Hear My Prayer O, Lord!
AM Psalm 95*, 102 • PM Psalm 107:1-32
Exod. 2:1-22 • 1 Cor. 12:27-13:3 • Mark 9:2-13
* for the Invitatory
Today’s reading is especially prescient for the times we find ourselves. The Psalms prompt many questions that stir introspection. Reading the Lord’s words about the children of Israel cause me to wonder, how often do I “err in my heart?” (Psalms 95:9-10). How often do I forget to eat my bread because of the loudness of my groaning? (Psalm 102:4). The phrase “sheltering in place” is fiercer than it appears. I’d like to think I have a modicum of self-control and restraint but tell me I can’t leave the house and then see how long the food in the fridge lasts. Can you relate? Have you already eaten all your quarantine snacks in your moment of solitude?
Our reading today gives me hope in this time of crisis. It reminds me that God’s love endures. That it is everlasting. “You, O Lord, abide forever” the Psalmist says (Psalms 102:12). Even when markets fall, tempers rise, and the weather goes to hell, God endures. How could He not? The story of Moses in Exodus 2 reminds us that God remembers His children. He will draw them from the river. He will lead them to the Promised Land, and He will remember them no matter what they do (Isaiah 49:15).
When you are at your “wits end,” remember that. When you’re on the toilet paper aisle, remember that. God’s love for you, will endure. It may not erase the struggle or the trial, but it will make of the journey a refiner’s fire that burns away all that isn’t real. The Lord will change you like clothing and you will be changed, transformed even. (Psalms 102:26) In these moments of distress, if we look for God’s love, we will find it. It might even surprise us where.
Hear my prayer O, Lord! Give us strength to endure and to endure well. And help us to remember your everlasting love.
Amen.
Written by Jonathan Wright
Jonathan is a native of Atlanta, GA, and a new member to St. Paul’s. An Episcopalian of just around 2 years, Jonathan moved to the parish from the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark in Salt Lake City, UT.