By David R. Brock of Redmond, Oregon USA

For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him. The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live forever!

Sometimes the news is so sad
And our emotions so strong
That we just need silence, God.
We demand space to breathe.

No…more…words, please
from microphone, pulpit, or webcast.
We need quiet
so our own thoughts can form

so we have our own space to respond.
The sigh too deep for words
the expletive of anger
or the gulp or surprise.

The sorrow we cannot name
so we borrow words of lament
from honest ancient psalms:
Why am I walking around in tears?

All your breakers and your waves have rolled over me.
I’m a bucket kicked over and spilled.
Wouldn’t you have figured this out?
Don’t you care what happens to us?

But, there’s more in our soul’s silent spaces
than mourning or lament or anger.
We are stubborn
like our ancestors of the faith.

Stubborn in our resolve
to press on, to find our way
to find, you, God,
in this fierce desert landscape.

We are a people of stubborn hope
Hope in the story of our people
Hope in each other
Hope in our call

Where else can we go?
Who else can we trust?
If you sustain us
If you will give us courage

If you will pour out your love
that will be enough
for Jesus’ sake,
Amen.

Prayer Phrase

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Hope in the Present

Take a moment to pause and reflect on where hope is present in your life. Write down three things that give you hope. It could be a kind word from a friend, the warmth of the sun, or progress toward a goal. If you are facing difficulties, gently remind yourself: “Even now, hope is present. Even now, something new is possible.” Express gratitude for this hope knowing that each day is an opportunity for renewal.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.