Context: This blog was very difficult to write. I’m deeply tired as I approach the end of my holiday, and had to work on it in amongst all the inevitable tidying and packing which come with leaving rented accommodation. As always, the inspiration took only a moment to arrive, but expressing what I saw was almost beyond me.
Yet, to my great surprise, just before posting today’s prayer I discovered that it’s actually two prayers in one, woven together. If you read just the first line of each verse (those in non-italic text), they make sense, and the same is true if you read just the italicised lines. God is truly amazing!
We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near.
(Psalm 75:1; NLT).
1. Thank you for your nearness, Lord:
In everything, I see your face,
2. And for your supreme transcendence:
Far beyond all time and space.
3. Thank you for your constant presence:
Here, on earth, in everyone,
4. And for your sublime completeness:
All exists within your womb.
The Almighty …blesses you with blessings of the skies above, blessings of the deep springs below, blessings of the breast and womb.
(Genesis 49:25; NIV).
References
1. They delight in the nearness of God (Isaiah 58:2; CSB).
There is …one God and Creator of all, who is over all, who works through all and is within all (Ephesians 4:5-6; TIB).
When I look at justice I see your face (Psalm 17:15; TIB).
When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied (Psalm 17:15; NLT).
2. Do you people think that I am some local deity and not the transcendent God?” the LORD asks (Jeremiah 23:23; NET).
To God, the only God, who saves us through Jesus Christ our Sovereign, be glory, majesty, authority and power – who was before all time, is now, and will be forever (Jude 1:25; TIB).
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me (Psalm 139:7-10; NLT).
3. Your presence fills me with joy (Psalm 16:11; GNT).
We are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).
4. The LORD our God, the LORD is one (Deuteronomy 6:4; NIV).
Be perfect, as Abba God in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48; TIB).
Safe travels home, Ruth!
Thank you so much! I’ve had a really great day. How are you? XXXXXXX
I’m so glad to hear that. We just returned from a lovely and relaxing week at the beach with my brothers, their families, and my parents. The perfect way to end the summer.
Wonderful. I’m so glad you’ve had this lovely time together. XXXXXX
I’m exceptionally grateful to you for your ongoing friendship despite not always being happy with what I write. That speaks volumes about the quality of your faith! XXXXXXX
I love this x