Simple connections can be thought provoking and prayer directing.
\nIf we notice them.
\nLike this connection yesterday.
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In the morning, using everyday morning prayers, the set reading was the Song of Zechariah
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“In the tender compassion of our God
\n the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
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To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death
\n and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
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That made me think for a long time about the nature of the darkness the world is engulfed in. Surely, I thought, those that dismiss the idea of sin can’t have another satisfactory explanation for the darkness that covers so many lives, who DWELL in darkness.
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In the evening, searching for some suitable hymn for an event, I read the lyrics of the hymn “O Church Arise” by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty which has the snippet:
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O church arise …..
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… An army bold
\nWhose battle cry is love
\nReaching out to those in darkness
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(http://www.worshiptogether.com/)
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So, the tender compassion of our God breaks in upon us, and we, the church reach out.
\nThese are linked.
\nGod shines through us reaching out. Or, as we shine in the world God reaches out.
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Either way, the connection was small – one word, darkness – but enough to make me pause twice and pray.
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The first step, of course, is to notice.
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