HYMN

   Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
   o'er the world's tempestuous sea;
   guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us
   for we have no help but thee;
   yet possessing every blessing,
   if our God our Father be.

   Saviour, breathe forgiveness o'er us;
   all our weakness thou dost know;
   thou didst tread this earth before us,
   thou didst feel its keenest woe;
   self-denying, death defying,
   thou to Calvary didst go.

   Spirit of our God, descending,
   fill our hearts with heavenly joy,
   love with every passion blending,
   pleasure that can never cloy:
   thus provided, pardoned, guided,
   nothing can our peace destroy.

    James Edmeston (1791-1867)   Public domain

A READING FROM ST LUKE’S GOSPEL 

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”

He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”                        Luke 13: 31-end

HYMN 

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge--
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

    Words: Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1819-1886)
   Music: Charles Crozat Converse (1832-1918)