Daily Reading: 24 January

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

For the forsaken

Something to read

If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

- Psalm 27:10-11.

Something to think about

Broken relationships are one of the most painful parts of being human. Not many of us would claim to have personal ‘enemies’, something that feels a little militarised for everyday civilian life. For the Psalmist, the physical violence of an army was a real threat, and his prayer is clear: for protection from harm, and the foiling of enemy plots. While some of us find it helpful to spiritualise these kinds of prayers, we should remember those who pray them very literally today: our neighbours around the globe who live with the threat of attack and violence every day.

Much more common outside of a conflict zone, is the pain of broken relationships with those who should be closest to us. These verses offers the example of parental neglect and abandonment; we might add domestic abuse, or profound betrayal by friends. These are traumas that don’t always have an obvious solution. It can be so hard to know how to pray for ourselves or others we know in the midst of these kinds of troubles. A starting point might be to pray for the deep assurance of God’s faithful care that the Psalmist holds: ‘the Lord will take me up’.

Something to do

Watch and join in this prayer for Ukraine, including in your prayers all who are in danger of violence, whether in large-scale conflict or from those closest to them.

Something to pray

God of the broken hearted, thank you that you are close to those who are attacked or forsaken by others, physically or emotionally. Protect all those who need it today, and motivate me to offer my compassion and care where I can help. Amen.

Today’s contributor is Rev Claire Jones