NIGHT PRAYER: Monday 8/10

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 by by Nancy Rabbe

 

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

 

 

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.

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