I’ve been rereading my journal entries and blog posts from the past four years, trying to consolidate them into a book. This morning this one from June 2011 was shouting out to be posted again. If I were writing it today, I would add young mothers and young children, who at the moment are dominating my prayer list. The laments and prayers are the same, no matter what the age. This morning, however, I stopped lamenting and heard that maybe I should just be a prayerful presence.
6/1/11 Maybe it’s always like this, but lately I know more than my usual share of people in need of multiple prayers for their multiple problems. Currently I am acquainted with several who are dealing with issues of aging parents, as well as their own personal fear (or actuality) that they will lose their job? I think it is safe to assume that as part of this they are coping with money concerns, as well as all the accompanying psychological baggage. Questions arise: Will I lose my house? What about health insurance? Can I meet college payments? Should we cancel the family vacation? Are there enough funds to get mom or dad the care they need and deserve? Add a health concern of their own or one within the family, or some other particular burden, and it could be enough to lose faith. But it can also be an opportunity to strengthen faith.
In times of despair we are comforted to know that others are holding our pain and praying for us. It’s what intercessors do; one of the benefits is that they are not personally and emotionally involved in the situation and thus keep clear and pure the energy and channels to God.
But where does the person in pain go for solace? The Psalms and the Gospels are my favorite places to turn. Psalms of lament, but also psalms of praise and thanksgiving. Jesus’ challenging parables, but also his reminder to consider the lilies of the field.
In times of despair, I pray for particular outcomes; that’s the best I can do. Sometimes I get the chosen resolution, sometimes I don’t. God understands my human cry for help. But regardless, I always feel embraced in God’ love, whatever that means. It feels right. I am not alone.
6/1/11 Maybe it’s always like this, but lately I know more than my usual share of people in need of multiple prayers for their multiple problems. Currently I am acquainted with several who are dealing with issues of aging parents, as well as their own personal fear (or actuality) that they will lose their job? I think it is safe to assume that as part of this they are coping with money concerns, as well as all the accompanying psychological baggage. Questions arise: Will I lose my house? What about health insurance? Can I meet college payments? Should we cancel the family vacation? Are there enough funds to get mom or dad the care they need and deserve? Add a health concern of their own or one within the family, or some other particular burden, and it could be enough to lose faith. But it can also be an opportunity to strengthen faith.
In times of despair we are comforted to know that others are holding our pain and praying for us. It’s what intercessors do; one of the benefits is that they are not personally and emotionally involved in the situation and thus keep clear and pure the energy and channels to God.
But where does the person in pain go for solace? The Psalms and the Gospels are my favorite places to turn. Psalms of lament, but also psalms of praise and thanksgiving. Jesus’ challenging parables, but also his reminder to consider the lilies of the field.
In times of despair, I pray for particular outcomes; that’s the best I can do. Sometimes I get the chosen resolution, sometimes I don’t. God understands my human cry for help. But regardless, I always feel embraced in God’ love, whatever that means. It feels right. I am not alone.
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