Emptiness (for R.M.)

This is an extra prayer, given to me earlier this morning for reader R.M.

The LORD is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him (Habakkuk 2:20; NLT).

Emptiness,
And loss of prayer:
Rest in silence
Everywhere.
God shares all you think
And feel;
Knows your grief;
Hears each appeal.

So, in darkness,
Dread, and tears,
Whisper your distress
And fears,
Sharing all you feel
With him –
Blindly follow;
Simply cling.

Then, in stillness,
All alone,
Though your heart
Seems turned to stone:
Open up your soul
To God,
Trusting in
His staff and rod.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me (Psalm 23:4; NLT).

References

Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word (Luke 1:38; KJV).

He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me” (Matthew 26:37-8; NLT).

He was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood (Luke 22:44; NLT).

Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done” (Matthew 26:42; NLT).

Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light (Micah 7:8; NLT).