On Monday night I laid down to sleep, turned off my light, and said the *Nunc Dimittis, as usual (please look just below today’s references for this glorious canticle). Then I prayed quietly about the state of the world, feeling sad and rather tearful. Soon, the first verse of today’s prayer arrived, which rarely happens at night. Fortunately, it was quick and easy to write down on my iPad in the dark.
The next day, having completed the references, and just when I thought the whole blog was finished, a second verse arrived completely unexpectedly. Then I knew it was finished.
Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light
(Micah 7:8; NLT).
1. In darkness, I pray, Lord,
In silence, I weep;
In stillness, I sigh, Lord,
And then try to sleep.
2. But when I can’t sleep, Lord,
And can’t even pray,
Please help me to cling to you, Lord,
Till next day.
I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
(Psalm 63:8; NIV).
God has taken his place in her; she will not be moved:
he will come to her help at the dawn of morning.
(Psalm 46:5; BBE).
References
Verse 1: Sit now in darkness and silence (Isaiah 47:5; NLT).
I weep and my eyes overflow with tears (Lamentations 1:16; NIV).
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes (Psalm 37:7; NIV).
You know what I long for, Lord; you hear my every sigh (Psalm 38:9; NLT).
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted (Psalm 25:16; NIV).
Verse 2: You don’t let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray! (Psalm 77:4; NLT).
Cling to him (Deuteronomy 10:20; NLT).
My soul yearns for you in the night (Isaiah 26:9; NIV).
When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied (Psalm 17:15; NLT).
*The Nunc Dimittis: Luke 2:29-32; KJV.
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Darling Ruth I pray that any darkness surrounding you will be taken over by light. Thinking and praying for you my dearest friend and sister in Christ
That’s so lovely of you, Bea, though I’m not afraid of the darkness which surrounds God. Do let me know how, and where you are, when you can. With much love from Ruth XXXXXX