Category: Listen

Posted on in Faith, Thanks, Prayer, Moving, Listen, Worship, Praise, Joy

Brad

Our church was gifted with a young priest for about 2-1/2 years. His name is Brad. He did all sorts of things that enlivened our faith and our walk. Recently it was time to tell him good-bye. He was given a job across the river in Northern Kentucky to be head rector at a church there.

On his last Sunday with us our Pastor, Roger, called all the kids up to lay hands on Brad and pray over him as he moves to his new church. Three of the kids are his very own children and one is a family friend.

It was a powerful moment. Have you ever had children pray over you? There is nothing quite like it!

I plan to forward the photos to Brad for his remembrance of that holy moment. By the way, folks at our church know that photos are taken during the service. There is not a problem posting these, especially since I am not naming the children.

Pray for the children. Pray for those moving into a new position of leadership in the churches. Pray for all church leaders. May the Lord bless us, his children and the sheep of his pasture.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!
2     Serve the Lord with gladness!
    Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the Lord is God!
    It is he that made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him, bless his name!

5 For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures for ever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100 RSV

Last week at church I kept thinking I could hear his voice among the congregation. Another parishioner told me she expected him to walk around the corner at any moment. We will miss him. We came to love him and that made letting go all the harder.

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Listen, Music, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Trust, Yield

Abandoned

This has become to me a perennial song. Perennial typically describes things that are permanent, constant, or repeated. At times I am compelled to sing it. Sometimes multiple times in a row.

Me, too, Lord! I want what these lyrics speak. Here is the video followed by the lyrics (in case you don’t like jumpy words.)

Abandoned

Benjamin William Hastings

Somethin’ isn’t adding up 
This wild exchange You offer us 
I gave my worst, You gave Your blood 
Seems hard to believe 
You’re tellin’ me You chose the Cross? 
You’re tellin’ me I’m worth that much? 
Well, if that’s the measure of Your love 
How else would I sing?

But completely, deeply, sold-out, sincerely abandoned 
I’m completely, freely, hands-to-the-ceiling enamored 
My one-life endeavor to match Your surrender 
To mirror not my will, but Yours 
Oh, I’m completely, deeply, don’t-care-who-sees-me abandoned

Oh, I surrender all

I just can’t get over it 
What kind of self-control is this? 
When You had angels at Your fingertips 
But on the Cross You remained 
And I can’t repay that kind of love 
But I can praise with everything I’ve got 
Since death had all of it’s power robbed 
Then just like the grave

I’m completely, deeply, sold-out, sincerely abandoned 
I’m completely, freely, hands-to-the-ceiling enamored 
Oh, my one-life endeavor to match Your surrender 
To mirror not my will, but Yours 
Oh, I’m completely, deeply, don’t-care-who-sees-me abandoned

Oh, I surrender all 
I surrender all 
I surrender all

The whole of my heart, the best of my soul 
Each phase of my life, each breath in my lungs 
Consider it Yours, Lord 
Consider it Yours, Lord 
The failures I hide, the victories I don’t 
The battles I fight, each crown that I hoard

Consider it Yours, Lord 
Consider it Yours, Lord 
All the glory forever, the grave that You won 
The praise of the Heavens, the kingdom to come 
Oh, consider it Yours, Lord 
Consider it Yours

I’m completely, deeply, sold-out, sincerely abandoned (hey!) 
I’m completely, freely, hands-to-the-ceiling enamored 
Oh, my one-life endeavor to match Your surrender 
To mirror not my will, but Yours 
I’m completely, deeply, don’t-care-who-sees-me abandoned

Oh, I surrender all

No, You’ll never leave me abandoned 
I surrender all

Written by: Cody Carnes, Benjamin William Hastings, Brandon Lake, Christopher Michael Davenport

I had to ask who is Christopher Michael Davenport?

“Grammy-nominated songwriter and worship leader Chris Davenport has been a quiet fixture within worship music for years.

“Through his contributions with UNITED like “Another In The Fire,” “Grace To Grace,” and “Seasons,” as well as collaborations with artists like Phil Wickham (Hymn Of Heaven), Brandon Lake (Too Good To Not Believe), and Cody Carnes (Be Glad), Chris has established himself as a unique, authentic, and influential voice within the worship community.” Now we all know more about him.

Make sure we never abandon God! “My one life endeavor to match your surrender…”

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Listen, Obedience, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Trust, Yield

Prayers and Reality Right Next to Us

This prayer has been on Lectio 365 for several weeks. It’s impact hits me only occasionally. And then WHAM! it hits me just what we are praying.

