John 16:20 reminded me of Elijah in the cave. (1 Kings 19) I circle back to this story again and again for its honesty and compassion. Jesus fills his table talk with the disciples with the same honesty and compassion. We can trust God again and again to meet us in our pain with understanding and remind of what is true and what is to come.

John 16:20
Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy.”

When the pain is deep, I cannot see
Everything closes in like the dark, damp walls of a cave
All is stone and I am alone

But you do not leave me in the shadows.
You are with me,
Calling me out of the cave
Speaking in smallness and stillness
Speaking hope into my hopelessness
Reminding me of all the possibilities

Thank you, Faithful One
My Light and Life
Who opens the crypt of my broken heart
Who draws me forth from my too soon tomb
Who leaves no one in the dark

John 17:15, 18
Jesus prayed, “I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one… As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”

The world is full of evil
The world is full of need
The world is full of people
who do not understand your love and saving power
and those who do

Psalm 28:7a
The Lord is my strength and my shield
In him my heart trusts…

Jesus, Son and Savior
We follow you out into the world
Recognizing the sacrifice and danger
Recognizing you are greater

Psalm 28:7a
The Lord is my strength and my shield
In him my heart trusts…

We claim your promises of protection and leadership
Watch over us as we love our neighbors and enemies
Defend us as we build up the poor and discouraged
Guard us as we shield the vulnerable and oppressed
Pray for us as we block those who would prey upon others

Psalm 28:7a
The Lord is my strength and my shield
In him my heart trusts…

May your Glory shine in every eye
May your Kingdom come in every heart
Amen
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For the next few months, I’m reading a chapter from the Gospels each day. This is part of the Summer in the Scriptures reading plan sponsored by the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Click Here for the reading plan.

You’re most welcome to read along and to join the Facebook discussion group, Summer in the Scriptures. You don’t need to be a Methodist or attend a Methodist church. All are welcome and all means all.

As part of the Facebook group, I’ve been supplying prayers based on the day’s reading. Feel free to post your prayers and observations based on the readings here or there as well.

May the grace of the Gospels, the challenge, and the call, inspire us to great faith and great good works in Jesus’ name. – Lisa <

Prayer for Pain © 2020 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
Prayer for Protection © 2000 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
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