Prayer and reflection on Boston

Last night's workout was somber.  With the events of the day in Boston and everything, I spent most of my time reflecting and praying.  My prayers were rich and full.  I mourned for those who because of the blasts would never walk or run again.  I prayed for all in the world with disabilities and problems that make mobility so difficult.  I gave thanks that I did not have that hindrance and hoped that I never would.

I prayed for understanding of how all this could happen.  I began reflecting on a song I heard several years ago at a youth gathering.  It is about having trust and peace and giving all of our struggle and pain to God.  Here is the song http://jacobsroad.com/mp3/ichoosetrustsamp.mp3.  It is a beautiful song about peace and hope amidst tragedy and despair.

I have gone to this song many times in the past few years when the world has been rocked from beneath me.  So often we get lost in the whys and the hows that rarely give us answers or peace.  When I read Phillipians 4:13 I struggle to see beyond the promise of Christ being there and that he has control, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  I know that I am a week puddle of mush and worth nothing if I ever lose sight of the fact that I am a child of God and know that God is with me and gives me strength to fight through everything that this temporal world throws at me.  I find peace in the trusting in God to see the pains and heartaches of the world and know that I can lay them at the feet of Jesus and know that I am redeemed.

As I continued my workout, I prayed for the running community, those who have felt the victory of crossing that finish line, those who have tasted the glory of training for any race and that dedication to finish the race and feel the victory of accomplishment.  They are hurting today, Lord.  They are struggling.  The Boston Marathon runners had that finish line taken and ripped from them.  That victory was not felt yesterday and instead was left in a cloud of smoke and debris.

I prayed for those who fear.  Those who fear doing anything and trying anything because of the doubts of victory, the fear of something happening.  Living a life of fear and doubt is no way to live.  It is painful to live a life of perceived safety and security because you won't try.   I prayed for that release of doubt and fear in my life.

This workout may have only been 30 minutes, but the swirl of emotions lasted clear through the night.

God, be with those who are hurting, those who mourn loss, for those who fear going anywhere for what might happen.  Help us...help me to remember that promise in I Corinthians 9:24 that we are all running a race together.  We are all looking for that victory and help us to live a life of victory in that race.  Help all to know that we should live life to the fullest and always know that YOU are there to redeem even the greatest troubles in the world.  AMEN