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PRAY NOW: TODAY'S PRAYER
Waiting on
Now after they (the wise men) had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream
and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until
I tell you: for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.'
Matthew 2:13
Prayer
God,
At times my journey –
through a day or a relationship,
through a holiday or my career,
through my retirement
. . . my lifetime –
doesn't go according to plan.
I've the route worked out,
the resources I require,
a timescale in mind
a destination to reach,
or a goal to achieve . . .
but
the road ahead becomes blurred
or blocked
due to events beyond my ken or control. |
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Change or illness slow me down,
an accident or ending
stops me in my tracks.
Threat of danger or loss
force me to think again.
A time of listening . . .
a time of discerning,
a difficult yet necessary time
. . . the waiting time.
Until life unravels,
events unfold,
and emotions calm.
Clarity creeps up on me,
is glimpsed or grasped.
Voices from within and without
are weighed up . . .
a decision gestates.
Perhaps, once underway again,
travelling to the same,
different or even unknown
destination,
the journeying may be more
mindful,
meaningful
and at a more appropriate pace.
Readings
Matthew 2:13f Joseph and Mary wait in Egypt until circumstances change
Psalm 130:5–8 Waiting on and hoping in God
Isaiah 40:27f Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength
Lamentations 3:25–6 The Lord is good to those who wait for him
Prayer activity
In your prayers and in the quiet let the situation or choices you have . . . be . . .
and wait. Ask God for wisdom, guidance and discernment. Mull over the advice
of trusted others, the various ideas and possibilities that spring to mind and the
feelings that arise when you imagine yourself going down a possible path.
Prayer for the Church
Christian organisations that promote life-long Christian learning, fellowship and
service
especially the Church of Scotland Guild, at national and local levels.
Blessing
In my waiting, God, grant me patience
In my discerning, God, help me listen
In my choosing, God, give me wisdom
In the way forward, God, be my companion.
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