Daily Reading: 9 May

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

Hear our cries

Something to read

Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call.

- Psalm 102:1-2.

Something to think about

The British theologian David F. Ford has suggested that the task of theology is the 'discernment of cries'. Perhaps this is the task of the Church too. For we know that many people who are crying out are being silenced, either by those in power or because their circumstances deny them their chance to be heard. God hears their cries - but do we?

God desires that we should be part of the answer that is given to those who cry out for justice. How can we discern those important cries in a world filled with noise? How will you make space in your own life to hear those voices that are crying out for change?

This might involve taking some time out from our priorities and preoccupations to learn about underrepresented communities. It could be that we need to work on our listening, challenging our own preconceptions so that we are better able to hear what others are calling for. Only when we listen will we find out how we can, by the power of God, respond to the cries of our world.

Something to do

Reflect on what gets in the way of you or your community listening to others.

Can you discern a particular cry or call that you need to respond to?

Hold in prayer all those crying to God in their distress.

Take some time to explore Christian Aid's Prayer Library by following the link below.

Prayer Library - Find out more

Something to pray

Look up Psalm 102 and pray through the words of the Psalmist. Focus on a particular word or phrase that stands out to you and repeat this as you pray.

Today's contributor is Dr Frances Clemson, Christian Aid's Faith Communications and Just Scripture Specialist.