Pause
I pause, closing my eyes or softening my gaze. I remember what it feels like to be gazed upon by someone who adores me. I feel myself relax. In their gaze, it feels safe to be seen. I am grateful to rest in your loving gaze, O God.
Ask
I pray for my family. For grace and healing, for a new chapter, for a new story with the same characters. May your loving presence be the sun coaxing this garden to flourish. You, the rain that our roots reach towards for life. You, the soil that holds us firmly to this place, this time, this family.
Listen
Ruth and Naomi were family, but not by blood nor formal vows. The family ties that bound them through marriage were broken, yet they still chose each other. They chose to stay together, love freely given and freely received. No assurances, no guarantees. Nothing to gain besides companionship. In their love for one another, they walked together into an unknown future. Supportive and resilient in the face of great obstacles.
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Jesus, you showed us we are not made to walk alone. But at times it is so hard to walk together! We differ in our pace, in the length of our strides – even in where we think we are heading! What binds us together, Lord? What sustains and unites this family? May we find a way to walk together with great love, just like Ruth and Naomi, with you.
Reflect
Jesus, bless this family. Be the sun and the rain, filling in and easing the edges of the cracks and tensions. Bless us as we walk down well-worn roads, and roads we haven’t yet ventured down. Be with us in our wounds and our wonder, our celebrations and our lament – nearer still in our suffering and grief. Bless our unity and our autonomy, help us to give and receive love, freely, together.
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