal among us the light of your presence, that we may behold your power and glory.

Readings: Isaiah 40.25-31 | Psalm 103.1-5 | Matthew 11.28-30 |

Jamberoo

"I will give you rest."—Guest cottages at Jamberoo Abbey.

The Pulley
by George Herbert.

When God at first made man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by,
"Let us," said he, "pour on him all we can.
Let the world’s riches, which dispersèd lie,
Contract into a span."

So strength first made a way;
Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honour, pleasure.
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that, alone of all his treasure,
Rest in the bottom lay.

"For if I should," said he,
"Bestow this jewel also on my creature,
He would adore my gifts instead of me,
And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature;
So both should losers be."

"Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlessness;
Let him be rich and weary, that at least,
If goodness lead him not, yet weariness
May toss him to my breast."

Psalm 103. Music: Markus Geissbühler, Switzerland (2014). Earth Choir and Animato Symphonic Orchestra, cond. Markus Geissbühler.

Prayer

Almighty and ever-living God, we rest in you the love of your Son. We entrust our very lives into his hands. Save us from restless self-destruction. We trust you Lord, for your love and mercy is without end. We go to you humbly and we find our rest in you. We seek your rest in Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

May the Lord, when he comes, find us watching and waiting. Amen.