category: Musings, Prayer

A Little Reminder

By Rachael Keefe

I will confess that I had a prayer of lament ready to post this week. It included Israel and Palestine, the unaccompanied children trying to get into the US across the Mexican border, the plight of honey bees, and many other things that make me cry out to God. But …

A Little Reminder

I will confess that I had a prayer of lament ready to post this week. It included Israel and Palestine, the unaccompanied children trying to get into the US across the Mexican border, the plight of honey bees, and many other things that make me cry out to God. But something happened before I had a chance to post that prayer. I presented at a NAMI support group.

The group was made up of parents with children who have mental illness and some individuals who have mental illness. My task was to present on “Spirituality and Mental Illness.” As often is the case with these things, talking with these people in the hot church basement refocused my energy. Yes, there are plenty of things to lament in this world and that is a legitimate way to pray. However, this week’s gospel reading is the parable of the sower.

Prior to tonight’s meeting I had been focused on the negative things, in the world and in my own life. I was not attending to the seeds I was sowing or where they might fall. With all my talk about spiritual practices and paying attention and finding gratitude, I’d stopped doing these things. Who am I to complain about all the broken places in the world when I have stopped expressing gratitude for the abundance of grace?

Holy and merciful God, I thank you for the ways in which you call my attention back to you. While I pray for this broken world, grant me the courage to seek and find your abundance in each day. Let me be mindful of the seeds I sow, ensuring more loving kindness than lamentations where I walk. May your Word truly light my path. Amen.

RCL- Year A – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost – July 13, 2014

Genesis 25:19-34 with Psalm 119:105-112 or
Isaiah 55:10-13 with Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

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About Rachael Keefe

Rachael is an author, a pastor, a teacher, and a poet. Her latest book (The Lifesaving Church - Chalice Press) is on faith and suicide prevention. She is currently the pastor of Living Table UCC in Minneapolis, and has launched a spiritual direction practice.

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