We asked people to nominate their favourite hymns and if you look on our newsletter this week you will see the running order. We also asked people why they chose the hymn that they did. And it is perhaps a good thing to do in prayer sometime: To sit down and think what hymn you would choose to be included and why. This week whilst out and about visiting people on our communion list I sat with a lady and together we sang the opening of 'Lord for Tomorrow and its Needs'. There was just the two of us. It helped me say what I wanted her to hear and for her to remember a life time of prayer as part of our community where she would have sung that hymn many times.

Hymns sum up our faith, God's love for us and our response to Him. When I was ordained I had the opportunity to choose some of my favourite hymns and these included: Be Still for the Presence of the Lord; Lord of All Hopefulness; On Eagle's Wings; The Servant King; and City of God. Our choices can help us express what the focus of our prayer and our need is at a particular time. This week I compiled a list of hymns that are regularly chosen for funerals to help families who are preparing for a funeral to choose what they feel is most appropriate. I wonder what hymn is coming to mind for you now as you read these thoughts. Perhaps it is bringing a message to you that God needs you to hear at this time.

Perhaps it is helping you express the way that you feel at the moment and that you want to tell God. If you can, find the words of the hymn you are thinking about (search the internet for the opening few words and you will find it), print it off and take those words into some quiet prayer time. Allow them to be poured over your life so that on your own, wherever you are, no matter how good a singer you are, you can sing to God your favourite hymn and allow Him to reach out to you through it.