our loss, your peace

This week I have been struck by the abundance of loss.

Someone in my family had their pocketbook and briefcase stolen. She lost her money, papers and credit cards… but most of all she lost her sense of comfort and security.

A good friend who has been out of work for some time thought he had a job lined up, only to find that it was gone.

A man I know in Maine was preparing to marry his life-long love, only to see that right taken away at the ballot box on Tuesday.

Just this afternoon, a man shot and killed eleven people in Texas. The loss felt by these families is only now beginning to hit.

I am sure we all have been touched by loss… we all know people who are grieving tonight. Will you pray with me?

Jesus… your promise of peace is perhaps your greatest gift. There are people in my life—and many more in the world—who need your peace tonight more than ever… people who may be crushed by the sense of loss without you. May they feel the physical presence of your hand upon the shoulder, the unexplained warmth in their soul that reassures them that you are with them… that everything is as it should be… the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray with confidence tonight and with no reservation. For your promise is clear and your love unwavering.

We come before you today comforted by the Psalms…

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

… reassured by the prophets….

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

… emboldened by your own words….

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

For this, we pray.

Amen.

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