Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Dear God,

How do we dig for deeper truths about you, faith, and human living?  How do we reach the deep source of living water, that spirit-sustaining resource that provides a triumphant movement of our own spirit?

As I stood by my favorite uncle's bedside in the critical care unit where he was disoriented, confused, and restless after a fall and perhaps a stroke that caused it, I wondered how he felt your loving spirit.  Tied down so he wouldn't try to get up and fall again, I wondered if he was afraid.  I wanted him to feel your embrace, to know your great compassion, and to trust in your merciful and tender care.  Honestly, even at 87 years of age, I wanted him healed.

When I called my sister to give her an update, she shared with me some of her own despair after a recent surgery.  Prone to depression, I wanted to send her a truckload of encouragement, mercy, and love.  I wanted to lift her up and into your awaiting arms where hope resides and faith helps.

How do we persuade someone else to dive into the waters of faith?  How do we tell them they do not have to worry about hitting their head on a rock but rather the deeper you go, the greater the faith that will await them? How do we convince them that your loving spirit is far, far greater than any fear, loss, sorrow, or pain?  How do we usher them into your living presence who welcomes all no matter the situation or condition?

This morning I thank you for prayer that allows me to move into your presence that I might lift up my own loved ones.  I thank you for deep and abiding love that always welcomes me, fills me up, and replenishes my courage and strength that I might share them with others.  I thank you for grace that takes every situation and turns it upside down, releasing all that is not good and replacing it with only the good news of your love.  I thank you for faith that never turns stale but is renewed daily.

Gracious God and Loving Father,
thank you
for my uncle
and my sister.
I pray
for them today.
Let your spirit
touch them
and restore them.
Let them know
your love
is deep enough
to hold them.
Thank you.

Love, Andy