It has been several days of great disappointment, fear, shame, and the need for prayer.
I have no words and a few additional stresses are beckoning for my attention so I thought I would share the hymn that tonight is my prayer.
God, who made the earth and heaven, darkness and light:
you the day for work have given, for rest the night.
May your angel guards defend us, slumber sweet your mercy send us,
holy dreams and hopes attend us all through the night.
And when morn again shall call us to run life’s way,
may we still, what-e’er befall us, your will obey.
From the power of evil hide us, in the narrow pathway guide us,
never be your smile denied us all though the day.
Guard us waking, guard us sleeping, and when we die,
may we in your mighty keeping all peaceful lie.
When the last dread call shall wake us, then, O Lord, do not forsake us,
but to reign in glory take us with you on high.
[God, Who Made the Earth and Heaven, ELW #564]
Almighty God grant you a quiet night and peace at the last. Amen.
The Rev. Ellen Meissgeier