Dear Friends,
We pray you are safe and well.
In the spirit of our philosophy of co-creating community and our awareness that the Spirit speaks through each of us, we invite you to share your meditations with us as well. We truly believe that in God’s economy of abundance, when we share our blessings, our thoughts, our feelings, we are all made richer.
Today's Meditation comes to us from "Concord Pastor" Rev. Austin Fleming who speaks of weather inside and out and how we get through with a little help from our friends: God and each other.
We invite you to join us as we commit ourselves to working tirelessly to end systemic and structural racism in our society, in healthcare, in the workplace, in the Church--wherever it shows up so that everyone may come to have more abundant life. May this meditation nourish our contemplative-active hearts and sustain all of us in action.
We hope and pray that you and your loved ones experience genuine peace of mind and heart, and remain in good health during this challenging time.
In this "Season of Ordinary Time" in the Church Year, may this be a time of peace, of healing and hope, of the infusion of joy in your life!
With our love and care,
Ron & Jean
Meditation 106: from "A Concord Pastor" Rev. Austin Fleming
NIGHT PRAYER: Monday 7/13
Posted: 13 Jul 2020 06:00 PM PDT
Today's weather was a jumble, Lord:
a sunny start, increasing cloudiness,
then clear skies followed by occasional thunderstorms
and around 2:00 p.m. - it was raining in the sunshine!
Not unlike some of my days, Lord,
when I often experience:
laughter and tears
worry and trust
hope and discouragement
joy and sorrow
courage and fear
anxiety and serenity
all in the span of 24 hours!
The weather patterns in my soul, Lord, are filled with:
high and low pressure systems
emotional climate change
gentle rain and microbursts
cold fronts and heat waves
heavy fog and maximum visibility
turbulence and calm
droughts and flash floods
cloudbursts and clearing...
But I trust deeply, Lord, that the "extended outlook"
is for fair weather
that I'll survive the storms
not melt in the rain
deal with the humidity
delight in warm and sunny days
and remember: fair weather always follows foul!
Protect me, Lord, while I lie awake through storms
and watch over me as I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns
I was sure by now
God, you would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen,"
and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And raised me up again
But my strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find you
But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of Heaven and Earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of Heaven and Earth
And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For you are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm
Though my heart is torn
(Though my heart is torn)
I will praise you in this storm
(Praise you in this storm)