Daily Devotions - January 31

A Prayer for Healing

“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.”
--Psalm 46: 1

The 46th Psalm is one of those wonderful Jewish hymns that talks about the presence of God amid the struggles of daily life. The opening sentence is a powerful affirmation (see above) and the closing sentences are gentle reminders. The gentle reminders go like this:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
and
“The God of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”

This song can be helpful when the perceived pressures of the day appear to be more than we can bear. Take time with Psalm 46 today and with the following prayer for healing:

“God of All, you have so fashioned the world that it possesses the potential to repair its imperfections. And, O Eternal One, you have fashioned humankind by endowing us, as your partners, with the creative ability to help the repairing. You gave us the insight to transform the simple herb into a healing balm for the body. May we, as your servant people, realize our responsibility to transform the herb of human caring into a healing balm for the aching soul. Like us, many are in need. We know the inner yearning for fulfillment, for purpose and meaning in our lives. May we come to know that as we help others to feel fulfilled, so shall we. And then, may we recognize the strength, the will, the dedication, and the commitment to do that for which we were created, to serve you realizing that, as you said in your word, ‘The kingdom of God is within us.’”*

A prayer for today:
God of life, teach me stillness so that I can know strength. Amen.

Ben Keckler
01.31.08

*United Church of Christ Book of Worship