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PRAY NOW: TODAY'S PRAYER
Longing
As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.
Psalm 42:1
Prayer
God,
What is life about?
I mean I do my best
I work hard . . . well most of the time. . .
at relationships,
at trying to contribute –
in work, at home, at church and in the community.
I care for family and friends.
Sure, I slip up sometimes, everyone does,
but I pick myself up and try to do better next time.
God,
What is life about?
Sometimes there seems no purpose to it at all,
a never-ending treadmill –
and I'm the hamster.
It's the same routine, and often that's just fine,
but sometimes . . .
sometimes it's just not enough.
Is there more?
God,
I don't know what's missing.
I'm not sure what I need,
what I really desire.
So show me, God,
come close and ease that
empty ache which gnaws away inside me . . .
That longing for
fullness and fulfilment in life,
that deep need to belong and be loved . . .
as I am. AMEN.
Readings
Songs of Solomon 7:10 'I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me.'
Matthew 3:17 'And a voice from heaven said "This is my beloved Son
with whom I am well pleased.'"
Isaiah 62:5 '. . . as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall
your God rejoice over you.'
Prayer activity
Sit or lie quietly and let your mind take you to the banks of the Jordan. Feel the
heat of the sun, the grains of the sand between your toes, the warmth of the lapping
water around your feet. It is you who is being baptised by John, it is you on whom
the Spirit of God descends and it is you to whom the voice of heaven says 'You
. . . (say your name) . . . you are my beloved son/daughter and I am well pleased
with you.' Repeat this quietly to yourself several times. Let this realisation wash
over you. . .you are loved, you do belong to God . . . just as you are.
Prayer for the Church
All those currently serving in our armed forces, at home or overseas, and those
veterans and their families who have experienced tragedy through trauma, death
and injury
especially Chaplains with Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Territorial and cadet
units.
Blessing
In our lives and our longing, God,
In our seeking and our searching, Christ,
In the depths of our desire, Holy Spirit;
God Three-in-one,
Loving us,
Offering fulfilment for us
Leading us on. . .
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