Mid Week Reflection and Prayers – William Tyndale

William Tyndale (1494-1596) had a passion – he strongly believed that the Good News of the Gospel should be accessible by all. His work to translate the New Testament eventually cost him his life…

With thanks to Revd Derek Akker for another insightful Reflection and Prayer.

William Tyndale was born in Gloucester and went on to study at both Oxford and Cambridge and was ordained in 1515. Tyndale was a gifted and committed priest and some would argue that he could have had a successful career in the church. What got in the way of high office in the church was his passion to share the good news of justification by faith to all. It would be a natural development of this passion to seek that the scriptures, the New Testament, in English would also be available to all. While the availability of written word would be limited to those who could afford education it was nonetheless was a leap forward in sharing the gospel.

His passion to bring the scriptures to a larger audience came during the first decade of the Reformation (1517-1648), a turbulent period in the life of the Christian Church. Put simply the Reformation was a reaction to the poor state of the Catholic Church and the abuse power display by some clergy. The Reformers saw that only radical change was to bring about the required reforms needed within the Church. Tyndale was one of a group who worked during this period to bring change. Among this group was the Dutchman Erasmus who said: “Christ desires his mysteries to be published abroad as widely as possible. I would that [the Gospels and the epistles of Paul] were translated into all languages, of all Christian people, and that they might be read and known.”

The work and passion came at a high cost. Tyndale had little support in England. He moved to Germany and spent time in Hamburg, Wittenberg, Cologne and finally the Lutheran city of Worms. The English translation of the New Testament was completed in Worms in 1525.

The publication of the New Testament was not well received by Henry VIII, Cardinal Wolsey, and Sir Thomas More. Nor was his work welcomed in the Netherlands – he was captured in Antwerp and executed in Vilboorde in 1536. A reminder of the sacrifices translators of our holy texts have endured. These words of Lynn DeShazo catch the sentiment well.

Martyr’s blood stains each page
They have died for this faith
Hear them cry through the years
Heed these words and hold them dear

We will hear the words of the hymn at the close of our time together.

Let us still ourselves and prepare for our time of prayerful reflection. Firstly, the familiar words, from perhaps our Sunday School days, Jesus loves me, this I know.

Jesus loves me, this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong.
Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

A special prayer as we commemorate the life and death of William Tyndale

Almighty God, you planted in the heart of your servant William Tyndale a consuming passion to bring the Scriptures to people in their native tongue, and endowed him with the gift of powerful and graceful expression and with strength to persevere against all obstacles: Reveal to us your saving Word, as we read and study the Scriptures, and hear them calling us to repentance and life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayerfully let us recall a favourite passage from scripture and dwell on them for a few moments. We bring this time to an end with the Lord’s Prayer.

The Lords Prayer – Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Psalm 119: 89-96
O Lord, your word is everlasting; *
it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness remains from one generation to another; *
you established the earth, and it abides.
By your decree these continue to this day, *
for all things are your servants.

Gracious God,
you call us to fullness of life:
deliver us from unbelief
and banish our anxieties
with the liberating love of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ancient Words by Lynn DeShazo (click here to watch)

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
O let the ancient words impart

Words of life words of hope
Give us strength help us cope
In this world where’er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home

Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
O let the ancient words impart

Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
O heed the faithful words of Christ

Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
O let the ancient words impart

O let the ancient words impart

Martyr’s blood stains each page
They have died for this faith
Hear them cry through the years
Heed these words and hold them dear

Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
O let the ancient words impart

O let the ancient words impart
O let the ancient words impart