RESHAPED PRAYERS
In the silence
I close my eyes
pleading with God
for recovery of those
who are ill.
“How long, O God,
How long? Flow on
Holy Spirit
course comfort and peace
through their veins!”
Takes more time than
I care to admit
trusting in
God’s goodness my eyes
lift open
to magnificent
greenness these full
blooming flowers
tiny mushrooms glowing white
sparkling long grasses
prism in the sky
striking sunsets
faith returning
soul breathes healing
trust and see.
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Psalm 67 (CEB)
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us,
that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations
upon earth.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us.
May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him.
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Perhaps you can relate to the prayers of many over the ages. “How long, O God, how long?”
Sometimes our desperation comes out of unnecessary worry as our minds work overtime to conjure up what might happen. Often these worries are not based in reality, or at least God’s reality of continual renewal and transformation.
This past Sunday, I felt Christ’s Spirit flowing through in extra-special ways during worship. Everything worked together to ease us into the present moment. The shout and sing hymns, the clear and positive message of Rev. Faith’s sermon, and the congregation joining in contemplative prayers.The selections sung from “The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” by Lorraine Hahn and Rev. Jerry Brabec made everyone smile. To top it off, we felt the immense joy of a young adult’s baptism and commitment to God.
It’s not that difficult times are completely behind us. However, when Sunday morning worship helps us realize our Spirit connection and propels us to praise God with gladness, then we know we can deal with what is.
Truly, we are blessed beyond measure. Together, let us raise our hands and voices in thanksgiving to our God!
God’s love and peace from us to you,
Rev. Marta Wheeler