In a tumultuous world, one needs a rock to hang on to: something solid, reliable and so permanent that storms, calamities or even despair will not dissolve it.
Some years ago, I discovered such a rock on the shore of Lake Michigan. I have always been drawn to rocks. I collect them, not as a scientist would to classify them, but as an aesthete who loves color, form and texture. This rock called to me because of its almost perfect spherical form and its warm tawny color. It filled both my hands like a loaf of artisanal bread. It was definitely a rock to bring home!
My rock holds pride of place on my prayer table. I tuck small written prayer requests underneath it, touching the rock as I pass by during the day, assured that God is tending to these needs. I often bring “The God Rock” on my retreats, passing it around for retreatants to hold as they pray. It has changed to a shiny olive color from the oils on hundreds of hands.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, and those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
I read 3 different online devotionals daily: Our Daily Bread, Living Faith, and The Upper Room. As I listened to The Daily Reflection on Hallow today, I felt sure the Living Faith devotional would be based on today’s Gospel and had a reflection ready to share. To my surprise, I see that both Our Daily Bread and Living Faith are talking about God as Our Refuge but from 2 different psalms. I’ll save the reflection on the sowing seeds for another day and share the same post I made on ODB here. In the alphabetical listing of character virtues, I seek each day in prayer is to be zealous in what God has done in my life. Before January, I’d likely tell you that the holidays were perfect all because of me. It’s incredible how sin and grace can change a man. I share this because I'm here to tell you I’m zealous about how God has become my true refuge. I’ve been living alone from in-person earthly companionship for 3 months and separated from family and friends for 6 months. When I accepted Christ in January, entirely with no conditions, my life changed, and I was transformed, but that was only the beginning of the never-ending journey with Christ. Three weeks ago, I decided I was going to have a great week because I had been free of over 50 years of guilt and sin since the beginning of the year. Last week, I decided I would have an awesome week, and this week has been phenomenal. Since April 22nd, I’ve had only 2 meals where I ate with a friend who stood by me. Every other meal, whether alone in my hotel room or at a restaurant, has been alone in the earthly sense but not the Godly sense. I have consciously decided that my days and weeks will be joyful regardless of circumstance because of God’s ever-growing grace, so I have strengthened my refuge in him. He is with me at every bite, step, and word I type. AMEN!
In today’s reading, “The God Rock” by Jennifer Christ, the author reflects on the steadfast and unchanging nature of God, symbolized by a rock she found on the shore of Lake Michigan. This rock, which she keeps on her prayer table, serves as a tangible reminder of God’s unwavering presence and reliability in her life. Just as I find comfort and strength in my daily prayers, declaring “The Lord is my shepherd, I do not want; The Lord is my shepherd, I do not fear; the Lord is my rock and my fortress; the Lord is my refuge, of whom should I be afraid.” Jennifer Christ’s rock symbolizes a similar refuge and source of strength. Her practice of touching the rock and placing prayer requests beneath it resonates deeply with my own experience of faith and trust in God’s protection and guidance.
Sharing with you, “ DAY TWENTY-TWO “I am the LORD…” *** READ “‘But let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know Me, that I am the LORD, Who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:24 *** REFLECT Throughout the book of Revelation, God shows mercy to His people as His justice prevails. Revelation describes the victory of God and His people alongside the defeat of Satan and evil. Many wonder how God can be both merciful and just. From beginning to end, the Bible shows us that only God extends mercy and justice in perfect harmony. No moment in history better illustrates the convergence of God’s justice and mercy than Jesus’s death on the cross. Jesus simultaneously satisfied God’s justice and mercifully liberated sinners from their bondage to sin. Revelation encourages us to place our hope in Christ, knowing that our merciful God, Who rules and reigns over all, will one day accomplish His perfect justice. *** PRAY When we recognize the extent of God’s justice and mercy, we realize our fleeting lives should not be wasted. We can confidently share the gospel with anyone, knowing that no sinner is beyond God’s mercy. Spend some time in prayer, asking God to reveal the people in your life who need His kindness, justice, and mercy. Pray for the confidence and opportunity to share the gospel!”
