Author: revpaulcalkin

As we continue our Lenten journey, looking toward Holy Week next week, I have selected several songs for us to reflect on as our daily devotionals. 

Today we reflect upon this hymn from our United Methodist Hymnal.

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

The United Methodist Hymnal Number 103

Text: Walter Chalmers Smith

Music: Welsh melody from John Roberts’s Canaidau y Cyssegr

Tune: ST. DENIO, Meter: 11 11.11 11

1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise, 

in light inaccessible hid from our eyes, 

most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, 

almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, 

nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might; 

thy justice like mountains high soaring above 

thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

3. To all, life thou givest, to both great and small; 

in all life thou livest, the true life of all; 

we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, 

and wither and perish, but naught changeth thee.

4. Thou reignest in glory; thou dwellest in light; 

thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight; 

all laud we would render: O help us to see 

’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.

If you would like to listen to the song, here is a link: 

Hymn of Praise “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise ” No. 103

Peace Be With You. – Paul

Prayers of the People from April 6, 2025

Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church

Prayers Of The People

Loving, Gracious God,

The time has come. 

Prisoners need to be set free.

Debts need to be forgiven.

Long standing rivalries over territory and possessions need to cease.

For we are all God’s people.

God of love,

Hear our prayer.

Peaceful, Gentle One,

Move among us with your love and care,

That we may work with and for each other. 

Melt our hearts for those in need,

And bring us to the sides of the forgotten. 

Move us today.

God of love, 

Hear our prayer. 

Our very help is from you, 

Our hope is in you,

As we feed the hungry,

Stand for justice for the oppressed,

Watch over those who struggle.

God of love,

Hear our prayer. Amen. 

Peace Be With You. – Paul

From Mindful Christianity:

Today will never come again.

Be a blessing.

Be a friend.

Encourage someone. 

Take time to care.

Let your words heal, and not wound. 

Peace Be With You. – Paul

— WORD FOR THE DAY — (from grateful.org)Listen to your heart and trust the direction you are being pulled. Something inside you already knows what to do.

SPRING WASHAM

Peace Be With You. – Paul

Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, 

A heart that forgives the worst, 

A mind that forgets the bad, 

And a soul that never loses faith in God.

• Mindful Christianity

Peace Be With You. – Paul

“If you want to change the way you feel about people, you have to change the way you treat them.” ~@ANNELAMOTT

Peace Be With You. – Paul

Here are the Prayers of The People from

Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church

Worship – March 30, 2025

Prayers Of The People

What a week, God!

Some we know and love have been injured in body, in soul, in their very being.

Some we know have sat by bedsides and said “Goodbye.”

Some we know have become more cautious in actions and movements.

Some we know have sought to be more like “the accepted ones.”

Some we know are trying to be present for all these. 

And it is difficult.

So we seek your loving, soothing presence today, 

For others, for ourselves.  

God, in your love,

Hear our prayers.

Rest has not come easily for exhausted ones,

Energy is low at times,

Financial and emotional resources vanish quickly.  

So people of faith step alongside, 

Ignoring taunts of those in power 

Ignoring the illusions of might and the bluster of hollow words.

They step in with little more than faith. 

Walk with them, God.

God, in your love,

Hear our prayers.

In a world of violence and upheaval, 

Let us rest in you for strength. 

Guide us that we might be a holy space – 

A space where all are affirmed,

All are loved,

Where mistakes are forgiven, 

Where promise is always present.

God, in your love,

Hear our prayers.

Rest in the hearts of all in need,

Rest in the hearts of the confused, 

Rest in the hearts of those seeking life,

Rest in the hearts of the sad and hurting,

Rest in the hearts of helpers,

God, in your love,

Hear our prayers. Amen. 

Peace Be With You. – Paul

In the Fioretti  of Saint Francis of Assisi, there is an enchanting story.  

One day, when leaving the monastery, Saint Francis met Brother Leo.  Leo was a simple and good brother, and Francis loved him very much.  Unpon meeting him, Francis said, “Brother Leo, come, let’s go preach.”

“My father,” answered Brother Leo, “you know that I have not had much schooling. How would I be able to preach to people?”

Since Saint Francis insisted, Brother Leo agreed to go.  They walked the entire city, praying silently for everyone who was working in the shops and gardens.  They smiled at the children, especially the poorest.  They exchanged some words with the most elderly.  They caressed the sick.  They helped a lady carry a heavy container full of water.  

After having traversed the entire city a number of times, Saint Francis said: “Brother Leo, it’s time to return to the monastery.”

“And our preaching?” 

“We did it,” answered Francis.

Peace Be With You. – Paul

“When it feels dark, 

remember you are made of 

light, and hope, and courage.  

Even when you’re tired, beautiful one.” 

                       – Nanea Hoffman

Peace Be With You. – Paul

“Good and evil increase at compound interest.  That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance.  

The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of. ” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Peace Be With You. – Paul