Hello Everyone! It’s a little bit of a mishmash this week, a little bit of this, a little bit of that.
Below you’ll find this week’s recording and also three psalms authored by folks from our community. I invite you to sit with their prayers and join in! Say “amen” or echo the lines you really connect with.
Cathy Wilson
I’m drawn to the garden, pause the harvest and weeding and feel the tug to wait.
I notice the tender newly emerged life that is different than the rest and it brings a vision I see the same within and smile at the unexpected yet familiar, faithful Presence.
The color stands out as green, but yellow, too. The color of hope and promise
Emerging from the dark and dead places.
Why do I need this picture, this hope?
My hands, my feet are tied; my freedom to engage, encourage, query, respond are tethered. My words muffled by a mask, my limbs held from embracing.
Without the flow of engagement with the beloved community, what purpose am I fulfilling? Home at rest sounds like rest home.
They say homeostasis/balance produces health but without challenge and blessed, disruptive humanity,
Am I growing or is stagnation creeping in?
Who am I with these ties that untie?
Why is this new life so pale green, tinged with yellow?
Like the jaundiced newborn, a little too fresh coming from her hidden and dark place Who needs only to turn to the Light,
These tiny garden forms are responding to the sun’s rays to celebrate newness.
I want the yellow that reflects, the yellow that makes grey pop!
Not the sign of slow death, decay or lack of nutrients.
I don’t need the eye-catching flashy yellow of the finch
But the one that melds with green and is a harbinger of new life that You bring from unexpected and hidden places. I respond with a smile of thanks.
Trish Ambrose
A Psalm for the Days of Covid
Craving to touch and hold, my arms are left empty. Separated by an enemy too small to see, I long for the ones whom I love, Whom I can see but cannot embrace.
I remember that it was only mercy and grace That gave them to me in the first place. When all hope seemed lost, You heard my cries and granted my request. I trust You will restore what now seems lost Because You have not changed,Though everything else has. Your grace and mercy still wrap us up tightly, Close to Your heart, close to one another.
I will give You thanks, O God, everyday – For sunrise, for flowers, for soft rain, For food, shelter, health. For rest at night, For hope given in darkness. This, too, is grace – these many gifts Buried in the darkness.
And new mornings are promised Even if the worst were to unfold. For You made us for eternity Where love never ceases, And that will always be enough.
Steve Gutierrez
It is awesome to have a hope in an eternal paradise. My God your promises are worth the wait.
I only fear that i am not pleasing to the father and he will say depart from me I never knew you. I want to say strip me from my sinfulness but i am doubleminded.
Thank you for the life you have given me, may i enjoy it with a growing appreciation. All the family and friends you have led my way I cherish. Friendship has always had its place in my heart.
You rescued me by lending your hand and power. I am undoubtedly a debtor. I remember how much you have given to me. It was a gift and not of own doing. I pray i will give back what you expect of me.