Response from Scattered Sheep.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, April 30, 2015

Response from Scattered Sheep.

Another passage about sheep. And a shepherd. You’d think there was something going on, what with this continuing sheep/shepherd motif. (Kidding! Actually, it’s a marvelous image.)

As I read this passage from Ezekiel 34:11-16 from the daily lectionary reading, I was touched so much by the description of God as our Shepherd. Rounding up the sheep who are far away. Rescuing those who are in trouble. Gathering them together, and caring for the many, many sheep from all over the pasture.

How am I to respond to this loving, caring, rescuing Shepherd?

As I read the accompanying reading for reflection for today, I was struck by what a perfect response it would be. It comes from a Vocation Prayer, from the Beech Grove Benedictine Community. As I read through it, this prayer went straight to my heart. My insides. My gut. Here it is. What a response to God.

“O Lord, You know me. You know when I sit and when I stand. You have me always present in Your mind. For this, Lord, I thank You.

“You know the path for my life and what is best for me. Lord, reveal to me the path that I am to walk.

“Bless me and guide me and be Lord to me so that whichever road I take I may do all for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

What else is there to say? Such a marvelous response. Such an earnest, heartfelt prayer. Dear Lord, as I echo the words of this prayer, hear me. Guide me. Reveal the path I am to walk. In Jesus’ risen and rescuing name I pray, Lord.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

Waiting in silence

A few days ago, one of the passages I meditated on in prayer was the beginning of Psalm 62. I don’t always pray with a specific passage of Scripture in mind, but recently I’ve been using a method of prayer called Benedictine Rumination. (ruminating or chewing repetitively on Scripture—I’ll have to talk more about that, soon)

I was struck by the first part of the first verse of Psalm 62. “For God alone my soul waits in silence.” Wow. I’ll say it again. Wow!

Sometimes, when I encourage my mind, body and spirit to enter into prayer, I feel myself sinking into prayer. This particular prayer time was one of those times. Leaving behind the hurry, the hustle and bustle, the noise, everything distracting or worrisome. I felt a welcome from God, and the gentle silence. Open, friendly, peaceful presence.

Sadly, I was not able to stay there during the whole prayer time. However, I had experienced it for part of it. I knew it was there. I was able to tap into that warm presence, that gentle silence, for some of the time. I really needed it! I sure could use it on a regular basis, God!

I understand that silence is something that makes some people uncertain. Even anxious. Not me. (that is, usually) But I have a difficult time getting there. Your warm, gracious welcoming arms are waiting for me, I know. Thanks for being there. And thanks for being warm and welcoming, instead of cold and distant.

Let’s pray. Dear God, sometimes it’s difficult to enter into prayer, much less break into Your gentle silence. Please help me to leave worry, anxiety and hurry behind. Forgive me for focusing on sad things, angry feelings, and hurt places in my life. I know Your presence is waiting. Thanks for making Your warm, gracious silence available, any time I need it. Any time I want it. Thanks, God. Amen.