“Thursday’s Child”
I don’t know whether you remember the children’s poem about children and the days of the week. I do. The poem begins: “Monday’s child is fair of face.”
Here we are, on Thursday of the week. Today’s offering? “Thursday’s child has far to go.” That feels so sadly familiar right now. I am a UCC pastor of a small church in suburban Chicago. Our congregation of mostly seniors has been on a long, long journey through the past year and a half.
I wonder: is anyone else wanting to crawl under the bed covers again? I know I want to. If that is where you are today, then this prayer is especially for you.
Dear Lord, out of the depths, I cry to You. Or, is that from deep beneath the bed covers?
Lord, hear my voice. Or, is that Your voice I am listening for? I listen for You with all my heart.
Please, let Your ears be attentive to my cry! Gracious God, please. I’m so tired, and I really need You to listen to me.
If You, Lord, kept track of all my sins, all of everyone’s sins – Lord, could anyone stand before You? (that’s a rhetorical question, You understand.)
Yet, with You there is forgiveness. Thank You, O God, for forgiveness and mercy!
Strengthen and energize me – us – again for joy-filled ministry and service.
Help me – help us to see that the smallest act in Your name is indeed ministry that gives praise and blessing to Your name.
Gracious God, thank You for Your unfailing love, Your bountiful mercy, and Your full redemption.
Your redeeming grace is indeed amazing. Help all of us to trustingly place our hope in You and Your precious Name.
In the loving hope-filled name of Christ we pray, amen.
The Rev. Elizabeth Jones
Elizabeth is pastor at St. Luke’s Christian Community Church (UCC) in the Chicago suburb of Morton Grove, and is a commissioned and ordained member in the Federation of Christian Ministries. Elizabeth holds a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and a Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling in Illinois (certified by IAODAPCA), and is active in peacemaking and interfaith work, engaging the local community.
She blogs at “Pastor, Preacher, Pray-er” at wordpress.com. Her spiritual and theological training, experience in prayer, and natural less-anxious presence enable her to bring encouragement, strength and comfort to persons in need.
Elizabeth’s family shares space with a petite cat (with a big personality) named Mary. Elizabeth loves reading, music, piano-playing, yoga, taking walks, baking, and messing around on the computer.
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