Context: Just before getting into bed, I always stand before my picture of Christ of Saint John of the Cross. I hold the frame, resting my cheek against it, whilst thanking Jesus for all that has happened during the day, both good and bad. I also ask for his help with difficult situations, and for guidance about things I don’t understand.
To my surprise, whilst I was doing this last Thursday night, today’s prayer arrived unbidden. I quickly realised it was Christ’s response to the personal disappointment and puzzlement I had just been sharing with him.
Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8; NLT).
As for me, I am in your hands – do with me as you think best (Jeremiah 26:14; NLT).
Whether I live or die
I’m in your hands,
Subject to all your tests
And your commands;
Ready to fail, to suffer
Yet believe;
Ready to do your will,
To serve, and grieve;
Ready to pray; give thanks –
I’ve made my choice:
Ready to lose my life, Lord,
And rejoice.
Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it (Mark 8:35; NIV).
Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16; NIV).
References
Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad? (Job 2:10; NLT).
Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33; NLT).
The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul (Deuteronomy 13:3; NIV).
Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found (Psalm 11i:35; NLT).
Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33; NLT).
I want your will to be done, not mine (Luke 22:42; NLT).
Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).
Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living (Romans 6:16; NLT).
Rosary News
Yesterday I launched The Rosary Hospital on Facebook, asking for broken rosaries, which I recycle into new ones. Here is a very simple five-decade rosary I made this evening. The only new parts are the cord and the olive-wood cross:
absolutely beautiful. I will send you the broken rosaries when I get back, dear Ruth. Look after yourself
That’s wonderfully cheering news, Bea. Many thanks. I hope you will have a safe and blessed trip. With love from Ruth XXXXXX