Monday, March 30, 2020
The Rev. Rob Stevens
Collect
Be gracious to your people, we entreat you, O Lord, that they, repenting day by day of the things that displease you, may be more and more filled with love of you and of your commandments; and, being supported by your grace in this life, may come to the full enjoyment of eternal life in your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading
Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.
3 He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Reflection
The comfort that this Psalm lends to me during this time of uncertainty and distance is truly soul reviving. I keep returning to the phrase, “He revives my soul.” I imagine that many of us have felt depleted during the past month. I know that I have felt helpless at times and at a loss for what to do or how to do it. Wisdom often comes with a paradox. Right now, wisdom states, “Don’t just do something…Stand there.” I am a do-er, and this need to be still is not easy or comfortable for me. Psalm 23 is a great way to start (or end) the day. A gentle but firm reminder that we are not alone, we are not left comfortless. This time of Exile, as our bishop has so rightly identified our current reality, is a trial, and it is also an opportunity to, as Psalm 46 states, “Be still and know that I am God.” I am grateful for the gift of work, the opportunity to wonder with you in the midst of crisis, and how we continue to BE the church for one another. I love you all more than words can express and please know my prayers are constant for St. John's and beyond. I offer to you, along with Psalm 23, a prayer for the morning from our Prayer Book on Page 461. It is amazing how these ancient prayers have such meaning in the now.
In the Morning
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
Questions
What practices revive your soul? What new learnings has this distance and isolation produced in you?