Wednesday, February 24, 2021
A Prayer from the Valley of Dry Bones
We remember that Yahweh led the Hebrews out of the desert, guiding them through the presence of a cloud, feeding them on manna, bringing them to a land and a legacy promised long ago.
Whether in an ocean, lake, river, stream or cloud, every drop of moisture is a treasure and just so are we, God’s children. It is in the desert that we understand this most clearly and directly. It is on the plain of dry bones that we learn this lesson most fully and well.
The hand of the Lord came upon me . . .
Although we may not feel it, the Lord is with us always.
And led me out in the spirit of the Lord . . .
Although we may not see it, God is always guiding us.
And set me in the center of the plain . . .
Although we may not sense it, the Spirit is always consoling us.
Which was now filled with bones . . .
Although we may not trust it, the desert is where we find solace.
These flowers are called Scorpion Weed and bloom only once in several years . . . to bring new life to the desert.
How dry they were!
Although we may not accept it, there is life where we see only death.
The Lord asks: “Can these bones come to life?
Although we may not believe it, serenity comes through suffering.
I answer: “You alone know that”.
Although we may not be certain of it, God brings good out of harm.
Thus says the Lord God to these bones: See! I will bring spirit into you, that you may come to life.
Although we may not want to admit it . . . we must not run away from the desert . . . for it is the desert that we understand the miracle of dry bones rising to new life. It is in the desert that we are surprised with new gifts. It is in the desert that we experience the awesome power and love of God.
Come, let us go out to the desert so that we might meet the Lord. Amen.
Reflect on your own Dry Bones experiences and the surprise God always has in store. Think about how we might live in union with God’s creation and God’s plan while browsing more of the Most Amazing Photographs of 2011 at: http://tammymarierose.hubpages.com/hub/The-Most-Amazing-Photographs-of-the-World-Around-us-in-2011
Images from: http://diamondsintheskywithlucy.blogspot.com/2010/09/standing-on-holy-ground.html
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