What can we do when we feel utterly helpless? When there are no words? When there is nothing in the "right now" that we can possibly do to help ease the pain and sorrow around us?
During a prayer gathering for Day School staff Tuesday evening, Rev. Matt Tuggle reminded us that the one thing, the first thing, we can do for others who are in the midst of struggle and grief is to pray. We can help be their voice and speak to God on their behalf when, perhaps, they cannot. There will be other ways to help later when the appropriate time comes. For now, we pray.
Matt also reminded me that when I am at a loss for words, I can find them in Scripture. This week, I asked God to help me be present and mindful, and to be at peace in the understanding that sometimes there are no words; just love. I have been reading and praying the following Scriptures. Will you join me in prayer?
2 Corinthians 4:14-18 (NLV)
"We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."
Romans 15:13
"I pray that God, the source of hope will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."
Colossians 1:11-13
"We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son."
In Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
During a prayer gathering for Day School staff Tuesday evening, Rev. Matt Tuggle reminded us that the one thing, the first thing, we can do for others who are in the midst of struggle and grief is to pray. We can help be their voice and speak to God on their behalf when, perhaps, they cannot. There will be other ways to help later when the appropriate time comes. For now, we pray.
Matt also reminded me that when I am at a loss for words, I can find them in Scripture. This week, I asked God to help me be present and mindful, and to be at peace in the understanding that sometimes there are no words; just love. I have been reading and praying the following Scriptures. Will you join me in prayer?
2 Corinthians 4:14-18 (NLV)
"We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."
Romans 15:13
"I pray that God, the source of hope will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."
Colossians 1:11-13
"We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son."
In Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.