Lord Jesus Christ, 
alive though you died, 
meet with me now, 
speak to me now, and 
grant me your peace, 
both here in these moments of prayer, 
and throughout the day to come. Amen

“Alive though you died.” Revelation 1:18 Did you catch that? We are speaking in prayer to the risen King. He died. He rose again. He dwells with us and lives in us through the Holy Spirit.

“Meet with me now.” Christ is able to do that.

“Speak with me now.” Nothing is too difficult for the King of kings. Jeremiah 32:17 Open my ears to hear you I pray.

“Grant me your peace.” Regardless of what this day or hour or week may bring, your peace please. That peace that is beyond all understanding. Philippians 4:7

Lord Jesus Christ, alive though you died. Yes, I truly believe this prayer and the outrageous claims of Jesus. After three days dead he did rebuild the temple of his body. Complete with scars inflicted by man upon his hands and feet and side. He came and was seen by the disciples. He ate meals with them, even cooked a meal for them on the beach! He showed them his scars beautified by the Father. And this same Savior is with us today, decades and centuries later.

The Collect for this past week at church read:

O God, you have prepared for those who love you
such good things as surpass our understanding:
Pour into our hearts such love towards you,
that we, loving you in all things and above all things,
may obtain your promises, 
which exceed all that we can desire;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Certainly gives us plenty of meat to ponder for our journey this week! “Loving you in all things and above all things.”Help me do just that Lord.

God is so good and wants to give good things to us. Matthew 7:11 NRSVUE

Seek him and you will find him when you seek for him with all of your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NRSVUE He will not disappoint us.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Challenge, Faith, Listen, Look, Nature, Obedience, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Traveling

A Weird Bear Encounter

Last year at Christmas Bob thought it would be fun to own a dash camera. I was unimpressed. He has enjoyed driving around town with it. Then he hit upon the idea of recording our time in the Smokys. I encouraged him, “Why not?”

On our last drive through Cades Cove, after the ranger comfort station, we got behind a car going 10 mph. He went 15 tops. We kept hoping he would use a pullout and let us and the huge line of cars behind us pass him. He did not.

We thought about flashing our lights, honking, putting on turn signal. We did not. Frustrated to 10th degree we tried to imagine was it their first time there and they were fascinated? Afraid they’d miss something? We imagined she was dying and this was the last time she would see this? Anything to keep our blood pressures down and try to find grace for these persons.

We got to the end of the Cades Cove Loop road and they signaled for campground then changed their mind. We groaned in agony fearing they would go this slow all the way back to Townsend.

screenshot of video recording

Then they turned into a picnic area to which we cried, “Let them!”

screenshot of dash cam video

We slowed at the yield sign. As we began to pull out on main road a bear cub jumped in front of our car. Bob missed him and saw another on the hillside.

We eventually decided there was such a long time since a car had gone past the mom probably decided it was safe to cross the road and then we broke through the clog. If we had not been delayed for so long behind that creeping slow car we would not have seen these cubs.

As we traveled down the main road we imagined conversations. “We were not planning on cub patties this evening.” “Really Ranger, we did not mean to hit him!” It was a close encounter of the kind we would not want. Imagine the car damage and THE PAPERWORK!!

How difficult is it to extend grace to someone who frustrates you? Whew! The Lord insists that we love as God loves us, that as we forgive we are forgiven. Matthew 6: 14-15 Have you ever had a frustrating experience that later you become thankful for?

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

Hoping you will cruise slowly through this day and take in all the sights!

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Focus, Listen, Look, Praise, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Thanks, Trust

Project Completed

It is not unusual when I complete a project to feel a release, a let down, perhaps a turning loose of the tension. When I was in retreat and folks around me were celebrating the publication of the book of poems, I was asking the Lord, “What next?”

Several times during the appointed times of prayer at the Convent we read Psalm 139. Verse 4 in the prayer book, which is verse 5 in most Bibles, struck me. The first time I just noted it. The second time I wrote it out. Now I have been doing some study through the Logos app regarding that verse.

The promises here are astounding. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Even though I do not feel your touch, your word assures me you lay your hand upon me. I am yours. I am never abandoned, never alone. You shall lead me and hold me fast.

Matthew Henry wrote: “Thou knowest me in every part of me: Thou hast beset me behind and before, so that, go which way I will, I am under thy eye and cannot possibly escape it. Thou hast laid thy hand upon me, and I cannot run away from thee.” Wherever we are we are under the eye and hand of God. Perhaps it is an allusion to the physician’s laying his hand upon his patient to feel how his pulse beats or what temper he is in. God knows us as we know not only what we see, but what we feel and have our hands upon. All his saints are in his hand which tenderly holds their aching head.

