A Sudden Reflection

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

This is one of my favorite prayers. It comes from the Compline Service of the Book of Common Prayer's Daily Office.

There's nothing new to report on the group at this point. I was at a meeting tonight for family members of the group and suddenly realized, much to my regret, that I've spent little time thinking about or praying for anyone involved in this but my dad and his group. I'd love to invite everyone following along to pray with me over the coming days and weeks for the Lebanese Christians that no one is coming to pick up; who are behaving selflessly right now taking care of our group and others like it; who will be in Lebanon still weeks and months from now when their country, only just recovered from a 15-year civil war, is once again reduced to rubble; quite possibly without water and power for a considerable amount of time. In the meantime they will have to survive the continued attacks by Israel and possibly even an invasion. Keep these brothers and sisters in your prayers. What we call persecution has been a way of life for years and is not likely to get any better soon. Join me also in praying for the lost in Lebanon. Among the many who do not know Christ are the lost that have yet to meet their Savior. Pray with me that our team, despite having only a short time left, will (in whatever actions they take) communicate the love of Christ, bringing Him honor and glory. We can't list every ill by name as we pray, but it is healthy to remember that despite our personal interest in a few people, there are many involved and all are loved by God.

Goodnight!