Bible reading – Mark 6:31-32, 34 (NIV)

Jesus said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place… When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Reflection

This invitation from Jesus to come and be still and rest with Him is so reassuring; He longs to be our Good Shepherd and to spend time with us without distractions, in stillness and perhaps in silence, or in gentle conversation. He wants to restore us when we’re weary and to show us He loves us just as we are!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve
Because Thy promise I believe.
O Lamb of God, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down:
Now to be Thine, yea thine alone
O Lamb of God, I come.

Prayer*
May we fully experience the all-encompassing love of God
That heals our heart and stays present with us always.
May we know the love of God that is deeper
Than we could have hoped for,
Wider and more inclusive than we could have asked for
And beyond anything we could have imagined
In our wildest dreams.
Amen.

LB
*Written as a Blessing by Abby Ball from “Contemplating Christmas – Readings for Finding Hope in the Dark – but with pronouns changed