Lamplighting Prayer Five

We spend a lot of time thinking about God as the all-powerful judge. We make decisions based upon the worry that God will punish us if we choose incorrectly. The one thing we rarely think about God is a loving and compassionate God Who delicately watches over us. Until now.

Today’s Daily Lenten Journey on Prayer will focus on the fifth silent prayer of Vespers. It is offered, like the others in the Holy Altar by the priest standing in front of the Holy Table, while Psalm 103 is read. This prayer speaks to my soul, more than most.

Lord, O Lord, Who holds all things together in Your spotless hands, Who are long-suffering toward all of us, and Who repents of our wickedness, remember Your compassion and Your mercy; watch over us in Your goodness; and grant that we may avoid the manifold deceits of the evil one throughout the remainder of the present day, and preserve our lives free from every assault, through the grace of Your All-Holy Spirit. Through the mercies and love for mankind of Your only-begotten Son with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

The image of God holding EVERYTHNG in His hand is powerful for me. First, is the image of how all-encompassing His hand must be to contain everything. There is nothing left out in this prayer. God holds everything in Hs hand. It is what makes people depend upon His power.

The second image is even greater. Only a loving caretaker bothers to hold what He cares for in His hand. Think of a loving child delicately holding a soft bunny. This act of love and compassion is the type of love and care that God has not just for you, but for everything in His Creation.

God IS the loving caretaker Who using His hands to care for us. He uses His hands to protect us from evil. He uses His hands to lift us up when we fall. He uses His hands to carry us through our struggles, never once letting us down in danger.

So, today’s prayer continues to ask Him to protect us, “throughout the remainder of the day.” The day might be coming to an end, but our struggles are ‘just’ beginning against the enemy of the night. We have nothing to fear if God is holding us.

Sleep comfortably tonight knowing that God is holding you in His hands. Sleep knowing the demons cannot hurt you. Sleep knowing God loves you. Happy praying.