These days, it is easy to be overwhelmed as we watch, listen, or read the news. Countless stressful words and images bombard our minds. Rather than regurgitating that to the next person, this reflection invites us to drop down from our minds into our hearts, exploring our deepest feelings in stillness and silence.
Thanks to the Knowledge Exchange.
The effects of pandemic, natural disaster, political turmoil, displaced people … the list seems endless. Knowing how to pray in the midst of all this can be difficult; finding the ‘right’ words often impossible.
Perhaps words are part of the problem.
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Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, included in the New Testament, tells us:
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us with -
groans that words cannot express (New International Version)
sighs too deep for words” (New Revised Standard Version)
our wordless sighs, our aching groans (The Message) ”
Psalm 46 exhorts us to:
“be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth;
the Lord almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress”.”
Be Still.
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If you like, read through all of Psalm 46, which includes a reminder that ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble’.
Then, you could spend some time before the Psalmist’s God - that is, wherever and whenever you are - bringing into the room or space with you our troubled world; release yourself of the need to articulate those ‘sighs too deep for words.’
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You may find it helpful to listen to this version of The Deer’s Cry, inspired by the famous St Patrick’s Breastplate prayer and sung by Rita Connoly.
And / or you may like to ponder some of the words from it:
I arise today
Through Gods strength to pilot me;
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak to me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to save me,
From every one who shall wish me ill, afar and anear,
Alone and in a multitude.
Against every cruel merciless power
That may oppose my body and soul.