'How Great Thou Art'
Reading & Collect
This week's readings can be found here John 6.51-58
Our weekly reflection will be part of our Online Service on YouTube on Sunday
Poem
Address to the Lord (1)
John Berryman (1914–1972)
Master of beauty, craftsman of the snowflake, inimitable contriver, endower of Earth so gorgeous & different from the boring Moon, thank you for such as it is my gift.
I have made up a morning prayer to you containing with precision everything that most matters. 'According to Thy will' the thing begins. It took me off & on two days. It does not aim at eloquence.
You have come to my rescue again & again in my impassable, sometimes despairing years. You have allowed my brilliant friends to destroy themselves and I am still here, severely damaged, but functioning.
Unknowable, as I am unknown to my guinea pigs: How can I 'love' you? I only as far as gratitude & awe confidently & absolutely go.
I have no idea whether we live again. It doesn't seem likely from either the scientific or the philosophical point of view but certainly all things are possible to you,
and I believe as fixedly in the Resurrection-appearances to Peter and to Paul
as I believe I sit in this blue chair. Only that may have been a special case to establish their initiatory faith.
Whatever your end may be, accept my amazement. May I stand until death forever at attention for any your least instruction or enlightenment. I even feel sure you will assist me again, Master of insight & beauty.
To Pray for
Peace in Afghanistan as the Taliban return
Students who have received A-Level and GCSE exam results and prepare to take the next step of their journeys
Courage and boldness in Christ