Friday Prayer, May 5, 2017
Where do you look for help?
When things are hard? When life feels overwhelming? When you can’t break free from the same debilitating thought patterns or behaviors that just won’t shake off?
My family I spent last weekend in the mountains of Utah while visiting my brother and sister-in-law. It was tangible therapy for my heart, soul, and bone. I went for a number of runs at a park nearby their home, and this was the scenery.
The steadiness of the mountains was such a grounding, restorative gift. After months of transition (which we continue to live into every day), I was reminded in a very physical way the source of my help. Where I can find my strength and my hope and my perseverance…
Psalm 121 has always been one of my favorite psalms. I return to it time and time again, and last week’s retreat with beloved family and steadfast mountains brought my soul to it once again.
Rather than write my own prayer this week, I want to share the words of this psalm. Perhaps we can all picture the mountains and in them, see the strong, resilient presence of God in our lives.
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A Pilgrimage Prayer – Psalm 121
I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
God won’t let your foot slip.
Your protector won’t fall asleep on the job.
No! Israel’s protector
never sleeps or rests!
The Lord is your protector;
the Lord is your shade right beside you.
The sun won’t strike you during the day;
neither will the moon at night.
The Lord will protect you from all evil;
God will protect your very life.[a]
The Lord will protect you on your journeys—
whether going or coming—
from now until forever from now.
The Lord has protected me on my journey and I am ready to head home. Peace and joy to you….
Sent from my iPhone
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Welcome home!!
Dear Arianne,
What a thrill it is to wake up to your Friday prayer from Sugarhouse Park in Salt Lake City. I grew up in Sugarhouse and how well I understand your reaction to my majestic Wasatch mountains! What a small world this is! What takes your brother to my hometown, just as you are adjusting to Wilmette right next to my son’s family in Evanston? Mimi would be so happy to know that we have continued our connection in so many wonderful ways!
Your Friday prayer is always a great inspiration, but never more than this morning! Every syllable is doubly meaningful coming from you in Sugarhouse Park! Please tell me more about how you are enjoying your new life. We must get together soon to compare notes. I was just in Wilmette and thought fondly about you, but I was trying to entertain my three grandsons while my son took his wife to Chicago for a birthday weekend. They were thrilled to see “Hamilton.” Have you and your husband seen it? I’ve enjoyed excerpts on television and am delighted that they enjoyed it so much.
Thanks so much for my happy morning! Miracles are all around us! You and your Friday prayers are so very much appreciated, Arianne!
Thank you, Gerri, for this wonderful message! How special to learn your roots like in Sugarhouse! Your encouraging words are always greatly appreciated, my friend! And very glad to learn your son got to see “Hamilton.” We are eager – so very eager! – to go! Hopefully before the baby arrives! Every blessing to you, Gerri, and much love.