NIGHT PRAYER: Wednesday 12/2

 

The virus has robbed us of many things, Lord,

the greatest of which is our loss of loved ones and friends

and their company, affection and  friendship...

 

We've also been robbed of our jobs and pastimes,

our freedom to travel, to mix and mingle,

to meet for dinner,  to come and go 

as we choose and please...

And here's something else we've lost, Lord:

    the joy of anticipation;

    the excitement of expectancy,

    the joy of waiting for what's not yet,

    the teasing promise of times and moments        

        hoped for...

So much is delayed, put off, rescheduled,

    postponed and  canceled;

so many things cut back, diminished, 

    modified and virtual;

so much of life interrupted, suspended, left hanging

    and put on hold...

We used to find it hard to wait for things

    but now we we wish we just had things to wait for...

No, all's not lost, Lord: 

    whatever shape it takes, Christmas is on the way

and one thing we're all anxiously awaiting

    is the beginning of a new year!

Still, kindle in our hearts, Lord,

even in the smallest ways, for the smallest things:

    the joy of looking forward,

    the excitement of suspense,

    the reverie of dreaming of all that's yet to be... 

Give us faith in the future, Lord, 

a future filled with hope in you,

with trust in what's to come and with joy in knowing 

that at the end of all tomorrows 

there waits a peace that has no end...

 

Protect us, Lord, while we're awake

and watch over us while we sleep

that awake, we might keep vigil for a new day

and asleep, rest in the peace of  your presence

already close at hand...

Amen.

All Shall Be Well by Barbara Bridge

     

All shall be well.  All shall be well, 

and all manner of thing,*

all manner of thing shall be well.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains;

from where shall come my help?

My help will come from God,

my creator, from God who made heaven and earth.

God will keep your feet from stumbling

and guard you as you rest;

for God never slumbers nor sleeps.

God is with you by day and by night.

For God will always guard you from evil

and keep your soul from harm;

and God will guard your coming and going,

both now and forever more.

*The refrain is a well known, much loved quote from 

Julian of Norwich who died in the early 15th century.

In the language of her time "All manner of thing" was

an acceptable figure of speech.  If, in our own time, 

you prefer to sing "things," go right ahead!

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