April 28, 2024
Sometimes we pray like David,
Psalm 5: 8
Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies -
make your way straight before me.
We want the way to be straight-forward, meaning the way we think it should go. And yet many times in real life, God requires us to change direction.
Day 21 – April 28
Contributed by Warren Ayer
Once upon a time, I had gainful employment with a large corporation. As with all such successful enterprises they must continually restructure and reinvent themselves as a natural course in the ebb and flow of markets and business. And so it was, there came a day when my current assignment was coming to an end and I needed to find a new position.
I called my friends in various other divisions seeking opportunities for my next position. I had my sights set on one particular division, where I had a number of well positioned friends and arranged an interview. It seemed to go well. But in spite of my prayers, they told me a few days later that they “could not help me.”
I was hurt and must confess a “bit put out.” But within a matter of weeks, that division announced massive layoffs and my friends were no longer “well positioned.” My hurt and frustration turned to immediate gratitude to God for NOT giving me what I asked for.
I found myself praying very differently from that day forward.
Paradoxes of Prayer
I asked God for strength,
that I might achieve
I was made weak,
that I might learn humbly to obey
I asked for health,
that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity,
that I might do better things
I asked for riches,
that I might be happy
I was given poverty,
that I might be wise
I asked for power,
that I might have the praise of men
I was given weakness,
that I might feel the need of God
I asked for all things,
that I might enjoy life
I was given life,
that I might enjoy all things
I got nothing that I asked for,
but everything I had hoped for
Almost despite myself,
my unspoken prayers were answered
I am, among all,
most richly blessed!
Looking Ahead
Lord You are our Lamp and Shield
Your way is perfect,
and Your word is true;
You are our Light and Refuge.
Some of our prayers on the National Day of Prayer
will focus on our Government as statesmen,
rather than adversaries
Justice, Lawgiver, King of Kings,
and Lord of Lords, Ancient of Days,
we lift up the Word
and light up local, state, and federal government.
Psalm 2: 10-11
Therefore, you kings, be wise (show discernment)
be warned you rulers of the earth,
Serve the Lord with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
May God continue to bless our prayer journey together.
Board of Deacons
United Church of Colchester
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