Encounter: In Times Of Suffering

Music: Francis Cummings: Psalm 45 Musicians: Francis Cummings, Cathie Muncey, Natalie Halliday, (strings) Mike Halliday (clarinet), Jane Horsfall (Celtic Harp) James Horsfall (keyboard) CS Lewis said, ‘God whispers to us in our pleasures; He speaks in our conscience, but He shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.’ Lord, we ask that You will come especially close now to all who are in special need of grace: the bereaved and confused, the downtrodden and destitute, and those who are suffering for the sake of righteousness. Father, I confess that my heart is often cold and indifferent to those who are suffering for loving You. I pray now for those whose lives and liberty are at risk for loving You. As you strengthened Paul in his sufferings, abundantly comfort all imprisoned saints this day. Give them strength and health in their times of trial. Deliver them and their loved ones from the poison of fearful thoughts, and bless them, and the communities that they represent, for the costly stand that they have taken. May they never feel alone in their suffering but sense Your presence very close to them in this, the time of their ordeal. May hope continue strong in their hearts, and minds and spirits remain unfettered, whatever men would do to them. In the name of Jesus, who sets the captives free, lead us now as we pray.