Kindling Thoughts

Steph started this train of thought by telling me that she has her daily Bible readings on an app for her phone, so she can make profitable use of her commuting time each morning. Then Mags said she had been reading sound stuff on her Kindle whilst away on holiday [and kindly sent me a wonderfully appropriate and encouraging verse from Jeremiah] My thanks to them for their inspiration

I suddenly remembered an old hymn, which I have therefore been humming to myself all week. It is another one of my favourites by Frances Ridley Havergal – and it was verse six that I recalled. How words have changed their meaning over the years, but the truth of this hymn stands. Frances wrote it as a gift for the lay workers who helped in her church.

Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou has sought, so let me seek
Thine erring children lost and lone.

O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.

O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.

O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

O give Thine own sweet rest to me,
That I may speak with soothing power
A word in season, as from Thee,
To weary ones in needful hour.

O fill me with Thy fullness, Lord,
Until my very heart overflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.

O use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where,
Until Thy blessèd face I see,
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.

Whatever you are doing today, may you have a Sunday full of blessings.