I have spent time quietly in contemplative prayer this week, and by God’s grace I am beginning to feel like myself again . . . different yet the same.

No longer unaware.

But not disheartened.

Hope-filled.

Comforted by the God who:

Loves –

 But you, O God, are both tender and kind,
      not easily angered, immense in love,
      and you never, never quit.
Psalm 86:15 (MSG)

Cares –

Turn all your anxiety over to God
because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (GW)

Present –

God is our refuge and strength,
   a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

Good –

The Lord is good to everyone
   and has compassion for
everything that He has made.
Psalm 145:9 (GW)

 With Your words filling my heart, I want to close this part of my journey the way in which I began, in prayer . . .

Prayer at the End of the Journey

Gracious Father,

Thank you for giving me this time of quiet, time to cocoon myself in Your presence. Time to process all that You revealed to my mind and my heart. Time to rest in Your love.

Lord, Your Word says that You are tender, kind, and immense in love. May I faithfully extend:

Your love.

Your compassion.

Your presence and goodness.

Please keep my heart tender, my eyes open, my feet ready, and my hands giving so that see and meet needs as You reveal them to me. May I willingly offer food, give a drink, and clothe those in need.

I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink . . . I was naked, and you gave me clothing. Matthew 25:35-36

Alone I am only able to help a few, but it is something.
Together we are able to help many, and it is more.
With You we are able to help all, that is everything.

With You everything is possible.

Father, the prayer of my heart today is the same as it was two weeks ago. May it be my prayer now and forever, a prayer for Your children, for their families, and their communities:

I pray that from this day forward, with eyes opened and heart tendered, Your children will be loved by me . . . through my words, through my prayers, and through my actions. Amen.

I believe that the journey is not really over. In many ways it is just beginning. Each and everyday a new measure of God’s grace given to me to share as He gives me opportunity.

Enjoy a blessed and grace-filled weekend.

Photo Credit – Amy Conner for World Vision 2011