Lent Daybook, 17: Unanswered Prayers
A Lent daybook for these 40 days of prayer. Join me, won't you? (see previous Lent daybook 2018 posts here)
Is this your first time to practice Lent? Here's a simple introduction: How we prepare for Lent.
*Note: If you're reading this in email, the formatting usually looks much better at the website. Just click the post title to get there.*
28 Days – Flatline, Odia Reimer (source)
[This project} is made up of 96 pillows, each with a flatline of 28 stitches in red. This piece documents 8 years/96 months/2,688 days routinely taking a morning temperature with hopes of tracking fertility, each month hope is dashed with the stark straight line.
music for today: "Unanswered Prayers", Andy Squyres (lyrics)
Read this meaningful review by Victoria Emily Jones of the story behind Andy Squyres' album Cherry Blossoms.
all readings for today: Genesis 44:18-34, Psalm 80, 1 Corinthians 7:25-31, Mark 5:21-43
excerpts:
“Your servant, my father, told us, ‘You know very well that my wife gave me two sons. One turned up missing. I concluded that he’d been ripped to pieces. I’ve never seen him since. If you now go and take this one and something bad happens to him, you’ll put my old gray, grieving head in the grave for sure.’”
*
”Get out of bed—you’ve slept long enough!
Come on the run before it’s too late.
God, come back!
Smile your blessing smile:
That will be our salvation.”
*
”I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don’t complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple—in marriage, grief, joy, whatever.”
*
”Jesus said to her, ‘Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.’”
* Monday - Thursday Scripture readings are taken from the Book of Common Prayer (Year 2). On Fridays, I'll include the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday which are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B).
prayer for today:
“In peace, we pray to you, Lord God. {Sit in silence for a moment.}
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For our pastor; and all clergy and other ministers;
For all who serve God in his Church.
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
For the special needs and concerns of our friends, family, and community, especially [______].
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life. We are especially thankful for [______].
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name forever and ever.
Amen.”
Spiritual practice for today:
This week, fast from spending money. Let each necessary purchase remind you of the reality of our complete poverty and helplessness before God and without the work of Christ.
Instead of spending practice giving. Almsgiving is a traditional Lenten practice. This week pray that the Lord would show you his face in the most distressing of your neighbors, and lead you to ways that you can show compassionate mercy.
(see all Lent daybook posts from 2017 here)