Holy Spirit, I pray for someone who is sick, wounded, despairing or grieving. I pray that even in the valley of the shadow of death, they would fear no evil, knowing You are with them. I pray for a renewed expectation that You are still the God of life, the God who chases away shadows with the light of Your kindness, the God who tenderly wipes away every tear from their eyes. Draw near to the sorrowful now - to remove or redeem the sting of death.
When I went to bed last night, I was keenly aware of how many people in Southern CA whose bed was gone. I felt guilty. Why did I get to have a cozy bed and they didn't? Those are questions without answers. The events of the past few days have once again reminded me to be grateful this moment, right here, right now. I thank God for my bed, for my refrigerator, for clothing. I pray for those without the essentials right now.
I’m sitting in the carpool lane watching ash fall from the sky, feeling like I’ve been holding my breath for 2 days. I want to breathe deep, but the air is thick and the smoke is evident. My heart lays heavy while I bear the burdens of neighboring cities. But I know God Is near. ❤️
It does indeed (more than just an inch) help when someone bears witness to your pain. The trick is finding that person and being that person. It’s easy to try and fix or give quick answers but bearing witness is powerful.
Today, I was unexpectedly broken up with. It's so minimal in comparison. Nevertheless, my soul bears witness to brothers and sisters suffering today. I am holding you in the light.
Nine years ago, my son, now twelve, was taken from me in an abusive custody battle. Currently he’s at home playing chess while snow falls in and around our Texas town. As darkness blankets the sky, I’m reminded in this moment that the Light—fierce and unstoppable—will always have His way. My child is safe. He is home. He is so loved.
Thank you for creating space. My elderly father-in-law just died last weekend — not expected, but not unexpected either. The world feels shaken and off-kilter, vibrating from events near and far. And yet we must persist? It is a struggle.
Thank you, Emily. I will never forget my first waking moments of 2025, as I spent New Year's in New Orleans. I still struggle to comprehend the heinous act of violence, taking the lives of fourteen innocent people, that happened just blocks from where we were sleeping. I want to write about it but still haven't found the words. For now, I'll keep reaching for the Light. Thanks for offering it here.
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
We can't escape the darkness when it descends over our lives, but we can cling to His promises of light arising in that darkness. Maybe you don't think the promise is for you.
Does that word upright make you nervous? I once heard Jill Briscoe say "just replace upright with forgiven because that's how you become upright, by being forgiven🙌.
Father truly You are gracious and full of compassion. We lift up all who are grieving yet celebrating the passing of Your servant Jimmy Carter. Thank You for sharing him with us for a century. May his works be remembered as having grown out of his faith in You. Surely they have accrued as treasure in heaven. The reward of the good works You give Your children so many opportunities to do in this life.
For all who have suffered loss of loved ones or of homes and communities, we pray Your comfort and Your provision. Teach us all to love in deed and to share generously with those in need because of these fires. Thank You that You are near to all who are cast down and disheartened. Amen.
Light... My sorrows seem small and insignificant in comparison to others, but God is both big enough and small enough to see, care, and enter into all of ours. His light permeates and His sufficiency is enough. Praise Him.
Two families in the rare disease community lost young children to illness yesterday. For those of us who also have medically complex children, these losses are painful reminders of how fragile all life is.
I can sense the Presence of God just reading over these heartfelt comments. For so many I know, they have experienced “fires” and trials in the past few weeks. Things are heavy but issues are coming into the light that needed healing and attention. Prayers of Light for those who have lost everything in these So Cal wildfires ♥️
My mom was hit by a car while walking their dog last Monday and got home after 7 days in the hospital and major surgery. It was so very scary and awful - partly because I think it was the first time it really hit me that while this wasn't the day she left this Earth, one day she will. I feel like I missed New Year's all together and the "fresh start feeling" that I normally have at this time of year has been swallowed in grief, shock, and sorrow.
Alicia - how painful and tender! I can relate as my mom was very sick this week. She asked us not to call her and I thought of how it will be when I can never call her again.
This is from todays midday prayer on Lectio365:
Holy Spirit, I pray for someone who is sick, wounded, despairing or grieving. I pray that even in the valley of the shadow of death, they would fear no evil, knowing You are with them. I pray for a renewed expectation that You are still the God of life, the God who chases away shadows with the light of Your kindness, the God who tenderly wipes away every tear from their eyes. Draw near to the sorrowful now - to remove or redeem the sting of death.
I have been blessed by the Lectio 365 app. Thank you for sharing.
