A Concord Pastor Comments: NIGHT PRAYER: Thursday 6/4

I know so many folks, Lord,
   - who just can't seem to find you in their lives
   - who wonder where you are, where you've wandered
   - who speak to you in prayer but fear that you don't listen
   - who cry to you for help but suffer nonetheless
   - who seek your light to guide them but stumble in the shadows
   - who long for your embrace but feel they're all alone
   - who believe in you but worry if you believe in them...

And for so many, Lord,
   their doubts and fears weigh heaviest
   at the end of day when night draws near
and darkness swallows up the light...

So I pray now, Lord, this evening
   - for those who face the night alone
   - who long to feel your presence
   - who wait to hear a word from you
   - who come to you in pain and fear
      anxiety and doubt
   - who seek your consolation
         and the comfort of your peace
   - who come to you with faithful hearts
        in good times and in bad,
in sickness and in health,
in sorrow and in joy...

I pray for those
   who wait for you,
      and wait for you,
         and wait for you,
   for you to show your face, Lord,
   for you to take their hand,
   for you to lift them up,
   for you to give a simple sign
of how you love and care for them
in good times and in bad,
in sickness and in health,
in every sorrow and joy...

I pray for all who believe in you, Lord,
   help us in our unbelief...

And protect us, Lord, while we lie awake
   and watch over us in our restless sleep
that awake, we might keep faithful watch with you
   and asleep, rest in your strong and loving arms...

Amen.

Without Seeing You by David Haas

Without seeing you, we love you,
Without touching you, we embrace,
Without knowing you, we follow,
Without seeing you, we believe.

1) We return to you deep within,
Leave the past to the dust,
Turn to you with tears and fasting,
You are ready to forgive.

2) The sparrow will find a home
Near to you, oh God,
How happy we who dwell with you,
For ever in your house.

3) For you are our shepherd,
There is nothing that we need
In green pastures we will find our rest
In waters of peace.