I'm thinking, Lord, of all the ways my life is
touched, bruised, blessed, shaped and changed
by family and by friends,
by strangers passing by,
by grudges and resentments,
by a word of consolation,
affirmation and support,
by a gentle or a harsh remark,
by an open, outstretched hand,
by a not so subtle snub,
by another's smile or tears,
by a rumored piece of gossip
or a teasing provocation,
by attention and neglect,
by an understanding glance,
by the smallest deed of kindness
done in secret and with love...
All of which causes me to wonder,
how does my life, Lord,
touch, bruise, bless, shape and change the lives
of my family and my friends,
of strangers passing by,
of those I live and work with,
those entrusted to my care,
of those who serve my many needs,
of those I disagree with,
of those who have forgotten me,
of those who most annoy me,
of those who lift me up,
of those who need my help,
of those whom I've offended
and of anyone who's most in need
of what is mine to share...
We touch, bruise, bless, shape
and change each other's lives, Lord,
and often without knowing,
without seeing or perceiving
how much and in how many ways
we touch, bruise, bless, shape
and change the precious lives
of family and of friends,
of acquaintances and neighbors,
and of strangers passing by,
all brothers, sisters 'round the world,
all one in you, our God...
Protect us, Lord while we're awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
One of the joys of writing these Night Prayer posts is searching for music and finding pieces I've never heard before. That's the case tonight: Pastor Nancy Rabbe has set Shirley Erena Murray's poem to music and the result is, as the title indicates, gentle and light...
Go gently, go lightly,
go safe in the Spirit,
live simply, don’t carry
much more than you need:
go trusting God’s goodness,
go spreading God’s kindness,
stay centered on Jesus
and where he will lead.
Go singing, go bringing
the gifts of the Spirit,
go hopefully searching
for things that are true:
in living, in loving,
whatever befalls you,
God keep you, God bless you
in all that you do.
SUBSCRIBE HERE!
