Aldersgate Sunday
Almighty God,
You raised up your servants, John and Charles Wesley,
to proclaim anew the gift of redemption and the life of holiness.
Pour out your Spirit, and revive your work among us;
that inspired by the same faith,
and upheld by the same grace in word and sacrament,
we, and all your children may be made one
in the unity of your church on earth,
even as in heaven we are made one in you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 John 17:1-11
September in Cornwall was always glorious sunshine; but when the rains came, they seemed to last until March. Never did any community in the county pray for rain, for it always seemed to fall in abundance. And on at least one occasion, it soaked through woollen cloak, cassock and clerical shirt out at the graveside in Bolventor on Bodmin Moor. So, the words of this Psalm always come as a surprise.
7O God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness, Selah
8the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain
at the presence of God, the God of Sinai,
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9Rain in abundance, O God, you showered abroad;
you restored your heritage when it languished;
10your flock found a dwelling in it;
in your goodness, O God,
you provided for the needy. Psalm 68
Rain as a sign of God’s glory
I will look at rain with new understanding, because the poet presents two different images: the pouring rain is a sign of God’s presence and reign (no wonder earlier generations sang ‘there shall be showers of blessing’). But it is also a gift to the land and all that it sustains, so that the whole creation flourishes. The providential care of the needy receive a special mention here, but go back a couple of verses to where God is described as Father of the orphans and protector of the widows.
Widows and orphans traditionally summarise for the poet, all those who are disenfranchised within the community. Who would go onto the list today? Those queuing at food banks, those currently without work, all who suffer abuse within the home, families cooped up in small living spaces, and elderly people coping alone. The peoples without sanitation and healthcare facilities, who barely survive in the best of times. And the bereaved who must cry alone, and the care-staff who have provided so much comfort that exhaustion sets in …
These are the people who need the showers of blessing, blessings of righteousness, justice, peace of mind, and equality. Clapping on a Thursday night at 8pm is a wonderful gesture, but what will the people of God do to shower their neighbours with all the blessings of God?
Praying for ourselves
We are not people of fear:
we are people of courage.
We are not people who protect our own safety:
we are people who protect our neighbours’ safety.
We are not people of greed:
we are people of generosity.
We are your people God,
giving and loving,
wherever we are,
whatever it costs
For as long as it takes
wherever you call us.
Praying for others
We pray that your blessing will pour down like rain,
revealing your presence and power in the world
and restoring the land and all its inhabitants.
We bring before you
those queuing at food banks,
those currently without work,
all who suffer abuse within the home,
families cooped up in small living spaces,
and elderly people coping alone.
The peoples without sanitation and healthcare facilities,
who barely survive in the best of times.
And the bereaved who must cry alone,
and the care-staff who have provided
so much comfort that exhaustion sets in …
We pray a blessing on our communities
So that our streets and homes will be places of security,
where all are known, loved and cared for.
We pray a blessing on all who must make difficult decisions,
whether in corridors of power or in hospital wards.
Protect us, and sanctify us by your truth
so we can become a blessing to friend and stranger,
to those at home, and those glimpsed only via technology. Amen
The people of God as a sign of God’s glory
Characteristically, as Jesus prayed before his last days, he asked the Father to glorify the terrible events that will come during the passion and crucifixion, but also the resurrection and departure, because of the impact on those who are coming to belief.
John’s Gospel always has the emphasis on incarnation – Jesus coming in human flesh, and departing with scars in that flesh. It also tells of a new quality of life, abundant life experienced in the here and now through relationship with God through Jesus.
For those who have responded to the good news, these are words of comfort and blessing; we are not left bereft. The new day has already dawned, and by means of a new relationship, Jesus prays for all believers to be sanctified in truth. And the source of the truth and holy living are both found within God, the holy Father.
As a result of this deeply personal encounter with the living God, this prayer should not be rushed through, like an item on a busy agenda. Rather, it is one to be savoured and to be reflected on, because there is an intimate revelation of the relationship between the Father and the Son, in which all who believe are invited to share. This is the new reality for us: we live our lives to God’s praise and glory.
[Prayer for ourselves – Barbara Glasson President of the Methodist Conference]
Worship at home 