Thursday, November 14, 2013 — Morning Prayer

In times of war and natural disaster, children are among the most vulnerable victims. In my part of the world, the greater Atlanta, Georiga area, human trafficking and abuse make frequent headlines.

As you pray this morning’s Psalm 30, I invite you to listen to Prayer of the Children, and pray especially on their behalf.

Prayer of the Children – Kurt Bestor, performed by the Women of Distinction Ensemble, St. Xavier University, Chicago.

Psalm 30
1 I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up,
and did not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3 O LORD, you brought up my soul from Sheol,
restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.

4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment;
his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may linger for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.

6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I shall never be moved.”
7 By your favor, O LORD,
you had established me as a strong mountain;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.
8 To you, O LORD, I cried,
and to the LORD I made supplication:
9 “What profit is there in my death,
if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me!
O LORD, be my helper!”
11 You have turned my mourning into dancing;
you have taken off my sackcloth
and clothed me with joy,
12 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

About Sarah Flynn Erickson

Rev. Dr. Sarah Flynn Erickson serves as the director of Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. She is a member of the Presbytery of South Alabama where she serves on the Committee for Preparation for Ministry. This reflection is from CASA: An Experiment in Doing Church Online.