Opening Song: High Priest by Jonathan Ogden

Lyrics: Oh the humility of a King inside a manger

Our shepherd and our saviour on the cross

You gave Your life for me

Now, how can I repay You?

All the riches I could gain are not enough

You are the Prince of Peace

You're our great high priest

You have made a way for me

You have set me free

You got thirsty, You got tired

You were tempted, You were tried

And You can fully sympathise

Cause You know just what it's like to live this life

Fully God and fully man, who can fully comprehend the mystery?

You are the Prince of Peace

You're our great high priest

You have made a way for me

You have set me free

You have set me free

I've found freedom in You Jesus

There is nothing in between us

You turn mourning into dancing

And sorrow into joy, oh Lord

Passage: 23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

(Hebrews 7:23–28)

Musical Reflection: Nothing But The Blood (PLAINFIELD) by Robert Lowry

Reflection Notes: Lowry wrote several hymns for his congregation’s use in the late nineteenth century. This particular tune is pentatonic (only five notes used per octave) and falls within a small vocal range, which made it accessible for all parishioners to sing and enjoy.

Prayer: Father, my Father,

enlarge my heart that it may be big enough

to receive the greatness of your love.

Stretch my heart that it may take into it

all those who with me around the world believe in Jesus Christ. Stretch it that it may take into it

all those who do not know him,

but who are my responsibility

because I know him.

And stretch it that it may take in

all those who are not lovely in my eyes,

and whose hands I do not want to touch;

through Jesus Christ, my Savior.

(A prayer from Africa, adapted from Morning, Noon and Night)