08-08-19

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS

August 8, 2019

Prayer for the Grieving: In Christ Jesus, we witnessed the power of your love over death. We join the voices who ask the rhetorical questions, “Where, O death, is your sting? Where, O death, is your victory?” Lord of the Empty Tomb, we are able to speak with confidence as those who have, by faith, walked in the shadow of death and witnessed new life. Yet on this day, there are families who are making arrangements for funerals and memorial services. There are those who are attempting to find language so as to speak hope into the darkness of despair. There are those who remain firmly rooted in denial, and can we blame them. For those of us who grieve from a distance, may our faith and hope respectfully provide space for individuals who must make this dark journey. Let us never provide unwanted or unsolicited advice. Instead, O God of Grace, provide us the insight into how we can be the empowered Body of Christ to those who need Christ’s physical presence along the way. May your church not move to the next thing too quickly, even though the news cycle and society’s attention span will. Let us, as you so beautifully displayed in Jesus, be present to those who will remain in the struggle and the emotional chaos that is grief. May our spiritual support, even from a distance, resemble your amazing grace. This we request in the name of Jesus, your miraculous expression of love incarnate. Amen.

---

---

via WordPress https://ift.tt/2GWvkfg