When I listen to the horrific stories of oppressed people and people groups, I am astonished by the inner strength and hope that arises as people cry out to God for help. Somehow and someway, in the saying of exactly how it is for someone right now in their soul, their very being experiences being listened to.
Being seen, heard, witnessed, accepted and known in our suffering, sorrow, and grief releases unforced gratitude in us. Steadfast Love and unwavering Grace meets us there. Like Hagar in the desert, courage arises within and fresh power is given to dwell fully alive where we are.
Perhaps you sense an invitation through this text to allow some cries, some sorrow to be seen and heard just as it is. Go slowly and maybe acknowledge that not only is grief there but something else inside is feeling afraid of being swept away with the grief. Maybe even keep your eyes open and lean into the support under you as you sense inside what the sad feels like in your body this time. It might be murky, yet see if you can describe what is there. You might bring a gentle hand there and with Jesus, acknowledge that this is what it’s like today. Sense what kind of loving, caring presence this sad wants from you and Jesus now. Maybe a picture, or metaphor, gesture or sound comes. See if you can gently stay there together. When you arise from this time of prayer, simply notice what’s changed inside, even just a bit and offer whatever gratitude seems fitting this time.
Beloved, you are loved and your cries are welcomed.
Psalm 22:23-31 New Living Translation
Praise the Lord, all you who fear him!
Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob!
Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!
For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
He has not turned his back on them,
but has listened to their cries for help.
I will praise you in the great assembly.
I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you.
The poor will eat and be satisfied.
All who seek the LORD will praise him.
Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.
The whole earth will acknowledge the LORD and return to him.
All the families of the nations will bow down before him.
For royal power belongs to the LORD.
He rules all the nations.
Let the rich of the earth feast and worship.
Bow before him, all who are mortal,
all whose lives will end as dust.
Our children will also serve him.
Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.
His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born.
They will hear about everything he has done.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, a phrase, image, or feeling that ‘shimmered’ as you listened? Allow it to land in your heart. Stay with it. Savor it.
Reflect on what you heard. What effect does it have on you? What meaning does it hold for you? What does the Holy Spirit seem to be conveying to you? Talk it over in your prayer. Perhaps you want to draw or color your prayer or journal the conversation.
As the time of prayer comes to a close, share some moments of quiet with Jesus, simply resting safely in his presence.
Psalm 22:23-31 The Message
Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship, and punctuate it with Hallelujahs: Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers; give glory, you sons of Jacob; adore him, you daughters of Israel. He has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around. He has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening.
Here in this great gathering for worship I have discovered this praise-life. And I’ll do what I promised right here in front of the God-worshipers. Down-and-outers sit at God’s table and eat their fill. Everyone on the hunt for God is here, praising him. “Live it up, from head to toe. Don’t ever quit!”
From the four corners of the earth people are coming to their senses, are running back to God. Long-lost families are falling on their faces before him. God has taken charge; from now on he has the last word.
All the power-mongers are before him —worshiping!
All the poor and powerless, too —worshiping!
Along with those who never got it together—worshiping!
Our children and their children will get in on this As the word is passed along from parent to child. Babies not yet conceived will hear the good news— that God does what he says.