In the wake of the horrendous events in Newtown, Connecticut yesterday, the Rev. Jean Johnson in Ennis, Montana sent this prayer to her friends. Thoughtful and well-written, it is worth sharing.
Let us pray…………
Loving God,
you are nearest when we need you most.
In this hour of sorrow we turn to you,
trusting in your loving mercy.
Your love cares for us in life
and watches over us in death.
We bless you for our Savior’s joy in little children
and for the assurance that of such is the kingdom of heaven.
In our sorrow,
make us strong to commit ourselves, and those we love,
to your unfailing care.
In our perplexity,
help us to trust where we cannot understand.
There are days when the burdens we carry are heavy on our shoulders and weigh us down,
when the road seems dreary and endless,
the skies gray and threatening,
when our lives have no music in them,
and our hearts are heavy with pain
and we have lost courage.
Flood the path with light,
turn our eyes to Your promises,
tune our hearts to brave music;
gives us a sense of companionship and community;
quicken our spirits
that we may be able to encourage all who journey with us on the road of life.
Write Your blessed name, O Lord, upon my heart,
there to remain so indelibly engraven,
that no prosperity,
no adversity,
shall ever move me from Your love.
Be to me a strong tower of defense,
a comforter in tribulation,
a deliverer in distress,
a very present help in trouble
and a guide through the many temptations and dangers of this life.
In the name of Jesus the Christ we pray…………. Amen.
Comments on: "Let Us Pray" (2)
A beautiful prayer so totally expressing all that we are feeling today. I join with you and others today in this prayer. Thank you for sharing this!
As we enter the new year, the world moves on to fiscal cliffs and first babies of 2013, but the pain in Newtown, Conn is ever-present, raw, and fresh. More than ever, we need “… a sense of companionship and community… [and] spirits that… encourage all who journey with us on the road of life.” Let’s not forget too quickly!! Yes, we must step out into the new year with hope, but we can’t just “move on” without carrying some 2012 lessons with us. Don’t you agree? What have we learned?