Opening Prayer
Sometimes I feel like I am wrestling with you, Lord! It is a sweaty and scary encounter. You always come in the night or the nighttime of my fears. But I feel your strong struggle and muscles and you challenge my resolve. Change my mission as you changed Jacob’s name, so that I am faithful in wrestling with you, and never tire of the sweaty struggle. Please don’t let me limp through life, but to walk upright because I have seen Your face and felt your presence rubbing against me. Thank you for your healing power and presence which frees the muteness that does not speak your good news or acknowledge how powerful and present you are. As we lie prostrate in exhaustion from the struggle and journey, your gentle shepherding smile makes all the difference. Empower us to work for your abundant harvest, Lord. May our sweat be the healthy labor for your reign.
Therese, this must have been a dark day for you, when in 1897, the decision was made to isolate you in the infirmary because of the accelerating rate of your illness. You must have known that God was drawing you closer to home. Help us to have faith amid the dark times of pain, disappointment and illness to trust that your refining and embracing presence is still with us, even though we feel empty. Strengthen our faith, powerful Therese, to believe that in our frailty is God’s mercy and healing power.
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