Praying

Somewhere, I found this and, touched by the message, I saved it without  noting where it came from.

In times of prayer we can be helped by others who have tried to put words on what is going on. Take the prayers of the Bengali Hindu poet mystic, Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941).


His little collection, Gitanjali, Song Offerings to the Creator, has inspired many people and his songs have become Christian hymns in India. He celebrates the immense creating love of God:

“You have made me endless, Lord, such is your pleasure. This frail vessel you empty out again and again, and fill it ever with fresh life. Your infinite gifts come to me only on these very small hands of mine. Ages pass and still you pour, and still there is room to fill.”

Elsewhere he prays:

“Give me the strength, Lord, lightly to bear my joys and sorrows. Give me the strength to make my love fruitful in service. Give me the strength never to disown the poor or bend my knees before insolent might’. One song in particular could stay with us in our prayer, celebrating the mysterious and endless coming of God into our empty hearts: ‘Have you not heard his silent steps? He comes, comes, ever comes. Every moment and every age, every day and every night, he comes, comes, ever comes. In the fragrant days of sunny April through the forest path he comes, comes, ever comes. In sorrow after sorrow it is his steps that press upon my heart, and it is the golden touch of his feet that makes my joy to shine.”

Today I spent time with two very young parents who's son is gravely ill. I sat with them and listened with them as the NP talked over the course of their child's care.
 
This mother waited to cry till the NP left us, and then, her strenght used up, she let out the sorrow in her heart.
 
"How can NO antibiotics work?"
 
I offered the observation that the development of antibiotics was slow work, and how these bugs are so smart.
 
It did nothing to comfort her. I only hope my presence gave her some solace.
 
I hate when medicine is helpless to help.
 
Please God, these are amazing good people. Ease their pain, no matter what happens. Please love them and hold them and help them.