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For the Journey : A song and a prayer

These words of Jesus are not a pain-masking opioid, they are Eastering words spoken by one well acquainted with grief. And so I take up those words and offer this prayer:
A Nova Scotian tragedy reminds us that for so many, the worst has become a reality and that anguish has invaded their hearts and homes.

I woke up this morning with this song in my head and a strong feeling that I needed to share it with someone today. Shortly after, I got a text from a close friend whose 85-year-old father, suffering from what seems to be kidney failure, had to admit himself to the hospital yesterday. The family gathered in the parking last night, prayed for their husband/father/grandfather and then watched with breaking hearts as he walked alone through the doors to whatever awaits.

Too Close to Home

We are all aware that for so many, the worst has become a reality and that anguish has invaded their hearts and homes. Our beloved Nova Scotians come painfully to mind. And it all hits just a little too close to home as the pretense of our own invulnerability is exposed as a sham.

In this season, the Church remembers Jesus’ words, “My peace I leave you, my peace I give you.” These words are not a pain-masking opioid, they are Eastering words spoken by one well acquainted with grief. And so I take up those words and offer this song-prayer:

FOR THE JOURNEY
by Steve Bell

May the Lord bless and keep you
May his face shine upon you
May his graciousness be like an endless stream
May the Lord show his favour
To your house and your neighbour
‘Till the last remaining strains of striving cease
May he grant you peace.

In my heart, there’s a sadness building up
Every turn adds to the cup
As my losses match the measure of my gains
In the shadow of this curse
Where the best implies the worst
If you’re like me, you’ll need to hear somebody pray:

May the Lord bless and keep you…

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7 Comments

  1. Grant

    “Till the last remaining strains of striving cease”

    Funny how that seems also to be part of this tragedy. In strange contrast. Like a glimmer of hope for a healing world.

    Suddenly, less noise. Even the world’s seismology centers are reading less background vibration as all our heavy industry and vehicular traffic is turned off. The earth almost seems to exhale an exhausted sigh of relief. Animals “re-occupy” spaces they’d long ago abandoned. People long for contact rather than “personal space.” I guess we’ve all had enough of that now to last a life time.

    Thanks for the song. It was/is a blessing.
    Clean hands – Open hearts
    Cheers!

  2. Laurel

    May we all re-enter this world with clean hearts and open arms!

    And If is possible (Romans 12:18), as much as depends on you, live peaceabley
    with all men.

    Blessed indeed! Be blessed! Be Well.

  3. Claudia Sutton

    Thankyou for the lovely song and prayer. Thankful despite our topsy turvy world, God holds us in the palm of his hand.. Love your and encouragement. Look forward to possibly hearing you live some day near our home.
    Claudia Sutton
    Oxford Mills ON

  4. Jackie Deutsch

    Thank you once again Steve. Our Lord has greatly blessed you with the ability to touch many, many hearts. May He continue to grace you and grant you Peace.

    In Christ
    Jackie

  5. Pingback:Wisdom from St. Benedict and Joan Chittister and Steve Bell and…. | listenwiththeearofyourheart

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