Praying, Giving My Cares to God

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, August 15, 2015

Praying, Giving My Cares to God

from http://www.dailyoffice.org

As I finish praying the Evening Prayers tonight, I come to this antiphon (or, conclusion for this part of the service). “Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.” This antiphon is repeated twice, near the end of the Evening Prayers.

One thing I’ve noticed over the past couple of decades of bible reading and study: if any word, phrase or sentence is repeated, it’s usually important to someone, for something in particular.

Okay. I went to what is quickly becoming my go-to source for finding out more about Evening Prayer (or, Compline): the website for the Church of England (see below, in the footnote). Behold!

“The service concludes with
¶ a calling on God for protection through the coming night
¶ a simple blessing “ [1]

So, my part in this antiphon is as follows. First, I pray that, when awake, I may watch with Christ. I wouldn’t want to get caught sleeping, like the three disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. Then, I need to watch with Christ. Watch like a watchman on the city walls or at the gates.

Second, when I sleep (NOT if, but WHEN), I am to rest peacefully. That’s quietly. “Rest in peace.” That is what is commonly said about people, after they die. In all truthfulness, people are often tied in knots of worry, anxiety and despair. But, Jesus says this is not the way to deal with life. Or, rather, to hide from life. Instead, we are to trust God to take away our worry, anxiety and despair. Jesus can handle it

Thanks, Lord, for this deep, heartfelt reminder. Help me to follow You, on a regular basis. And, not just when my tendency is to ignore You. Alleluia, 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 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 .

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

We Pray to Rest in Peace

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Thursday, August 6, 2015

We Pray to Rest in Peace

I am blessed. I mean, particularly blessed. I live in a relatively quiet neighborhood. I have few interruptions to my sleep. (That is, other than a garbage truck that comes down my alley twice a week, shortly after seven o’clock in the morning. But, those are First World problems.)

I noticed that one of the last petitions of Evening Prayer was this: “Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.“ I notice that some people have difficulty in getting to sleep, falling asleep, remaining asleep, or something similar. As prophesied. (Check out the accompanying bulletin.)

I know that in countless places around the world, people have lots going on when and where they live. That means, when and where they fall asleep, too. That also means disturbed sleep, not to mention frightened people. Neighborhoods that are downright dangerous, not to mention unpleasant to traverse.

Just think: countless people are afraid of where they live, because of the possible danger and damage that might quickly spiral out of control. Sometimes that danger might be young toughs walking the streets. Or, young soldiers walking the streets. Any time, day or night.

My heart breaks for those who are frightened, even traumatized, this night. Dear Lord, gracious God, come alongside of all those who are afraid of internal upset. Comfort all those who are fearful to show their faces outside of where they live. And Lord, I offer special prayers for all of those who live out in the open;.who have no homes. Please, God, we pray earnestly. Hear our prayers! Amen, and alleluia.

@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 .

(also published at www.matterofprayer.net