Incline your ear, O my God, and hear. Open
your eyes and look at our desolation and the city that bears your name. We do
not present our supplication before you on the ground of our righteousness, but
on the ground of your great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, listen
and act and do not delay!
Daniel
9:18-19
“Incline your
ear, O my God, and hear…” A friend of mine has been on dialysis for years.
Despite the rigors of a lifestyle that includes things that many of us would
consider major compromises, this person is one of those people who seems to
move through life in a worry-free and idealistic way that is unachievable for
me. He was raised in a Muslim Sufi home and his life and Facebook posts embody
and embrace the infinite, ethereal, and life-
giving nature
of God that are reflective of Sufism. So I was surprised when his post a few
weeks ago read, “I am SICK and tired of being SICK and tired!!!! RELENTLESS DIALYSIS!!”
Over the next
couple of hours and days there was an outpouring of support for my friend, both
publicly and privately. He responded the next day by posting, “WOW!!!!! Peace and
Love and Blessings to all my family and friends for reaching out to me with
care, prayer, and messages of hope! I received tons of positive thoughts, love
and encouragement! I am truly blessed for having you all reach out to me crying
out! I did not expect this massive response! I feel loved and rejuvenated to
fight another day!!!! THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!”
Indeed, God
hears our cries and offers mercy and consolation.
Dear God, thank you for those who encourage
us in fortitude and faithfulness. Thank you for hearing us when we are hurting,
and for responding to us in mercy when we cry out! Amen.
Julia Menzo
is Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for Liberty Lutheran and Lutheran Disaster Response
Coordinator for Lutheran Congregational Services.
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