Christ of the Desert

 This Icon, "Christ of the Desert" comes to us out of the Syriac Christian Tradition.  Syriac tradition does not make the separation of "heart and mind" that we in the West often do - in fact, the heart is seen as the center of both emotions and intellect. One theme that is constantly appearing in Syriac tradition is a longing for Paradise. I know that some people really love the desert. It can be beautiful. But, it can also represent very harsh conditions that are difficult to survive.  Christ dwells in the desert places, as well as in the lush places. Today, I'm in prayer for those living in dry harsh realities - those in poverty, those dealing with broken relationships, those who feel like they are lost and are desperate for an oasis. The other day, Bishop Johnson told me she was praying about what more we can do for the poor. A good prayer to have on our hearts often! May Christ of the desert hear our prayers!

Resurrection

Well....been a long time. I've decided to resurrect my blog and start adding to it on a bit more regular basis..and try to get a few more readers! Ha..considering that right now there are a whole three of you signed up to follow it! I've been doing some work on prayer that I would like to write about, as well as some insights I am getting from the Gospel of Mark. ..so friends..here goes!

Today, I share with you Prayer for the Sabbath Day that originates out of the Puritian Faith Community. It can be found in a book called "Visions in the Valley".

O Lord, My Lord,
This is thy day,
the heavenly ordinance of rest,
the open door of worship,
the record of Jesus’ resurrection,
the seal of the sabbath to come,
the day when saints militant and triumphant unite in endless song.

I bless thee for the throne of grace,
that here free favour reigns;
that open access to it is through the blood of Jesus;
that the veil is torn aside and I can enter
the holiest
and find thee ready to hear;
waiting to be gracious,
inviting me to pour out my needs,
encouraging my desires,
promising to give more than I ask or think.

But while I bless thee, shame and confusion are mine:
I remember my past misuse of sacred things,
my irreverent worship,
my base ingratitude,
my cold, dull praise.
Sprinkle all my past sabbaths with the cleansing blood of Jesus,
and may this day witness deep improvement in me.

Give me in rich abundance the blessings the Lord’s Day was designed to impart;
May my heart be fast bound against worldly thoughts or cares;
Flood my mind with peace beyond understanding;
may my meditations be sweet,
my acts of worship life, liberty, joy,
my drink the streams that flow from thy throne,
my food the precious Word,
my defence the shield of faith,
and may my heart be more knit to Jesus.