Be my closest Companion

The Music: Vitality – an improvisation, and an Extract from Brahms’s St Anthony Chorale (which itself was based on a theme by Haydn) Musicians: Vitality: Nicola Gerard, Megan Topley, Shirley Richards, Jane Horsfall, Nick Evans Pugh, Christiane von Albrecht St. Anthony Chorale: Amy Roberts (oboe), Nicola Gerard (flute), Beth Davies (bassoon) On all my many travels, Lord, be my travelling companion. In all my hours of working, Spirit guide the way, In all my times of study, Lord, anoint my mind. In all my times of waiting Help me to reach out to You. When sharp frustrations come my way, make me phlegmatic as I need to be, but still full of faith. In every time of change, keep us alert and ready. At every crossroads on the way, be my sign-post, guide and Comforter. For if You had come before the midnight hour, all the virgins would have been ready; It was the long delay which exposed their foolish short-sightedness. Make my heart a garden, Lord, of pleasure, not of pain of memories shared together of weeds removed and soil reclaimed. Dear Lord and Father of mankind, Forgive our foolish ways! Reclothe us in our rightful mind, In purer lives, Thy service find, In deeper reverence praise. Jesus, lover of our souls, let our earthly loves be true. As I draw near to those whom I love, may I draw still nearer You. Jesus, Son of Mary, we welcome You in our hearts and homes today. Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are His. And why one? Because He was seeking godly offspring . . . so guard yourself in spirit and do not break faith (Malachi 2:15-16). Bless all families today, Lord. They are jewels set in the heart of this land. Overcome all tensions and frustrations so that many may come to know You better because of the love that is found within their walls. Sanctify each Christian home, and let your peace and presence yield good fruit. Empower those whose marriages are struggling, and be with those which have failed. Give grace and patience to all who live in an unhappy environment. Bless those who are rearing children or awaiting new arrivals. Those who are unable to have children of their own. Those who are married to unbelievers. Those who have remained unmarried out of love for You. Babies who are turning into toddlers. Teenagers who are testing the boundaries as they develop into adults. Those who are sailing the highs and lows of the oceans of life, having left their family home. Those are finding their days long and dreary. Those who are awaiting their home-calling. Welcome them, dear Lord, with open arms, and strengthen the hearts and homes of Your chosen ones.