Prayers of the suffering

Yeah, it's been a while since we wrote last time, but come on - it was December!

We've been in the midst of a great deal of sorrow and tragedy lately for some reason. Matt said the other day "I feel like God is trying to get our attention." The journey feels heavy and sad right now. We just keep walking and trust that Jesus knows what we can handle - although it's hard not to think he might be wrong on this one.

I got an e-mail from my always insightful brother Matt the other day that included two prayers written by 19th century Christian philosopher and writer Soren Kierkegaard. They have been an encouragement to me, so I wanted to share them with you:

WE BELONG TO YOU
O God, when at times our strength is taken from us, when sorrow overcomes us like a kind of fog in which our vision is plunged as into a dark night; when our hearts do tremble with our loss: then teach us and strengthen the conviction in our hearts that in death, no less than in life, we belong to You.

YOU ARE NEAR
We are grateful that You are present everywhere, O God. You are near should anyone call upon You from a bed of sickness, or cry out in great need upon the sea. All are drawn to seek You, the Friend of the thankful, the Consolation of the weak, the Refuge of the anxious, the Confidante of the suffering as You count their tears, the Comfort of the dying. We are grateful that You give Your gifts to everyone who needs them.

I swear that one of these days we'll get back to posting about our goofiness around here. Stick with us!

Love, Natalie