NIGHT PRAYER: Wednesday 9/7

Given that life is so short, Lord,

I wonder what you think

when we take a nap, or a day off

or go away on vacation...

I'll admit to some guilt 

about not being busy 24/7,

given the work that's ours to do,

given how much you ask of our time...

But then I remember the tale of creation

    and how you took the seventh day off...

And then there's the time you took a nap,

     catching some ZZZs in the stern of the boat

    while a storm came up on the sea...

And how many times did you slip away, Lord,

    to a quiet place,

    to the opposite shore,

    to the top of a mountain,

to find a place for peace and for prayer,

    apart from the press of the crowds?

 

As the psalmist reminds:

    It's vain to rise early

        or to put off your rest...

 

You know I love all those examples, Lord,

- all that time off!

And I know there's a key here, 

a way to understand 

    sabbath, rest and leisure...

 

All's well, Lord, as long as time off

    isn't time away from you...

 

All's well, Lord, as long as time off

    brings me closer to your side...

 

All's well, Lord, as long as time off

    refreshes me for work that's mine...

 

All's well, Lord, as long as time off

    gives me more free time to pray...

 

All's well, Lord, as long as time off

    is time we share together, you and I... 

I'm grateful, Lord, for Sabbath time

    on whatever day it comes

and pray for those so busy

    they have little time to rest...

I pray your grace and blessing, Lord,

on time I spend  at work

and on the time I spend at rest:

help me use each moment well

    for every day's a day you've made...

 

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. 

 

A Quiet Place by Ralph Carmichael

    performed by The Haven Quartet

If a video doesn't appear below, click here!

 

 

There is a quiet place
Far from the rapid pace
Where God can soothe my troubled mind

Sheltered by tree and flow'r
There in my quiet hour
With him my cares are left behind

Whether a garden small
Or on a mountain tall
New strength and courage there I find

Then from this quiet place
I go prepared to face
A new day with love for all mankind 

 

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