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Good morning.

‘Out of the depths have I called unto you O Lord’ – the opening words of Psalm 130.Ìý Faith should embrace the whole of life – the full range of human emotion and experience.Ìý

Here in Edinburgh, the Festival begins in a couple of days’ time.Ìý I’m still reflecting on my most memorable theatre experience at the Festival.Ìý It was actor Simon Callow speaking the words of Oscar Wilde’s ‘De Profundis’ – out of the depths.Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý

Sitting on his own in the middle of a stage – illuminated by a single spotlight – no clutter – no distractions.Ìý Simon Callow spoke – declaimed – agonised - for nearly two hours Oscar Wilde’s searing and painful words.Ìý Imprisoned in Reading Gaol, he rails at his lover who hasn’t come to visit him … who he believes has abandoned him.ÌýÌý

Live theatre can make you grip the edge of your seat with the intensity of the experience – indeed youÌýcanÌýend up just wishing that it could be over so that you can relax again.Ìý It’s just too painful to bear.

Oscar Wilde is more often the master of the glib turn of phrase.Ìý His language flows and pirouettes like a dancer.Ìý Sometimes it’s just too clever-clever for me.Ìý

But this was raw and painful – howling from the depths of his being, the pain and the rage of desertion and betrayal.

We all have our De Profundis times – ignored, slighted, abandoned.Ìý My prayer this morning is for the many people who are passing through this time in their lives

Lord God
When life is too painful to bear
When we feel alone, abandoned and ignored
Hear us when we cry to you
And bring comfort, healing and hope.Ìý Amen.

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