Lent

March 22, 2023

Scripture Reading: Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
   Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
   to the voice of my supplications!

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
   Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you,
   so that you may be revered.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
   and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
   more than those who watch for the morning,
   more than those who watch for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord!
   For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
  and with him is great power to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel
   from all its iniquities.

A few weeks ago, I talked to my cousin, who lives in California, concerning the fires and floods that are assaulting that state. I had just watched a news report about mudslides that were getting nearer to her home. She assured me their home was on solid ground and inland enough not to be bothered by the mudslides.  Last week the floods were getting worse, and I emailed her. Have not heard back. I hope she and her husband are safe. They may not have electricity or an internet connection. She would say they are in God’s hands.

I thought of her when I read the above Psalm, and although I would like to hear it from her, I, too, trust that they are in God’s hands no matter what happens with the weather and share that hope with all people as we face the challenges of our world today.

Prayer:  Lord, I pray today for all the people caught in weather, war, disaster, and pandemic and pray these words for each and all:
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:

Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home*. Amen.

*Take My Hand, Precious Lord, by Thomas A. Dorsey, See at http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/p/l/t/m/pltmhand.htm

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.