tears, friday

Friday, February 20

Come to Stillness: Take a few minutes to allow your mind and heart to be still before God.

          

Opening Prayer: O God. We give ourselves over to your care, trusting only in your infinite mercy and love.  We will continue to give thanks to you, O Lord, for all that we have and all that we are.  We will rest assured in the knowledge that when we cry to you in sadness or in joy you will hear our cry and make reply.  Amen. (A Guide to Prayer for All Who Walk with God by Rueben P. Job, Norman Shawchuck, and John Mogabgab)

                     

Scripture Reading for the Day: Hebrews 5:7-10

Reading for Reflection:

 

     I think a Christian is one who, along with Jesus, agrees to feel, to suffer the pain of the world.  But we can’t stop there.  Tears come just as much with happiness.  When it is an unearned happiness, when we know we did not deserve this goodness, we lose words.  Tears are our only response.  We perhaps have two eyes because reality is stereoscopic.  When we see it fully, we have reason for both immense sadness and immense happiness—and both at the same time.

     When faith reaches a certain intensity and the mystery becomes utterly overwhelming, often we can respond only with tears. (Everything Belongs by Richard Rohr)

Reflection and Listening: silent and written

Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself    

                      

Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the depths of despair you were willing to go to for me.  Thank you that you carried my sorrows.  Thank you that you bore my sin and my pain; all so that I could be with you for all eternity.  Amen.