In moments or seasons of difficulty it can be hard to find words in prayer. Anger or tears are sometimes our deepest expressions of what is in our hearts. God is the one who created us with both of these – the anger of emotion that lets us know something we care deeply about is at risk. The tears that are literally our bodies expressing deep joy and deep sorrow.
Many of us are praying for people we love who are grieving recent loss, struggling with illness, being courageous in healing, and some humbly preparing for death. Words tend to fade. Silence comes. Tears, anger, hope and love sit in every situation we hold in our hearts. Someone else sits there too. The resurrected Christ. Yes…the resurrected Christ. By the bedsides, in the surgery rooms, at the caskets, in your living rooms and parking lots; at the desk of your virtual classroom; walking down the street. Christ is there.
If you need words to pray for the people you love, I offer this familiar Psalm as a way to give words to your heart. Fill in the blanks with the names of your people. Write in the situations, even “enemies” that war in this moment. Name before the one who created us, all of your heart. God meets you right here.
The LORD is ______’s shepherd, _____ will not want.
The LORD makes _______ lie down in green pastures,
He leads ______ beside still waters,
He restores _______’s soul.
The LORD guides _______ in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake. God is present with her/him;
the LORD is shining light on ______’s path for this day.
Even though ______ walks through the valley
of the shadow of death,
_______ will fear no evil, for the LORD is with her/him.
The rod and staff of the resurrected Christ,
comfort and guide __________.
The LORD prepares a table today for ________
in the presence of enemies (like cancer, death, betrayal, grief, addictions, illness; despair)
The LORD anoints ______’s head with oil, providing a special blessing upon her/him.
The cup of _______ overflows with God’s love and presence.
Care and hospitality and grace are abundant.
Mercy stands guard at _______’s door.
Surely goodness and love will follow _______
all the days of her/his life,
And ________ will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever. Amen.
Psalm 23
We are not alone. We are with one another in spirit and in prayer. The resurrected Christ is also there.
The Prayer with Andrea Bocellli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nexnnrYyTmc
Life in the Deep End 
Love this. Fills my heart
Wow Vona!!!! I have never looked at that passage in such an intimate way before. This has really reached into my soul. Thank you for sharing your precious time with me in this writing! Valerie Yancey
On Wed, Jan 27, 2021 at 8:55 AM Life in the Deep End wrote:
> Vona Wilson posted: ” In moments or seasons of difficulty it can be hard > to find words in prayer. Anger or tears are sometimes our deepest > expressions of what is in our hearts. God is the one who created us with > both of these – the anger of emotion that lets us kn” >
This brought tears, relief and deep peace….thank you!!
Every time I read the title of your posts, I think of the quote I use at the end of my email—have used it since Leslie got sick. So, enjoy. And love you, sister!
Kaye Harvey 615-481-2730 Jensen Beach, Florida
More than anything else, I had to learn how to let down like a swimmer letting down into the water to discover the buoyancy that is there. I fear that all too many of us go through life like people who don’t know how to swim and are afraid of the water. When we get in the water, we flail our arms around, wear ourselves out, and drown. The saints through the ages will remind us that we live in an ocean of love. We are surrounded by love. If we will exercise enough faith to let down, we will discover there is Someone at the heart of things who will hold you up. “My grace is enough for you.” Glen Hinson
>
At first I thought you were leading us to Romans 8:26 which tells us the Spirit will pray for us when we have no words. I often depend on that promise. But this is beautiful because it gives us the words to pray. I prayed that right now for our dear friend who is suffering. Thank you. I pray this for myself OFTEN. Now I will pray these words for others I love