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A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Bishop Sarah Mullally

Good Morning,

A few years ago, I spent time with the Street Pastors in Exeter and I quickly realised how important it was that they knew by name those they met鈥� especially those who were sleeping rough. Names are important. They are part of our identity, they give us value and meaning.

One of the first things we discover about the Son of God is the name he is to be given. Joseph was told by God that Mary was to have a child and he was to be called Jesus for he will save his people. We are told in the book of Isaiah that our names are engraved on the palms of God鈥檚 hands.

In using people鈥檚 names, we affirm and give value to them.

Each year St Martin in the Fields in Trafalgar Square holds a service in memory of the homeless men and women who have died during the past year. This year 550 people filled the church to remember 126 people who died homeless or in hostel accommodation in London. Hymns and prayers are interspersed with reading the names of those who have died.

Can I invite you to join with me in praying a prayer from one such service based on the text from the Old Testament? 鈥淕od says, I have called you by your name, and you are mine鈥�

God of love, call me by my name. pronounce its syllables with care. Speak my full name. The name the world knows me by. Speak my private names, Known only to my friends, my lovers, myself. You know me from my beginning to my end. Speak my name, and make me yours forever.

Amen

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