U wrote: In proportion as we are fully reconciled to God, and love Him, and rejoice in Him, it will become a cause of joy to reflect that our best Friend is never away from us, that our Protector’s hand is never removed, that the great observant eye of divine love is never closed. 

He continues, “We may judge as to our position before God by this test—is the thought of His constant observation of us a subject of joy or of dread? If we dread it, surely we have the old spirit of bondage still upon us. But if we rejoice in it, then we may know that we have received the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry, “Abba, Father.”  Spurgeon went on to take a military point of view with the idea of Beset me behind and before. My response was, “Really? Do we have to take that view?”

Nelson Study Bible said, “The purpose of His intimate knowledge of His servants is protective and helpful, not judgmental and condemning.”

Yes Lord, I believe this. You protect and help me. As I confess my sins you are faithful and just to forgive me my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) Therefore, I can rest in your encompassing care and closeness. You are my Abba, Father.

And the New Commentary on the Whole Bible by J D Douglas 1990 says,”laid thine hand upon me—This is the body language of blessing (Gen. 48:14, 17). This level of being known and accepted overwhelms the psalmist.”

For me there is nothing to fear in these verses, nothing to run from. Why would I not accept the hand of blessing from my God upon my head? We are known and loved. Do not be overwhelmed. Sit with your God and receive.

Posted on in Faith, Focus, Joy, Listen, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Trust, Yield

Psalm 16 Repeats

Have you ever noticed a Bible verse repeating over and over again in your life?

In our recent readings for the Second Sunday of Easter we read Psalm 16. Verse 11 is especially meaningful to me.

“You show me the path of life.
    In your presence there is fullness of joy;
    in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 NRSVUE

When I skipped church as a young teenager and walked the paths in the park worshiping God, it seemed as if David’s experience was my experience, too.

In 1993 I attended a silent retreat. When Psalm 16 came up I felt led to take verse 8 with me and practice God’s presence as I walked the Convent grounds.

I keep the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8 NRSVUE

The practice that day deepened my faith and my trust in this God who is always at my right hand. Isaiah 42: 6 verses a and b go along with this verse.

“I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
    I have taken you by the hand and kept you…”

When I attended the Jewish funeral service for our dear “Aunt Cloty Gutman” in May, 2002 they read this Psalm. I was deeply touched as I remembered again that we both shared trust in this God whom David extolled.

The path of life, fullness of joy, pleasures forevermore … why would I seek after anything else?

I learned early in life that the God of Jesus is Who I wanted to seek. After dabbling in things of the world and even tasting the occult, I realized that only Jesus is eternal. Only God Almighty is going on forever. That is Who I want to follow. That is Who I want as my leader.

Protect me, God,
for you are my refuge.
2 I said to Adonai, “You are my Lord;
I have nothing good outside of you.”
3 The holy people in the land are the ones
who are worthy of honor; all my pleasure is in them.

4 Those who run after another god
multiply their sorrows;
To such gods I will not offer
drink offerings of blood
or take their names on my lips.

5 Adonai, my assigned portion, my cup:
you safeguard my share.
6 Pleasant places were measured out for me;
I am content with my heritage.

7 I bless Adonai, my counselor;
at night my inmost being instructs me.
8 I always set Adonai before me;
with him at my right hand, I can never be moved;
9 so my heart is glad, my glory rejoices,
and my body too rests in safety;
10 for you will not abandon me to Sh’ol,
you will not let your faithful one see the Abyss.
11 You make me know the path of life;
in your presence is unbounded joy,
in your right hand eternal delight. The Complete Jewish Bible

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Obedience, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Yield

Listening and Prayer Requests from Others

When we listen to people, our own language softens. Listening may be the cardinal act of giving. Paul Hawken

Our church offers personal prayer once a month at all three services. This fell into disuse recently when the leader had to step down and no one stepped up to take his place. I wanted to join the prayer ministry. It was made clear to me that in order to do that I would need to take up the leadership and thereby ask the Lord to resurrect this important ministry to our church.

I prayed and I did take it on. March was our first time to present ourselves again to the congregation as available for prayer. I had two people who were willing to become intercessors. Before the training occurred for them one stepped back down.

We had a great training session via Zoom with my old friend Hawley Todd. For decades he lead the Episcopal Healing Ministries. He had worked with St. Timothy’s before regarding this ministry and knew a few of the folks who are still participating. Hawley had trained me many years ago, too. The training was on a Monday night. Six out of eight intercessors were able to attend. On Saturday night I got a message that one man was going to have to step away as his health would not permit him to participate. This was a great disappointment to him.

