Last night's service included this hymn, which seemed to speak into the world we inhabit...

The one who longs to make us whole

Is waiting to embrace

Our broken lives, so we can know

The power of healing grace.

God's love surrounds our suffering,

And keeps us through the night;

God helps us bear our deep despair

Till we see morning light.

The one who saves us from ourselves

Is waiting to release

Our hearts from chains of self-reproach

And failure to find peace.

When harmful habits leave us bruised,

Distraught by inner pain,

God comes to us through trusted friends,

And help us hope again.

The one who understands our need

Accepts us as we are;

And, like a loved one, welcomes us

When we have wandered far.

God never says we come too late

To be forgiven, free

But promises we can become

The self we're meant to be.

Edith Sinclair Downing, (c) Edith Sinclair Downing

Sources: Church Hymnary (4th Ed) or Hymns of Glory, Songs of Praise

DCM; set tune (CH4) Third Mode Melody, Tallis