A prayer from Augustine
Some years ago we went through an experience of disappointment and loss, but where a pastor's focus is on others' loss, not his own or his own family's.
How do you do it? You could close down emotionally - become the person nothing touches. You could throw your sorrow into the pot - "Yes, I'm hurting too" - but usually the story is not about you.
I found this prayer of Augustine's. It helped me so much I put it on the wall of my study. I still find it helpful from time to time.
that we may be able to encourage
the souls of all who journey with us
on the road of life,
to your honour and glory.
it turns me to Isaiah 40 and specifically verses 10 - 31.
How do you do it? You could close down emotionally - become the person nothing touches. You could throw your sorrow into the pot - "Yes, I'm hurting too" - but usually the story is not about you.
I found this prayer of Augustine's. It helped me so much I put it on the wall of my study. I still find it helpful from time to time.
God of our life,
There are days when the burdens we carry
chafe our shoulders and weigh us down;
when the road seems dreary and endless,
the skies grey and threatening;
when our lives have no music in them,
and our hearts are lonely,
and our souls have lost their courage.
Flood the path with light,
turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise;
tune our hearts to brave music;
give us the sense of comradeship
with heroes and saints of every age;
that we may be able to encourage
the souls of all who journey with us
on the road of life,
to your honour and glory.
it turns me to Isaiah 40 and specifically verses 10 - 31.
Comments