Listen to the psalmist in today’s Psalm 71…God is my refuge, my rescuer, my safety, my rock, my fortress, my hope, my trust, and my strength! The psalmist will declare His Salvation, His justice and His wondrous deeds! The psalmist understood “on You I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb!” How about you? *** What do you understand about yourself? *** What will you declare about God? *** Who is God to you?
Jennifer ah what a great reminder to turn to God and have faith in his ways. I have an old family bible that years ago I used to put my requests in and have fallen from that routine. Something maybe I should start up again. I just worry it may be filled with so many requests that I won't be able to close it anymore LOL. Good news about Cass. Prayers for Kirnon, Jane at work and Irenes hip surgery and anyone else going through a hard time. Blessings to all the LFF and extra prayers for those with extra needs these days. May we all have the strength and visions to go out and spread Gods love to all the world.
Good morning, Living Faith Family. I would like you to lift up my son Kirnon in your prayers. He was terminated from his job.Let his financial situation be improved and pray for his peace of mind and stability. God never closes one door without opening another. Thank you.
Eleanor, lifting Kirnon and sending light that he may see God’s path for him, which isn’t always obvious. God has a plan for him. May Kirnon see this experience as a growth opportunity for new and different things. Amen.
Eleanor, my prayers will also be with you and your son, tonight.
Eleanor, praying for Kirnon. May the Lord be with him and you. Blessings, Rita.
Good morning Eleanor, praying that your son Kirnon comes to peace after losing his job and receives strength and courage from the Holy Spirit to open that new door of opportunity.
Yes as a person with vast careers in my life I have been blessed with termination. Of it was rocky but saying the St Joseph Novena help me for St Joseph intercedes for us with his son Jesus. You can find the novena online. I pray for your son he finds a job that he will be able to love and enjoy using his God given talents. Prayer for you as well.
Eleanor I will pray for your son right now.. you are surely correct more opportunities will be open for him. Ken
Jennifer loved the prayer rock! God is our rock and we need to seek Him everyday. If you ever feel that God has left you, then just reach out He will be there. Ken hope you had a blessed birthday! May everyone have a day full of miracles and joy.
Nancy, so happy to hear the positive news about Cass. Continued prayers for her wellbeing.
Nancy!!! I just read yesterday’s comments and I’m so thrilled to hear of Cass’s God blessed news! I agree with you…Cass is now in the PR Business! It is a Privilege and a Responsibility to share the journey she’s walked - and being able to show she is still walking! Alleluia!
Loved your comment this morning, Pam! Maybe we all join the PR club at some point in our lives. Thank you
I will cling to God my Rock always. Especially tomorrow when I have surgery to replace my hip.
Irene, may God be with your surgical team today and guide their movements. Sending you strength, persistence and dedication for the recovery. Amen.
Prayers tonight for you and the surgeons, Irene. As I tell everyone work with your PT people. They'll get you back walking again.
Irene I am praying for you and your upcoming surgery on your hip. Living faith family today's wisdom of the saints is. [ ] "Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy, What is the lifeblood of fasting. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petitions to be heard, hear the petitions of others. If you do not close your ear to others, you open your God's , ear to yourself." [ ] Saint Peter Chrysolgus Thanks for birthday wishes had a memorable day with pictures from the past. Ken Ken
Amen... may our Lord God continue to be our Rock always
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Jennifer, this was a beautiful and very visual reflection. I loved the imagery you provided about the beach, the rock, its place on your table, the prayer requests and its changing colors. In describing the tactile approach you and others use with it, it made me feel a sense of anchoring, comfort and durability given the weight of the stone. Thank you for sharing! So many thoughtful comments yesterday and today.