Hymn suggestions for Sunday 31 March, 2024

Holy and hidden God, your mystery and majesty fills the earth and all creation. You take sanctuary in the core of our being, and in your being we find refuge and strength. All people bear the stamp of your image – an embodiment of your abounding treasure, your delight and pleasure. Keep us open to your gifts we carry within us and unveil before us your grace and generosity – the shower of your blessings in our engagements and interaction. Hold us in our brokenness. Illuminate us in our darkness. Speak to us in all languages. Bless all who live and give their lives to show us the world you desire. Amen.

Inderjit Bhogal, President of Methodists for World Mission

Lord, we want an easy life – we come to you to escape our difficulties, for a solution to our problems, to find security. But you call us to take up our cross and follow you into the world in all its complexity, difficulties, pain, uncertainties, and godforsakenness. As you did when you became human and walked steadfastly toward the Cross.

You are calling us to enter and embrace the world that we might be a source of healing, hope and transformation, even when it costs us. Many are fleeing war, poverty, and violence; Lord, what does it mean for us to join them on their journeys? 

Dr David N Field, Theological Dialogue Council of Bishops, United Methodist Church