This week’s prayer is both an “ask” and a “reminder:”
O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name,
for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
The “ask” seems like it’s for something we would already have: perpetual love and reverence for His holy name. And yet as I think about it, I know that I fall short of loving God fully and completely, and the cares of daily life often crowd out my reverent attitude toward Him.
That’s why I love the reminder that follows: that God never fails.
He never fails to help us.
He never fails to govern us (lead us).
He has set us on a sure foundation of His loving-kindness.
That’s good stuff, right there.
There are have been times that I’ve felt God has failed me; that He has let me down. In those moments I've felt disappointed with the outcomes of situations I’ve prayed about, or could not make sense of my circumstances. But as I look back on those things (with the help of 20/20 hindsight), I can see that His strength always carried me, and His care never wavered. Through everything, His love was my constant companion.
Sometimes, it’s good to look back and remember the many loving-kindnesses that we’ve experienced. It’s good to ask Him for greater love and more reverence in those times that we forget. When He fills us with love and holy awe of Him, we are once again able to see clearly all the ways He never fails us.
Today, I simply remind you:
God will not fail you.
He has not forgotten you.
He will always lead you forward, cover you with loving-kindness, and set your feet on a firm foundation.
Much love to you, dear one.
Rachel