Sunday, August 24, 2008

New School Year Prayer

Dear God,

As I think about the upcoming weeks, I'm a bit overwhelmed. 

I'm coming to you about it because I don't want to lose you in the routine.

There are carpools to arrange, new classes to join and lunches to make.

And somewhere in between doctor visits and bringing in the class snacks I need to keep my car filled with gas, keep my family fed and keep at least some clean clothes in their drawers.

It doesn't feel like there is a lot of room for error. Or contemplation. 

Or You.

Please give me the strength to be still before you and hear Your voice each day. 

Please give me the courage to let my laundry suffer a  little neglect so I can anchor myself in You. 

And when the waves of domestic disorderliness threaten the peace of my mind, still them just as you stilled the waters with your disciples. 

Amen.

(The Message- translation of the Bible.)
I Kings 19:9-14, parts:
Then the word of God came to him: "So Elijah, what are you doing here?"
 "I've been working my heart out for the God-of-the-Angel-Armies," said Elijah. "The people of Israel have abandoned your covenant, destroyed the places of worship, and murdered your prophets. I'm the only one left, and now they're trying to kill me."

Then he was told, "Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by."

A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.

When Elijah heard the quiet voice, he muffled his face with his great cloak, went to the mouth of the cave, and stood there. A quiet voice asked, "So Elijah, now tell me, what are you doing here?

2 comments:

Short Stop said...

I know He will walk before you, with you, and I know He has heard your prayer. I feel many of these same things, Em. I think I will pray this prayer, too.

Sending love your way.

Jenni S. said...

Oh I love that passage of Scripture. What an honest and heartfelt prayer. I'm sure I'll be uttering similar things all year.