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The Collect
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lessons
Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42
The Meditation
The beloved hymn Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah captures the essence of the Exodus as the people of Israel journey from bondage to freedom. The hymn, set to the great Welsh tune Cwm Rhondda never fails to stir my spirit, especially in times when I feel burdened by chains of my own devising.
At morning prayer on the day I am writing this piece,we said Psalm 69 which begins: Save me, O God, for the waters have risen up to my neck. The psalmist goes on to name the many ways we feel stuck in the mire, helpless to control what comes our way. This ancient text can feel so very current and personal.
In the midst of such moments, today's reading from Exodus proclaims God's providence, as the Lord says to Moses: Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink." Whether the water is up to our neck, or we thirst in a desert as we wander, the never-failing love of God sustains us. That promise is sure and certain, and revealed to us every day.
Verse two of the hymn: "Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow. Let the fire, and cloudy pillar, lead me all my journey through."
As individuals, and as the Church, may we have eyes to see that all our journey is blessed by God, with God, and towards God. Let the waters rise - we will be delivered. Let the waters dry up - our thirst will be quenched. May we remember we are marked as Christ's own forever. Guide us, Great Redeemer!
Hymn 690
 | Guide me, O thou great Jehovah
("Redeemer" is in the text used in this video from the Diamond Jubilee Service of HM Queen Elizabeth at St. Paul's Cathedral, London.) |
Let us pray:
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Solemn Prayer (may replace the Trinitarian Blessing in Lent) Grant, most merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Christ our Lord.
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