April was our second time to offer personal prayer. Sunday was bit chaotic. One person had planned to be out-of-town to see Grandkids that week. The person she was usually paired with was suddenly called out of town for family needs. So I prayed during that service with a person who was already scheduled to fill in.

The next service the same two of us prayed while a newly trained member “shadowed” us. She finally joined in when the second person came asking for prayer. The third service was covered by the pair that usually pray together. In all we had six people come asking for prayer.

Whew! All that to say this ministry is about listening. Listening to the suffering of our fellow parishioners. Listening to the Lord as we are guided what to say. I agree with Paul Hawken, “Listening may be the cardinal act of giving.”

Hawley cautioned us not to carry the concerns out of the church with us. He suggested that we go wash our hands before we leave. Washing, as a way of releasing those cares. I admit, I was so wound up by the time I left the church, I forgot to wash my hands. I did though when I got home!

This morning while reading Henri Nouwen’s book about the desert fathers and mothers, The Way of The Heart, he quoted Diadochus as writing, “Ideas of value shun verbosity. Timely silence, then, is precious, for it is nothing less than the mother of the wisest thoughts.”

In this sort of prayer we aim to listen to people, to pray what they ask us to pray and leave the rest of God. We try not to get carried away with the sound of our own prayers. We trust God to read the heart of the person before us and help us to put their request into words. We try to present them with the ‘cardinal act of giving.’

This is not the usual way of loving your fellow church goers. We do not ask, “How are you?” and then think about our response while they are still speaking. This means setting aside our self and our will and serving an other with attention and prayer.

Yes, there are certain phrases I use when I pray, but the most important thing is what the person expresses as their deepest need or thanksgiving. I agree with Diadochus. Ideas of value DO shun verbosity. Simplify your prayers and you will see what I mean.

May all those who request prayer from you be blessed with brevity and the attendance of our Lord who promised that where two or more are gathered in His name, He would be there. Matthew 18:20

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Listen, Look, Obedience, Poetry, Surrender, Thanks, Trust, Writing Life, Yield

Closer to Publication of Second Book!

Dana and I read the proof copy. I listed edits that I found in the text. I changed the publication date so that we would have plenty of time to make said changes. She went to a Dulcimer convention out of town. One night, right before bed, I checked my email to be certain there was not something there concerning Prayer Team that I might need to tend to. I was shocked to see that Kindle had sent me a message that I only had a little over 24 hours to make changes.

After the dust settled I had to write it all down to decompress. The following is what I wrote. Seems funny now. At the time it was NOT funny. Bob said I should post this.

They say that having a book published is like giving birth. Tonight I felt as if the Kindle machine was starting Pitocin and the father was not present.  It was too soon. The edits were not yet submitted. I panicked. (Where was my faith?)

I went from the iPad mini to the desktop to try to change the publication date again so that the edits could be made next week. Nothing was working right.

I finally hit the place where you talk with a bot. That was not real effective so I chose chat with live person.

Helan assured me I could change the date. Then I had to submit the change, keep approving until I got to pricing page and then hit Publish. I really froze up then. IT IS NOT READY. She basically said trust me. I did what she said. The Kindle Direct machine then said it would review my manuscript and that could take up to 72 hours. Until then the account would lock. I took screen shots of the texts. I wanted proof if this thing got printed without the final edits.

I realized there was nothing more I could do until Monday. Except I could pray. I left Grogu in my desk chair to watch over the book.

Physical therapist had pointed out that I need to smash down my new pillow closer to the thickness of my old worn out one. I got the new foam pillow out of the closet and literally knelt down on the floor on the pillow in prayer. This is God’s book, not mine. I prayed for the prayer teams who will be serving this Sunday. I prayed for forgiveness that I did not trust the Amazon tech more. I prayed for forgiveness that I do not trust my Father more. I prayed Dana has a great time at her dulcimer convention.

I got up from my knees and went to get a clean pillow case. I realized then I feel like an imposter. I understand imposter syndrome. Someone said to me this week, “You really are an author!” Not so certain about that but I am dizzy with anticipation and steroids and neck pops. Praying I actually get sleep tonight. Lord, Your lamb needs You.

The contractions have subsided now. The panic is receding. Hoping sleep is just around the corner. This woman is beat!

Guess I better tackle this imposter attitude before it makes trouble. “The original imposter syndrome study in the 1970s revolved around high-achieving women who had trouble attributing their own success to themselves”, one on-line source said. Perhaps I am guilty of that?

