Sunday 10th May | Ruth Feathers
Readings
Reflection
The phrase ‘You turned my wailing into dancing’ from Psalm 30 really stuck with me as I was looking over the passages as, in times like this, it can be hard to find hope, however we have God’s promise that He hears us when we call. Although we are in a time of suffering, God will bring us from this time of mourning into a place of joy and worship, while patiently walking with us.
In Ezekiel, the bones are originally ‘dried up’ and ‘hope is gone’ which is often how we feel, lifeless and hopeless. God breathes life into those bones, and into us too. He takes our weariness and renews us as He is the source of eternal life and He is our hope. Jesus has proclaimed that whoever believes has crossed over from death to life. God has that power. That is something to be hopeful in.
Taking time to worship Jesus amidst the uncertainty sets us apart. This is a time to call upon God but to also rejoice in all that He has already done and will continue to do. I have also been challenged to spend more of this time we have been given in worship, in prayer and in immersing myself in His word. It is time to clothe ourselves in joy as we can dance knowing that weeping may come for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Prayers
Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you hear us when we call out to you.
We pray that in this time we can be clothed with joy as we begin to understand all that you have done and continue to do for us.
Take our suffering and use it to help us draw closer to you. Breathe your life into us so that we may worship you. Strengthen us through your spirit.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Collect
Almighty God,
Who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ
Have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
Grant that, as by your grace going before us
You put into our minds good desires,
So by your continual help
We may bring them to good effect;
Through Jesus Christ our risen Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and for ever.
Amen.
