Jonah: Revive

Susan Haynes | Jonah 2:1-9 

[Jonah prayed,]

‘In my distress I called to the Lord,
    and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
    and you listened to my cry.
...
‘Those who cling to worthless idols
    turn away from God’s love for them.
But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
    will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
    I will say, “Salvation comes from the Lord.”’

Jonah disobeyed God's call and, after being thrown into the raging sea, could expect only death. Yet God rescued him, and in this prayer Jonah gives thanks while also recognising his true place before God. As Susan explains, we can't get away from God any more than Jonah could. What can we learn from his prayer?

The recording begins with the reading from Simon Jones.