Prayer, When Friends Really Need It

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, August 17, 2015

Prayer, When Friends Really Need It

Turns out, I have a friend who really, really needs prayer. My friend lives out of state, so I can’t just dash out to have a cup of coffee with this friend whenever I feel like it. No, I need to plan a visit. Take the time and intentionally decide to go see my friend.

Which is no problem! Believe me, I enjoy this friend’s company so much. I enjoy the whole family! But, it makes me sad that I can’t just run across town any time I get a spare moment and have a cuppa or a bite to eat with my dear friend.

As I read these lines at the beginning of the Evening Prayer tonight on the website www.dailyoffice.org – I immediately thought of my friend’s situation. “O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us.“

Lord, why won’t You help my friend? Save, make speed, make haste. Why won’t You do any of that? It certainly doesn’t seem like it makes any difference at all. AT ALL.

(Sorry. I shouldn’t have shouted.) But, I feel upset! I feel angry. I feel discouraged. And, I am not even in the middle of that yucky situation.

Let’s pray for my dear friend. And for the yucky, continuing situation.

Dear Lord, gracious God, You know my dear friend. You know the whole situation. You can bring positive things out of all the nonsense that is happening. You can work wonders. I’m asking for that, right now. I am not sure quite what it is that You will do, but I am asking. As Psalm 31 tells me, “deliver me in your righteousness. Incline your ear to me; *
make haste to deliver me. Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe.”

Dear God, I pray all of that for my friend, and even more!

Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers. Especially my friend’s prayers.

@chaplaineliza

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

Visit the website http://dailyoffice.org/ to find out more about Morning and Evening Prayer!

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

Praying a Lament to God

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, August 14, 2015

Praying a Lament to God

The rhythm of the nights fall into place. It has been two weeks now that I’ve read the Evening Prayer (or Compline) from the website www.dailyoffice.org – and much of the nightly readings are the same. Yet, some of each reading is different, too.

Although much of the daily prayers are the same, each night has a different psalm portion. And, each night has a different scripture passage, too. Short, almost pithy, in comparison to the lengthier scripture readings from the Morning Prayers.

I was intrigued by the short, two-verse snippet from Jeremiah tonight. So intrigued, that I went to an online commentary to find out more about it. Turns out that instead of a prophetic word from the Lord, Jeremiah chapter 14 was more of a lament.

Rev. Bryan Findlayson writes in the Lectionary Bible Studies, “The people of Israel are His; they belong to Him. Yet, the Lord is aloof, distant from his people. So Jeremiah asks, why is the all-forgiving-one estranged from His people? Jeremiah cries out on behalf of the people, “do not forsake us!””

Dear God, so often, Your ways are clouded in mystery. At least, I have often found them so. I have cried, along with Jeremiah, “Do not forsake me!” I’m sorry. I know I ought to put my trust and faith in You. But, I just can’t, sometimes. Dear God, please give me faith and trust enough. Thanks for listening! And, thanks for answering.

@chaplaineliza

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

Visit the website http://dailyoffice.org/ to find out more about Morning and Evening Prayer!

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

Praying for Better Times

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, August 13, 2015

Praying for Better Times

I read in the news today of horrible things. Of fires, and murders, and stabbings, and of even worse things than those. (In all seriousness.)

I’m afraid it is a little difficult for me to be cheery and chipper. Miss Suzy Sunshine I am not, today. Not after reading such terrible news, today.

Tonight, I guess I particularly needed to read the Evening Prayers from www.dailyoffice.org. That’s my set routine for the month of August, anyhow.

The Psalm reading for tonight was Psalm 4. It is more hopeful and helpful than not. One verse in particular went straight to my heart today:

“Many are saying, “Oh, that we might see better times!” *
Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O LORD. “

Dear God, You are with us, in better times and in worse. You help ease us through difficult times or sad times. And, when times are particularly grim, we can always depend on You. On Your presence with us, in the darkest valley.

