Minister’s message: The Gates of the Kingdom

As the dark nights close in, writes Rev James Gatherer, and the season of Hallows Eve, All Saints, and All Souls arrives, here is part of an ancient Celtic prayer from the beautiful island of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides asking for God’s provision, redemption and protection …

The Gates of the Kingdom

Give us, O God, the needs the body feels,
Give us, God, the need-things of the soul;
Give us, O God, the balm which body heals,
Give us, God, the soul-balm which makes us whole.

O great God, thou who art upon the throne,
Give to us the heart repentance true,
Forgiveness give us of the sin we own, –
The sin inborn and the sin we do.

May Michael, archangel warrior white,
Keep down hostile demons of the fall;
May Jesus Christ guide our flight
And give lodging in His peace-bright hall.

Give us, O God, a yearning that is strong,
And the crown of glory of the King;
Give us the safe home, God, for which we long
In thy kingdom’s lovely gates to sing.

· Photo by Birgit Böllinger: Statue of the Archangel Michael in Augsburg, Germany