Keep watch, dear Lord

"Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch or weep this night,
and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary,
bless the dying, soothe the suffering,
pity the afflicted, shield the joyous;
and all for your love's sake. Amen." - Book of Common Prayer

I have found this prayer to be very moving and helpful in my own journey. It is part of Compline (prayers at the end of the day) from the Book of Common Prayer. I love the simplicity, but incredible depth of the words in the prayer. I believe it is most useful when one doesn't have the words to pray, but we feel the urge to pray for others.

May it be a blessing to you and your family.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Falling on grace

"If I stand, let me stand on your promise: when I fall,let me fall on your grace." - Common Prayer - A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

This one line holds so many intriguing points. It contrasts the words "if" and "when", which is an honest evaluation of our human frailty. It reminds me that the chances of me stumbling along the way of life are far greater than standing strong the whole time. 

It calls me to make sure that I can only truly stand on the promises of God, especially if I want to make a lasting 'stand.'

And then it softens my 'fall' by asking that my moments of weakness will be cushion by God's grace.

I think this prayer is profound and worth repeating as often as one dares.

Exodus 14:13 - "“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today."

Living in Grace

D3LM3