Just some thoughts:
Tonight I have been sad. Very sad.
A number of factors enter into this feeling, but mainly I have friends, good friends, that I know are sad. No, some are more than sad. They are really hurting, the kind of sad that aches. One is in a hospital not far from here and sadness for a family because their child, grandchild only lived less than two days.
James Braddock was a professional boxer that lived and fought during the depression days of the late 20s’ and into the 30s’. In a recent movie, “Cinderella Man”, Braddock’s life is depicted. He and his family experienced some real hard times. At meal time one evening, his wife asked him to say a prayer before eating. Braddock gave her a look that spoke volumes and said, “You pray, I’m all prayed out.”
You ever felt that way? Who hasn’t, if one is a praying person? I’ve reached my bottom. I have no more words.
Some time ago our small (church) group was meeting in one of the homes, a good friend of ours asked me to read a prayer she had found some place. I have kept it on my desk in my “in” box. There are times when I feel like Braddock, all prayed out, and thus have referred to it. Tonight is one of those nights.
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight
And give your Angels charge over those who sleep tend to
Your sick ones, O Lord Christ, rest your weary ones, bless
Your dying ones, soothe your suffering ones, pity your
Afflicted ones, shield your joyous ones, and all for your
Love’s sake.
Amen