It doesn’t matter whether dark valleys are physical (like two people with brain tumors I know) or economical (like a friend’s loss of a job), or emotional (like an acquaintance’s divorce—which I am praying may finalize soon!). Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

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

Visit the website http://dailyoffice.org/ to find out more about Morning and Evening Prayer!

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

A Larger Community of Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, August 11, 2015

my heart saying a prayer

A Larger Community of Prayer

Sometimes, I feel disconnected. Not “friends with” anyone. All alone.

I know I’m not actually alone. (Don’t get worried.) I did think of Robin Williams today, on the first anniversary of his death. I feel so badly about him dying by suicide. I have only a partial idea of the thoughts that can go through a person’s mind in the depths of depression. I have no clue how difficult things were for Mr. Williams, but I feel for his family: left behind.

Mr. Williams’ life was special, just like each person’s life in the whole wide world. Each individual is someone special, one of a kind. Each life is infinitely valuable. I have that blessed fact confirmed to me from external witness and observation as well as from the writings of Scripture and holy books from around the world.

I realize many people suffer from depression, anxiety, low self esteem, and other mental, emotional and psychological afflictions. I’ve suffered, myself.

I know the Christian community is not a cure-all, but it can offer some assistance. I’ve heard a number of people swear their church or bible study group or other religious group was what made the difference in their lives. And, I realize prayer can also be a great help. Assistance. Answer in their lives.

That’s one reason why I am devoted to prayer. Each night this month, as I read through the Evening Prayer from the dailyoffice.org website, I strive to pray these prayers in the company of countless others. I know many, many individuals use the website each day. Some twice a day.

But, don’t these rote prayers get boring? Or long? Or tiresome?

I went to the Church of England website again, since I wanted to get more information about the Prayers. I found this wonderful commentary concerning prayer in the Book of Common Prayer:

“. . . they will also, through common structures, texts and patterns of Scripture reading, unite those using them into one larger community of prayer. This community extends to all of those who, through the ages and across the nations, have sought to do as Jesus taught us and pray together for the hallowing of God’s name and the coming of God’s kingdom.” [1]

So, Lord. It’s not just _me_ praying. I’m not all isolated and alone. Even when I feel alone, and get afraid (or depressed, or anxious), I know You are right by my side. I know—in both my head and my heart—that I am also a part of a community. Yes, a community of prayer. Each of us joins into this same prayer, as each of us gathers around a computer or tablet or smart phone. Or, the old-fashioned way, through picking up a book.

And, thank You for the opportunity to join together with sisters and brothers in a local assembly. I appreciate You. And Your church. And, joining together with others in prayer. Thanks so much, Lord!

[1] https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/daily2/generalintro.aspx

Note: in case anyone needs this toll-free number, here is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number. 1-800-273-8255

@chaplaineliza

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

Visit the website http://dailyoffice.org/ to find out more about Morning and Evening Prayer!

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

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, August 8, 2015

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

I never really learned to pray at bedtime, as a young child. As the youngest of a bunch of children, my parents were a little bit stretched to take care of one more child. On top of which, my parents were lapsed Catholics. So, I guess my early instruction in religious practices was a bit non-existent.

Except for my grandmother. She lived with us for several years. True, she was suffering from the effects of dementia, which got worse over time. But, I dimly remember her trying to teach me the Lord’s Prayer. At least, starting to teach me. (Somehow, her lessons did not go well. That horrible dementia was the culprit.)

This bittersweet memory came flooding back to me as I read the following line from the Evening Prayer: “Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping.” I wonder whether that family-related memory might be one reason why sometimes I am not exactly eager to pray on a regular (that is, daily) basis.

Dear Lord, gracious God, thank You that You have Your ears open to my voice. To any of Your children’s voices. Or, for that matter, any of the internal cries of our hearts, too deep for words. Thank You for Your guidance and protection, too! I really need You with me, Lord. I suspect there are some praying this with me who do, too. Be with all who need you, tonight. In Jesus mighty, powerful name, amen and amen!

@chaplaineliza

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

Visit the website http://dailyoffice.org/late-us/ to find out more about Morning and Evening Prayer!

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

 

http://dailyoffice.org/late-us/

Do People Pray to You?

