Kathleen Hayes

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

If you attend Evensong regularly, you may know this prayer: 

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen

Like our choristers today, I sang evensong as a child, and knew this prayer by heart. But it confused me.

After asking for God’s protection for those in trouble,  why does it end by asking God to “shield the joyous?” Why do they need protection? They are not suffering. In fact, they’re happy. 

Today, both psalms encourage us to unite with God’s great joy in creation. “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music. (Ps. 98 v.4).

But in our interconnected, digital world, where we see such suffering across the globe and close to home, how can we be joyful? If we express joy, people may look at us a bit sideways.  

But when we are at a sporting event and join in the roar of the crowd, or attend a concert and jump to our feet and clap for an amazing performance, it’s easy to express our shared joy. Joy is contagious! 

I imagine I’m not the only one who feels quite vulnerable when I express deeply held feelings to another. Recalling that God’s sheltering arms of love provide the shield I need makes it easier to share our joy with others. And our sharing may make it easier for them to “shout for joy,” as well.

In the coming days, let’s remember that God is with us to provide the cover we need to be vulnerable enough and open enough to share some joy even in the midst of it all.

Yours in Christ,

—Kathleen