Alphabet Soup

 Out of the fires of desperation burn Hope and Solidarity. –Sharan Burrows

 

Let’s face it: We are living in challenging times. For two years, we have lived strange, isolated lives, held hostage by the coronavirus. In recent days, war has loomed large over Eastern Europe, especially Ukraine. Add to that the ongoing climate anomalies that aren’t nearly as anomalistic as they used to be: devastating forest fires, hurricanes that are far more intense and extensive than they used to be; rising floods around the world.

It’s sad. It’s horrifying. And—it can be overwhelming.

As a person of faith, I feel called to prayer. But my God, there is so much! I can’t even. . . .

In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul exhorts his congregation, when their lives seem oh, so overwhelming, to allow the Spirit to pray for them.

Maybe things are so jumbled in your mind, there are no words to pray. Or maybe the words come so fast and so furious, it all seems like a big old bowl of alphabet soup. Letters, sure, and even words—but nothing makes sense.

This is when God’s Holy Spirit fills us with calming peace, and carries our prayer heavenward for us. No matter how difficult, no matter the pain or brokenness or even joy we are feeling, the Spirit understands. She speaks every language, and has experienced every emotion we experience. May your soul find peace in the knowledge that even when there are no words, prayer gets through. Thanks be to God.


Monday Sit in silence for five minutes or more. Be aware of your breathing. Rest. Deuteronomy 26:1-3

Tuesday Sit near a window and look out. Wherever your eye rests, offer prayer. Repeat this process. Psalm 91:1-2

Wednesday Choose a single word and practice breath prayer. For instance, Inhale peace; exhale love. Repeat. Psalm 91:9-16

Thursday Think about your ancestors. In today’s world, what do you know about your homeland? Pause and pray for this land. Deuteronomy 26:8-11

Friday When so many things are out of your control, choose one small thing you can change in your life to make things better. Romans 10:8-13

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, begin in silence. Ask God what God would have you do to improve your world, nearby and elsewhere. Rest. Luke 4:1-8

Sunday Give thanks for the blessings you enjoy. Name them. As you name them, consider finding ways to share these blessings with others. Luke 4:9-13

 

Desperation is the raw material of drastic change. Only those who can leave behind everything they have ever believed in can hope to escape. –William S. Burroughs

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