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, August 7, 2015

Buckingham Fountain in the evening
photo credit Ailurophile

Do People Pray to You?

A lovely evening and a wonderful time was had by all.

Yes, I was invited to an evening of jazz, downtown. Swinging jazz combo. Absolutely gorgeous evening. Great food, wonderful conversation. I enjoyed myself greatly.

Except—when I got home and settled down to read the Evening Prayer from dailyoffice.org, I looked back on the evening. I found myself reflecting; do the people I spent the evening with ever pray to You? Do they ever pray, at all?

As I was at dinner, I had the opportunity to speak of serving at a large hospital located not two miles away from where we were sitting. I did a six-month chaplain internship there, a few years ago. As I spoke about it, briefly, I was met with blank stares. Conversation passed from sickness and hospitalization to other matters. Lively exchanges, indeed! The evening passed quickly, and I was sorry it seemed to be over so soon.

And, yet. And, yet.

Lord, as I read the Evening Prayer I focused on the lines “Lord, hear our prayer; and let our cry come to you.“ Dear Lord, thank You for listening to me when I call on You. Thank You for a thoroughly lovely evening, in every way. Gracious God, thank You for the opportunity for me to mention that I had worked as a chaplain in Chicago, and served as a chaplain intern at a hospital several of the people were familiar with.

But, Lord, a question nagging at my mind? Do the people I met tonight pray? I hope so. I pray so. Lord God, I want to be a friendly, open example to someone I met tonight. You are a loving, caring, welcoming God. May I do my part to be loving, caring and welcoming, too.

@chaplaineliza

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

Visit the website http://dailyoffice.org/ to find out more about Morning and Evening Prayer!

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

God’s Watchers, Sober and Watchful

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, August 4, 2015

God’s Watchers, Sober and Watchful

Week One, Day Four. As I opened the dailyoffice.org website to Tuesday’s Evening Prayer, I was moved by the psalm for the day. And then, I thought about it. It is so similar to the psalm for last night, too! No wonder several verses were so familiar to me. Because, many of the same ideas and similar imagery are used in both Psalm 31 and Psalm 91. That’s why.

I noted that in the back of my head, and pushed on. Read further. When—I came across a short passage from 1 Peter, verse 5:8. “Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Wow. And again I say, wow!

Not the second part of the verse, but the first part was the part that made me come to a full stop. Peter is advising his readers to be sober and be watchful.

I was so intrigued that I went to the Amplified Bible and checked out the same verse. Here’s what I found: “Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.” Gee, all of those things are good qualities for me to emulate. First—well balanced, temperate, and sober of mind. That is certainly not someone who acts off kilter, rashly or in a hot-headed manner.

Second—vigilant and cautious. (I’ll consider the second word first.) Caution is the mark of someone who takes their time. Plans things out. Does not fly by the seat of their pants. And, lastly, vigilant! I appreciate the first translation, from the Revised Standard Version. “Be watchful.” I take that to mean that I shouldn’t go to sleep on the job! I know how difficult that can be. Lord, help me to stay alert. Peter really knew what he was talking about. The danger is very real. Indeed, the devil is right around the corner.

Yet, we know that through Christ, we have overcome the world! And, we have overcome the devil (and all his helper-devils). It’s true that we ought to be aware of the devil and all of his schemes and wiles. But, again. Jesus Christ has triumphed over the devil, sin and death. It is finished! Amen and amen.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your work on our behalf. Thank You for conquering the devil, sin and death. We pray that You might help us to come to love You more dearly and follow You more nearly. One day at a time. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen!

@chaplaineliza

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

Visit the website http://dailyoffice.org/ to find out more!

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

God’s Name – Mighty Name

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, August 3, 2015

God’s Name – Mighty Name

I opened the webpage tonight, and settled in to praying. This webpage, dailyoffice.org, is familiar to me. Comforting, even. I’ve been following, and praying along with it, for years.

