Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Give us ears to hear, so we will listen to your call to be wise. Grant to us your wisdom, so we will give and take honourably as we dwell together in your abundant fields and vineyards.

We are battered by the wind and waves. We call out to you, “LORD, save us!” Fear and weariness cloud our eyes, and we do not see you. But you are here. You draw near to us, calming our fears and the storms within and around us.

In the safety of your sacred prayer space, you turn your face toward us and expose the filth of the wilderness within us. We betray you in our own ways, by what we think, do, and by what we do not do. Yet, you choose to clean us and give us a new purpose. We try to understand with human logic, but your ways are not our ways. You invite us to listen and learn from you, and to participate in your mystery.

Deal with us ever so gently as the winds blow and the waters surge. Our human bodies are fragile and cannot last except by your merciful love. Give us faith to believe you have already guaranteed our passage and presence into your glory.

You reveal your word to us. You guide, protect, and encourage us. Give us wisdom to turn to you and see your face. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see, and discerning hearts to recognize your guidance. Give us faith and strength to follow you. We will raise our Ebenezer in songs of praise as we journey.

Be our help and comfort, now and always. We experience your goodness today and are glad. We pray your mercies in our lives will be signs to others that your joy can be their strength.