Showing up
Today may be a tough day for you. And if not for you, there is undoubtedly someone around you struggling. It has been one of those seasons to be present to several people who are going through dark valleys.
I want to be the friend who stands in the gap when they are too tired or too overcome with circumstances to pray. I want to be the one who doesn’t need answers to questions or give explanations, or details surrounding the events. I want to reach out in meaningful ways that minister deep within. I want the Holy Spirit to prompt every expression of care to these families I love.
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12
There are those called to practical help. How beautiful are the meals they make, the flowers, the kind expressions of love and tender care. Some show up with the best intentions but beware staying too long, talking too much, offering unsolicited advice and opinions, and draining what little energy is left.
Would you pray with me?
Lord, show me how to represent YOU in all your tender love and care to my precious friends today. Prompt me when to go and when to stay away. Give me a heightened sensitivity to the fear and pain they are wrestling with. Give me the grace to sit in silence and allow them to express their jumbled thoughts and emotions. Put your words of healing and comfort in my heart and on my lips.
Thank you, Jesus, for being the calm amid every storm, the unexplainable peace only You provide, the real strength when weakness threatens to overwhelm, the hope that extends beyond the unfathomable.
Show Your people how to be there for each other. Not as the world shows up, but the way you showed up in times of need. Your timing was perfect; your emotions were genuine, your presence comforting. We want to represent you in a way that will illustrate what a beautiful blessing it is to be a member of the family of God.
Lead us in how to step into the dysfunction and brokenness of families and genuinely care for those who are lost. Use us as peacemakers, ministers of reconciliation, and pour Christ-like love through us. Cause compassion to flow as we experience Your amazing grace for this situation. We are not able apart from You, but because You are alive in us, we can be Your hands and feet today. Thank You for the privilege of ministry, in Jesus name. Amen.
