Sometimes, I simply don't know where to begin. So in the words of a previous chaplain colleague, I "just go."I'm walking down the hall, wondering what kind of family is beside the now-dead patient? I'm climbing the tower stairs, wondering what kind of patient is requesting a bible? I'm rounding the waiting room corner, wondering if it's the patient or family who wants to fill out a power of attorney?
Various prayers come to mind that accompany my wonder-wander. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart always be acceptable in your sight, O God." or "Open my lips, O God, that my mouth might proclaim your praise," or "Come, Holy Spirit," or simply "breathe."
Last Friday, I found in my prayer book a simple antiphon for the day's Psalm.
When you turn to the right or to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you; you shall hear your teacher saying, "This is the way, walk in it."
I'm humbled by thinking that God's praying for me just as I'm praying for God's presence. That God's whispering in my ear, "just go."
How are you hearing a word behind you, in this moment?
Love that idea. God is praying for us, as we ask for God's presence. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI was nervous last week, not sure I would be able to control an upcoming situation. I started praying about it and right away God said, "You won't be alone! I'll be with you in every moment."
ReplyDeleteWhat a huge difference it made to be reminded. How many times has God told me?
I entered the situation with a peace I had not known earlier. My fears never materialized.