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PRAY NOW: TODAY'S PRAYER
Baggage
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads
me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.
Prayer
I shall not want.
Yet we cling fast
to what is ours, Lord.
We are too good
at zipping up the past,
padlocking the present,
and storing it within tomorrow's hopes.
I shall not want.
Yet here we are
with our excess baggage, Lord,
weighty from fears and failings,
grudges and gripes,
insecurities and uncertainties,
and little space to squeeze you in.
More than once, Lord,
you sit on grassy banks
and give, in simple stories and blessings,
the only food we need.
More than once,
you still stormy seas with mere words,
and steer your people
to a leaner, better place.
More than once,
you call us on a journey
and equip us for the road ahead
with nothing but promises.
More than once,
your uncomplicated touch calms the chaos
at the core of restless souls.
May we not want,
may we not need,
may we not ask, Lord,
for any more
than to be led by you.
And may, in your leading,
be our leaving behind.
Readings
Genesis 12:1–3 Call of Abram
Joshua 3:14–17 Crossing the Jordan
Matthew 6:25–34 Do not worry about tomorrow
Luke 9:1–6 Jesus sends out the twelve
Prayer activity
Jesus recognised and taught the richness, the abundance of simplicity. Reflect on
and give thanks for the simple things in your life that you consider real treasures.
Pray also for those aspects of your life you feel may hold you back from a simpler
relationship with God.
Prayer for the Church
Centres of theological study and research, their teaching-staff and students, and those
considering a future life of full-time Christian service
especially the Ministries Council as they assist ministry call, discernment, formation,
care and support of parish staff including parish ministers.
Blessing
When we want, Lord,
Remind us of your poverty.
When we need, Lord,
Remind us of your selflessness.
When we would have it all, Lord,
Remind us that in you we do.
Bless us and bring us, Lord,
Just as we are,
Into your presence and safekeeping,
Today and always. AMEN.
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