Whatnot

Last night was a powerful time of worship with the guys. We had a time where we offered for the guys to open up a Bible to the Psalms, sing, or simply reflect. Most of the guys opened Bibles and began reading- between verses and songs we offered for guys to stand and read from the Psalms. What a powerful experience. