Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

For years, the Christ window has been a focal point within this sanctuary as we gather for worship. For years since this Christ window was installed during the construction of this building, the words of invitation have been seen by those passing by our church. We know these words to be true. Our Lord Jesus Christ does give us peace when we come to Him with our weariness and burdens.

This text is alluded to in the fifth stanza of the hymn.

We come to You for Healing Lord.

We come to you O loving Lord, in our distress and pain; in trust that through these nights and days, your grace will heal, sustain.

The commentator on Glory to God has written:

Unlike many hymns on the theme of healing, this text appropriately includes the ministry of medical personnel as instruments of God’s healing activity. It also acknowledges that illness is not limited to physical symptoms, but involves mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

Recently doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians, and other medical staff have been hailed as “heroes” for their dedication, their skills, their coping with challenges of limited equipment and supplies, and for the emotional and physical strain of caring for Covid 19 patients. Indeed, we are grateful for them. Truly, they have been a blessing to patients and their families.

Prayer

O Lord, You are the Great Physician, who binds up Your people’s wounds and heals them of their diseases. We thank You for choosing men and women who labor as doctors and nurses as they use their skills and apply them with compassion to be instruments of Your healing. Bless and keep them and their families in Your loving care, for Christ’s sake. Amen.