As we return to stage 3 restrictions you may be looking for further material to read and here is an excellent article from Robert Stevens. One of the joys of Covid-19 restrictions has been the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the talents of our community. Enjoy Robert’s words.
Hide not thou thy face from us, O Lord,
and cast not off thy servant in thy displeasure;
for we confess our sins unto thee
and hide not our unrighteousness.
For thy mercy’s sake,
deliver us from all our sins.
Lord, for thy tender mercy’s sake
Lay not our sins to our charge,
But forgive that is past,
And give us grace to amend our sinful lives:
To decline from sin and incline to virtue,
That we may walk in a perfect heart,
Before thee now and evermore.
Glorious things of you are spoken,
Sion city of our God;
he whose word cannot be broken
formed you for his own abode;
On the Rock of Ages founded,
what can shake your sure repose?
With salvation’s walls surrounded,
You may smile at all your foes.
See the streams of living waters,
Springing from eternal love,
well supply your sons and daughters
And all fear of want remove;
Who can faint, while such a river
Ever flows their thirst to assuage –
grace, which, like the Lord, the giver,
never fails from age to age.
Blest inhabitants of Zion,
Washed in their Redeemer’s blood;
Jesus, whom their souls rely on,
Makes them Kings and priests to God.
’Tis His love his people raises
Over self to reign as kings:
And as priests, his solemn praises,
each for a thank-offering brings.
Savior, since of Zion’s city
I, through grace, a member am,
Let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in Thy name.
Fading is the worldling’s pleasure,
All his boasted pomp and show;
solid joys and lasting treasure
None but Sion’s children know.