God of all seasons, at times, this Lenten path feels as if it will never end. Deep down, we all know that it will, but the winter seems determined to stay past its welcome and signs of spring are but a dream hovering in the distance. Help us to keep putting the hope of Easter before us on the horizon. It will come.
Until then, God, keep us focused and attentive as we remember Jesus and his long trek to Jerusalem. Help us to see his face reflected in the people around us every day. Open our eyes to the needs of a hurting world and guide us as we seek to participate in its healing.
We thank you for worship that brings all of us the encouragement and strength we need to make our way through these final weeks of Lent. Soon we will find ourselves together at the cross. We will need one another more than ever in that harsh, cold place. Bless us as we prepare our hearts and spirits for the days ahead.
Gracious God, thank you for your abiding presence and for the peace you bring to our souls. Surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, and we shall live in your sacred presence forever. Amen.
This was the Sunday Prayer at RevGals this morning. I started breezing through it. Then stopped and read more slowly. Then stopped again. I read that first sentence over and over and over again. “… this Lenten path feels as if it will never end.”
Today marks a year of Sundays since we left our CLB. In my life and faith, winter seems determined to stay past its welcome. The hope of Easter is beyond the horizon.
It is because of this long, perilous journey to Jerusalem and extended time in the desert that I find myself seeing God in funny places now. I hear him speaking in different voices than before. I seek healing that is holistic and may not ever involve me.
Yet with my shaky knees I will stand and in barely whispered voice I will say, “Gracious God, thank you for your abiding presence and for the peace you bring my soul. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I shall live in your sacred presence forever. Amen.”
