I have been reading a book entitled, God For Us, for Lent.

Today was especially beautiful.

Lent has always been a bit befuddling.

For those of us who practice it, it is something quite deep, quite personal.
And yet, if you met someone for coffee who does not practice Lent, and proclaimed that you have chosen to deny yourself said coffee for Lent without allowing for any further conversation on the subject,

well that is befuddling.

To say the least.

In today’s reading, the following poem was shared::

Who goeth in the way which Christ hath gone,
Is much more sure to meet him, for one,
That travelleth byways:
Perhaps my God, though he be far before,
may turn and take me by the hand and more,
May strengthen my decays. Amen.
(from George Hebert’s “Lent”)

Strengthen my decays.

And then, I happened upon this Psalm::

For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
He will rescue them from oppression
and violence
for precious is their blood in his sight.
(Psalm 72:12-14)

As someone whose passion is Biblical Social Justice, I was just so struck by Herbert’s poem and this Psalm.

God is the Great Rescuer,

I am NOT.

I am in need of rescuing as well.
I am in need of having my decay strengthened, of having the Great Gardener pull my weeds,
mulch me,
add some stinky fertilizer,
sow seeds in me,
water me,

and watch me be reborn.

Lord, I pray that YOU would rescue the oppressed,

deliver the needy who cry out to You.

And strengthen my decays.