In the midst of Easter, we are in that in-between time of resurrection and ascension. It’s not a bad time, but a joyous one, because here Jesus is popping up all over the place to greet, comfort and empower his followers.
I’d like to start something this week. From now until the end of the summer (and maybe beyond), I want to invite us into a time of prayer; prayer to strengthen and to guide. A great model for prayer is found in the Book of Psalms. Really they are songs of joy, despair, celebration and lament, but through all of them, there is an acknowledgement that God will sustain and inspire.
Each week we will read some of the words of the previous Sunday’s Psalm, and I’ll offer a prayer. Maybe it’s just for today, or maybe it’s one you can turn to throughout the week.
To begin, we turn to the opening verses of Psalm 31.
In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;
do not let me ever be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.
We seek you, O Christ, throughout this Easter season.
We are hopeful that you will appear to us like you did for your disciples.
We are hopeful that you will enter our lives and calm chaotic waves and guide us to familiar shores.
Be our refuge when we feel overwhelmed and surrounded.
Be our strength when we cannot stand.
Be our light in the darkness.
In you we find a love that never ends. Let that be the rock on which we build our faith.
In you we find safety and security. Let us rest in the embrace of of your protective arms.
In you we find salvation, the knowledge that in you we are made new. Let us spread this Good News to all.
Bend low, and hear our prayers. Inspire and empower us to live lives of faith-filled action as we seek to serve you by serving this world. In your risen name we pray. AMEN
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Richard