As I started to pray, I felt myself fall into the rhythm of prayer. (I have been following the dailyoffice.org Morning Prayer webcast about once or twice a week now, for the past few months. What a great way to start the day!) Yes, Evening Prayer is considerably shorter, with fewer and shorter passages of Scripture. Yet, God pulled me up short with a line from Psalm 31.

Psalm 31:1-5 was the psalm passage for this evening. In verse 3, I read this: “for the sake of Your Name, lead me and guide me.”

As this Psalm tells me, God is indeed my Rock, my Crag and Stronghold. Yet, God is all of these things to me and for me for the sake of God’s Name. Not because I am particularly holy, or extra-good, or a lovely person. No. God is these things, and does these things for me for the sake of God’s Name. For the glorious goodness and graciousness that is God.

What a mind-blowing thing for me to consider. What a mighty and powerful God, not to mention good, gracious, loving and caring. The best part? I am the grateful recipient of all of this fantastic goodness and grace. The second half of that best part? All of that was packed into this short sentence from Psalm 31.

Dear Lord, I cannot even begin to thank You for Your goodness and grace to me. Thank You for your love expressed to me. Thank You for proclaiming Yourself a Rock, a Crag, a Stronghold for all those who run to You. Help me know when I ought to find refuge and safety. I know I can count on You even when other people run away or don’t follow through on their promises. I know You will. For sure. And, that’s a promise.

@chaplaineliza

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

Visit the website http://dailyoffice.org/ to find out more!

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

Worthy are You, O God!

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, August 1, 2015

From dailyoffice.org – photo from Compline

Worthy are You, O God!

A new month, a new book for prayer. As July came to a close, I wondered which book I ought to choose for my August meditation and prayers. For those who are new to this blog, during each month of 2015 I have been using different, helpful books and different kinds of prayer for each month. However, as I contemplated August, I felt more and more strongly about using a website. True, it incorporates a prayer book for the twice-daily readings, but it is a website.

My friend Josh Thomas is the Vicar at www.dailyoffice.org. He founded that website in 2004, and it has been going (and growing) strong ever since. A lay Commissioned Evangelist with a national preaching license in the Episcopal Church, Josh does a marvelous job at keeping up that website, with all manner of artwork, photos, videos and explanatory notes. Oh, and he includes the Morning and Evening Prayers from the Book of Common Prayer, too. Every day.

I found that website around 2009, when I was working overnight shifts as a chaplain here in Chicago. I found I could pray through the evening prayers Josh posted, center myself in just a few minutes, and then be ready to go—for whatever was needed. Could be a patient actively dying in ICU, a page from the Emergency Department, or a critical call from Labor and Delivery. (Those were just about the worst. Never a good emergency page from L & D.)

Josh and I have since become friends. Now, I am a pastor at a small church, and the website dailyoffice.org is continuing to stretch and grow. I found I wanted to revisit Evening Prayer again, in the month of August. I mentioned it to Josh earlier this week, and he was all for it. “Go for it,” or words to that effect, was what he said. So, I will! Gladly, and with excitement.

The words that struck home to me from Saturday’s Evening Prayer were “Lord, hear our prayer; And let our cry come to you.” Yes, I prayed alone. Yes, it was just me and the computer. However—I know a little bit about how many people use the dailyoffice.org website each day, or on a regular basis.

I also know these two short lines from the Prayer, “Lord, hear our prayer; And let our cry come to you” represent the Church. It’s me, in agreement with many, many other people. Throughout the United States, and throughout the English speaking world. I realize that I am praying here in my living room, in the Chicago suburbs. (And yes, it is hot tonight!) Others might be in the rural Dakotas, Kentucky or Texas. Or, internationally, in Lima, or Rio de Janeiro, or Yellowknife.

It ultimately does not matter. Each of us is a child of God. Complexion, national origin, ability or disability. Whether each of us comes to God as a daily habit or not. Dear God, thank You for the website dailyoffice.org. Strengthen and preserve Vicar Josh, and all connected with this site. Thank You for the miracles of the computer and the Internet, and bless us as we gather. Separately, as well as together.

Amen.

@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 my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

(also published at www.matterofprayer.net