Tuesday, June 16, 2020
![isa_55_10_11brd[1]](https://thenoontimes.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/isa_55_10_11brd1.jpg?w=300&h=205)
A Prayer for Plotters and Schemers
We have spent time this week remembering that God turns harm into good, that God turns all plots on their heads, and that God is particularly close to the broken-hearted. Rather than hate those who seek to harm us . . . let us pray for their conversion as we remember that . . .
We are afflicted in every way but not constrained . . .
Despite the pain and suffering we will survive when we remain in Christ.
We are perplexed but not driven to despair . . .
Despite the confusion and fog of oppression we will survive when we live in Christ.
We are persecuted but not abandoned . . .
Despite the trials and betrayals we will survive when we abide in Christ.
We are struck down but not destroyed . . .
Despite the plots and schemes of those who hate us we will survive when we pray in Christ.
We who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
Despite death and loss we will survive when we love in Christ.
Through the prophet Isaiah (55:11) God tells us: My word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will.
These words settle over us and give us a framework for our own prayer work in these quiet weeks as summer begins and we remind ourselves that despite any plot against us we are called to repair and heal ourselves and others. We are called to receive the gift of ourselves from God. We are asked to share our gifts with others and to send back to God this gift of self in our words and works.
So let us join one another in our journey and pledge to hear this story and truly take it in to make it a part of our being. Let us receive it with a willing heart and return it to God in prayer and thanksgiving. May God’s word return not void but rather full of our willing acceptance of the life offered by God . . . full of our loving acceptance of God’s will . . . full of our hope that the potential God places in us will be fulfilled according to his plan.
And so we pray for those who plot and scheme against us . . .
Good and patient God, lend us your patience.
Good and gentle God, send us your counsel and wisdom.
Good and gracious God, hold us in the eternal knowledge that you will bend all plots and schemes to your holy will.
Amen.
Image from: http://pics7.this-pic.com/key/isaiah%2055%206%2010
Adapted from a reflection written on February 12, 2008.
The Noontimes 