It is with careless ease that we say, “Bless God, for all life is good,” when the sun shines during our outings, when no strain threatens our budget.
It’s easy, when life is blessed with children and our ancient ones live long and die in peace.
It takes little faith to acknowledge God’s goodness when terror remains at a distance.
It’s easy, when health is secure and the future holds promise.
But life is not always and everywhere good. Storms and strains often surround us and those we love.
Children suffer, loved ones die too young, health crumbles and terror draws near.
Draw ever nearer, O God of Zarephath, divine place of Meeting in the midst of drought and destitution.
Bring us into the presence of widows whose faith is stronger than famine.
Send Elijah to accompany us to the place where hope outstrips horror.
Provide us with provisions that neither faint nor fail.
And teach us to say, along the risky journey of faith,
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and bless God’s holy Name.”
©Ken Sehested @ prayerandpolitiks.org. Inspired by 1 Kings 17:8-16.