On Sundays, Night Prayer takes its lead from some element from the day's liturgy. On the Fourth Sunday of Easter every year, the gospel speaks of Christ as our Good Shepherd, this year from John. Our prayer tonight is a reflection on a verse from Psalm 23, a dialog between the Lord and us, the sheep he shepherds... Even when I walk through a dark valley,
I fear no harm for you are at my side,
your crook and your staff give me courage...
- Psalm 23
I pray...
Even when I walk through a dark valley...
Is that right, Lord?
Even in the darkness?
even when I can't see where I am?
or where I'm going?
when I can't find my way
- can't find you?
even when I'm not sure
how I ended up here in the first place?
Even when I walk through a valley of fear?
Is that right, Lord?
Even when I stumble through clouds of confusion?
when the path leads me deep
into lonely woods?
when I walk through a valley
so shadowed and deep
I lose sight of my trust and my hope?
when I'm scared and alone
when I'm lost and confused?
when I wonder and fear
that you've left my side...
Even then, Lord?
And the Lord answers...
Yes, even then! Especially then!
I'm with you always:
though you don't see my face
or hear my voice,
though you may not feel
my hand warming yours,
though you earnestly seek
but somehow can't find me...
Even then, I'm right by your side:
I'm the flicker of hope alive in your soul,
the glimmer of grace in your heart of hearts
the spark of the Spirit's fire and warmth
the torch that shines on your shadowed path
the light in the tunnel leading to peace...
Trust that I'm with you
though you can't find me,
trust in my presence,
my mercy and strength...
Trust in my light in the valley of darkness:
- trust in my light come into your heart,
the light that glistens in all of your tears
- trust in my light come into your soul:
a flame my Spirit will tend with care
- trust in my light come into your mind
to illumine your thoughts
with wisdom and grace
- trust in my light come into your life
to lead you and guide you
and bring you home...
I pray...
From my dark valley, Lord - hear my prayer:
my cry for your presence, your love and your care,
my plea for your healing and consolation,
my need for your light, your wisdom and warmth
my prayer that your joy overflow in my heart...
I trust you're with me, my gentle shepherd,
especially in times
when I'm lost and alone...
I trust you're there, right by my side
to calm my fears, settle my soul
and wipe every tear from my eyes...
Even tonight,
whatever my valley of darkness might be,
you are my shepherd, you are my friend,
your crook and your staff give me courage...
Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all I need,
He makes me lie down in green meadows,
Beside the still waters he will lead.
He restores my soul, he rights my wrongs,
He leads me in a path of good things,
And fills my heart with song.
Even though I walk through a dark and dreary land,
There is nothing that can shake me,
He has said he won't forsake me,
I'm in his hand.
He sets a table before me in the presence of my foe,
He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup overflows.
Surely, surely goodness and kindness will follow me,
All the days of my life,
And I will live in his house,
Forever, forever and ever.
Glory be to our Father, and Brother,
And to the Holy of Holies,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
Life, without end. Amen.
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