When I went to bed last night, I was keenly aware of how many people in Southern CA whose bed was gone. I felt guilty. Why did I get to have a cozy bed and they didn't? Those are questions without answers. The events of the past few days have once again reminded me to be grateful this moment, right here, right now. I thank God for my bed, for my refrigerator, for clothing. I pray for those without the essentials right now.
I’m sitting in the carpool lane watching ash fall from the sky, feeling like I’ve been holding my breath for 2 days. I want to breathe deep, but the air is thick and the smoke is evident. My heart lays heavy while I bear the burdens of neighboring cities. But I know God Is near. ❤️
It does indeed (more than just an inch) help when someone bears witness to your pain. The trick is finding that person and being that person. It’s easy to try and fix or give quick answers but bearing witness is powerful.
Today, I was unexpectedly broken up with. It's so minimal in comparison. Nevertheless, my soul bears witness to brothers and sisters suffering today. I am holding you in the light.
I’m so sorry for this loss 💔
Light 🙏🏾
We don't need to compare grief. Grief is real. Thinking of you.
light🙏
Light
Just learned of a friend’s cancer diagnosis. Light of the world, be near to those who need you most 💔
Nine years ago, my son, now twelve, was taken from me in an abusive custody battle. Currently he’s at home playing chess while snow falls in and around our Texas town. As darkness blankets the sky, I’m reminded in this moment that the Light—fierce and unstoppable—will always have His way. My child is safe. He is home. He is so loved.
Thank you for creating space. My elderly father-in-law just died last weekend — not expected, but not unexpected either. The world feels shaken and off-kilter, vibrating from events near and far. And yet we must persist? It is a struggle.
I'm so sorry to hear this, Ann. Hugs to you....
Thank you, Emily. I will never forget my first waking moments of 2025, as I spent New Year's in New Orleans. I still struggle to comprehend the heinous act of violence, taking the lives of fourteen innocent people, that happened just blocks from where we were sleeping. I want to write about it but still haven't found the words. For now, I'll keep reaching for the Light. Thanks for offering it here.
I hold my sons depression in the light. Jesus drag this darkness into your light and love.
I hold this with you and for you in this moment, Sherri. Sending love your way.
I will be praying for your son and for better days ahead 💗
Light
I love the promise from Psalm 112:4
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
We can't escape the darkness when it descends over our lives, but we can cling to His promises of light arising in that darkness. Maybe you don't think the promise is for you.
Does that word upright make you nervous? I once heard Jill Briscoe say "just replace upright with forgiven because that's how you become upright, by being forgiven🙌.
Father truly You are gracious and full of compassion. We lift up all who are grieving yet celebrating the passing of Your servant Jimmy Carter. Thank You for sharing him with us for a century. May his works be remembered as having grown out of his faith in You. Surely they have accrued as treasure in heaven. The reward of the good works You give Your children so many opportunities to do in this life.
For all who have suffered loss of loved ones or of homes and communities, we pray Your comfort and Your provision. Teach us all to love in deed and to share generously with those in need because of these fires. Thank You that You are near to all who are cast down and disheartened. Amen.
Light... My sorrows seem small and insignificant in comparison to others, but God is both big enough and small enough to see, care, and enter into all of ours. His light permeates and His sufficiency is enough. Praise Him.
There is no "small" or "big" when it comes to sorrow. ❤️
So true. Lament has a place and a time for expression.
Amen.
Thank you, Emily. ❤️
Two families in the rare disease community lost young children to illness yesterday. For those of us who also have medically complex children, these losses are painful reminders of how fragile all life is.
Light ❤️🩹
I can sense the Presence of God just reading over these heartfelt comments. For so many I know, they have experienced “fires” and trials in the past few weeks. Things are heavy but issues are coming into the light that needed healing and attention. Prayers of Light for those who have lost everything in these So Cal wildfires ♥️
My mom was hit by a car while walking their dog last Monday and got home after 7 days in the hospital and major surgery. It was so very scary and awful - partly because I think it was the first time it really hit me that while this wasn't the day she left this Earth, one day she will. I feel like I missed New Year's all together and the "fresh start feeling" that I normally have at this time of year has been swallowed in grief, shock, and sorrow.
Alicia - how painful and tender! I can relate as my mom was very sick this week. She asked us not to call her and I thought of how it will be when I can never call her again.
Praying for you and your Mom Alicia. May God comfort and support you both.
Light 💖
Let us carry and reflect His Light into a dark and hurting world. He is with us…each and every step, collecting and counting our tears.