*Sent to me by my mother-in-law, author unknown.
We give thanks, not for the chaos, but for God’s steady presence with us. We praise God for the comfort offered even in the noise of the maelstrom. It is this love, grace, and mercy that are refined, even in the fires of destruction. This is a season of refinement, even with the world seemingly on fire and driven by chaos and fueled by hatred.
This season, we are refined by fire, breaking, and sacrifice. We give thanks, not for the pain, but for the grace and mercy of God that gives us the strength to continue. We offer prayers, not as simple platitudes or offerings, but as pieces of our heart to be broken open, refined, and offered back as abiding love and mighty aid. We give thanks to God and persevere.
PRAYER
O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom you have given a fervent desire to pray, may, by your mighty aid, be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.