February 25, 2022
“Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God.” Colossians 4:4 GNT
The national and global crises we’ve witnessed in the past two years is almost unbelievable. I never imagined that we would be living in a time of a pandemic, of an insurrection at the Capital, and an invasion of Ukraine by Russia. For those who grew up in the 1960’s, any mention of nuclear weapons being readied evokes memories of bomb drills, and the ridiculous notion that hiding under our desks would be efficacious against radiation.
My best childhood friend recently confided in me that she had her own plan should a nuclear war break out. No matter what the nuns said, she was determined to find the nearest door and run all the way home to her mom. Although my mom has been gone for 12 years, I catch myself wishing I could talk with her about the things that are going on in my own life and in the world at large.
I felt that way last Thursday when I signed hospice paperwork for my sister Carol while Russia’s invasion of Ukraine got underway. Mom wouldn’t have been able to make everything better, but somehow, simply talking with her would be enough.
In the past week I’ve been “running home to God.” God’s been getting an earful, frequently, about concerns for my sister and concerns about the invasion. Perhaps that is being persistent in prayer. My prayers have been all over the map (I didn’t intend that pun, but it fits). Some of them include words, but the majority have been sighs and moans too deep for words. Mom was good with sighs and moans, sitting, listening, fully present to whatever concerns I had. A sigh or hug in return was good enough to keep me going.
In the odd and mysterious ways of Spirit, God is most present to tears that are liquid prayer. I may not see the end yet but sensing God’s presence good enough to keep me going. Even in this dark time, God’s presence is cause for thanksgiving.
Keep me running to you, God ~ Anne
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