Devonian refreshment

At the weekend we drove to Devon to visit Jane's parents and spent a very happy Saturday with them. On the way home, we spent a night at the very convenient Park and Lodge near Cullompton and then went to church in the ancient magnificent parish church. It has a wonderful wagon roof and rood screen. Built in red Devon sandstone with a tall tower, its upkeep must be an expensive nightmare. We always receive a warm welcome when we go there, and we enjoy the music and the teaching. The service on Sunday was all-age worship led by the children's worker, Jo Keil. It was based around Psalm 139, and its theme was God knows me completely. It was moving and engaging. What moved me most, I think, was the act of confession with which it ended. It seemed to me so comprehensible and related to real life. Here's my adaptation of it: "God, examine me and know my heart. Test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any bad thing in me and lead me in the way everlasting" (verses 23,24) O Lord, you notice everything I do and everywhere I go!... Where can I go to escape from your Spirit?... Nothing about me is hidden from you. Hands out Father God, this week you have seen all that I have done, everything I have said to others and done, both good and not so good. Father God, this week you have seen everywhere I have gone, all I have watched and read; you have heard everything I have listened to.  Hands across chest Nothing is hidden from you – and this need not alarm me because you are a good and loving God. But I ask for your forgiveness now for the things I have said and done, and for what I have not said and done, the places I have been, the things I have watched or read, which have hurt and displeased you. Thank you that you forgive me because Jesus died for me, and thank you that you go on loving me, forever! Amen.