“Imposter syndrome is the voice inside your head telling you that you don’t belong, while discrimination is the voice of others telling you the same thing,” explains Dr. Albers. “The distinction is crucial because it highlights that imposter syndrome is a personal struggle that can be addressed through self-reflection and cognitive reframing whereas discrimination requires societal change and advocacy.” https://wockr.org/a-psychologist-explains-how-to-deal-with-imposter-syndrome/

So, this is just a bump in road at 10:45 PM after a long day and a chaotic week. Things are not awful and perhaps locking the account is good. No worries about it over the weekend.

I found the copyright information the next morning and updated the Proof Changes for Dana’s use. I sent it along to her. The new final date for changes came through email. I likely missed some errors, but that is done for now.

So my friends, the new book ought to be available to you on May 1, 2026 through Amazon. (I already found an error in the Table of Contents. Will be amazed if that is the ONLY error!) If you can’t find the title Poems, just type in my name. That ought to bring it up!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Faith, Joy, Just do it, Listen, Look, Nature, Poetry, Surrender, Thanks

Observe

I am always amazed at how a quote can become a jumping off place, a diving board if you will, to other thoughts and truths.

Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don’t claim them. Feel the artistry moving through and be silent. Rumi

One centering exercise this morning asked that I become aware of life around me. For that I usually look out the window at my prayer chair and marvel at the unfolding season. Wasn’t it just snowing as in the opening photo? As Rumi implies, I have absolutely no claim upon those wonders, but I am privileged to observe them. There is an artistry in God’s creation and the tough part is for me to be silent.

Hush my soul. Like a child quieted at its mother’s breast, be still.

{You will see below that because I chose a quote box the program made everything below that to appear in italics. I tried and tried to change it. For this post we will just live with it and I will stop using quote boxes. GRR}

I picked up a booklet at church regarding the Way of the Cross, prayers from Jerusalem. I have not entered the practice of praying the stations of the cross. This first prayer made me be still.

Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ out Lord. Amen.

I kept returning to that prayer through Good Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I picked it up again this morning. Eastertide proclaims and rejoices again and again the powerful works of Lord God Almighty through the resurrection of Jesus our Lord.

This Lent and Easter were the most meaningful I have ever experienced. Maybe it is that I am aging or perhaps I keep turning my conscious over to the presence of Christ with us, in every season? I am glad Eastertide lasts for 50 days. I do not want it to end.

The mowers finally shaved our neighborhood. The grass was so high we were beginning to wonder if we should hire goats to chomp it down. As it is there are huge clumps of cut grass in many yards. Wonder! that just a few weeks ago these yards were brown and scraggly and not showing much hope. Now they are lush and thick and thriving, even though marked with tire tracks throughout.

Being still in prayer I realized I was looking at huge trees in the distance (I am not much for numbers, but I want to say 25-30 feet tall?) My feet are touching the earth and their roots are drinking up the moisture from the same earth, feeding and nurturing the new leaves and flower buds. Tiny me who is shrinking a little more each year and towering trees growing taller than I could ever climb. There is artistry moving through the trees and through me. I am stilled to holy silence.

What has been occurring around you? Have you noted the changes and given pause to the wonder?

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Do not fear, O Zion;
    do not let your hands grow weak.
17 The Lord, your God, is in your midst,
    a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will renew you in his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing
18     as on a day of festival.” Zephaniah 3:16-18 NRSVUE

Look about you. Be renewed in his love. Listen for your God singing over you as on a day of festival! And be silent.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Listen, Music, Obedience, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Yield

Heard this for the first time

At our Maundy Thursday service I heard this for the first time. I WAS SO IMPRESSED, I had to worship with it on repeat. Regardless of what you think about the photos that accompany the music, just listen and be blessed. (The photos all seem to represent post crucifixion.)

“Stay with me, remain here with me. Watch and pray.”

Such simple statements. The disciples in the garden found it impossible to do. The Lord prayed and pleaded with the Father. They kept falling asleep. Can we stay awake?

This was perhaps the most meaningful end of Lent I have ever had. I think this music made a huge contribution to that experience.

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be grieved and agitated. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” 39 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me, yet not what I want but what you want.” 40 Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? 41 Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Now the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let us be going. Look, my betrayer is at hand.” Matthew 26:36-46 NRSVUE

In the book I used during Lent entitled Lent with The Desert Fathers, a prayer written by St. John Chrysostom was quoted. One portion reads:

“Let no one lament persistent failings, for forgiveness has risen form the grave.” “

Isn’t that amazing? Even the disciples who kept falling asleep thought he Lord asked them to watch and pray, even they were forgiven. So are we.