Wednesday 13 April 2022

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Today is Wednesday of Holy Week, the 13th of April.

Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Nearer My God to Thee’. Become aware of the nearness of God as you begin to pray today…

Nearer, my God, to Thee

Nearer to Thee

Even though it be a cross

That raiseth me

Still all my song shall be

Nearer, my God, to Thee

Nearer, my God, to Thee

Nearer to Thee

Though like the wanderer

The sun gone down

Darkness be over me

My rest a stone

Yet in my dreams I’d be

Nearer, my God, to Thee

Nearer, my God, to Thee

Nearer to Thee

Still all my song shall be

Nearer, my God, to Thee

Nearer, my God, to Thee

Nearer to Thee

Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 50:4-9

‘The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher,

that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.

Morning by morning he wakens — wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.

The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backwards.

I gave my back to those who struck me,

and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;

I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.

The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced;

therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame;

he who vindicates me is near.

Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together.

Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me.

It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?

All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.’

This passage is one of the ‘Songs of the Suffering Servant’, but the servant is no helpless victim here. What words do you notice in the Servant’s description of himself? You may have felt alone and abandoned at times, or perhaps you may have felt strong in the face of injury and suffering. Where has God been for you in these experiences?

God is experienced here as close at hand, a vindicator and helper. Do you have experience of moments like this? Perhaps this is how you want to feel, but the struggle is too close just now. What do you want to say to God? Jesus invites you to follow him on this road. What response do you feel like making?

As we listen once more to the reading, are there words, images or feelings that strike you? Try staying with them as they emerge.

God is described on one of the Psalms as a ‘helper close at hand in time of distress’. This passage reveals such a God and we see this closeness as Jesus draws near to his death. What do you want to say to God, or perhaps to Jesus as you contemplate his sufferings, willingly borne for you?

You have given all to me.

To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.

Give me only your love and your grace,

that is enough for me.