I suspect many of us have had such seasons. Times when we can't be with loved ones, or a relative or close friend has died, or we've suffered a miscarriage, or we're sick, or we've lost our job, or there is illness in the family. Even the time of year can make us feel blue. Here in the northern hemisphere, night falls early in these months of bleak midwinter. We may be struggling to adjust to the long, long, long dark.
For anyone reading this who is sad, in pain, or maybe just wishing the holidays would be over and gone - know that you're not alone. In fact, you are so 'not alone' that I'm going to ask a favor of everyone reading this.
Could we each take just a minute and offer a little prayer for anyone coming across these words who might be hurting? If this gets to a number of people, that could amount to quite a few prayers.
May God lift burdens, heal pains, comfort loneliness, and soothe hearts.
'We beseech You, Lord and Master, be our help and succor, save those among us who are in tribulations, have mercy on the lowly, lift up the fallen, show Yourself to the needy, heal the ungodly; convert the wanderers of Your people, feed the hungry, release our prisoners, raise up the weak, comfort the fainthearted, let all nations know You are God.' (St. Clement of Rome)
'Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for You.' (1 Peter 5:7)
This is a post from 2014.
Painting: Viggo Johansen
This is beautiful, Nancy. Pain, loss, and sorrow seem deeper, more burdensome at this time of year. I experienced it myself a few years ago, so thank you for the reminder to pray for those who are struggling at this time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tess. I've experienced it too, and I know several who are going through tough times this year.
DeleteFriends, there are quite a few of us praying for you!
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteYes, I will pray for those hurting this Christmas. I know what that feels like as you know. It's a difficult time of year for many people. It seems like everyone, but us, is full of joy. In the middle of all the partying and celebrating, our hearts are breaking. It doesn't seem right at all. It took me a long time to see that there is still reason to celebrate, despite the sorrow. Without the birth of Jesus, there would be no hope. Our suffering would have no meaning.
Thank you so much for this post. Perhaps I needed the opportunity to remember and offer thanks to God for bringing me through the death of Thomas.
God bless you!
Thank you, Sue, and may God bless you and your beautiful family during this holy season (and always!).
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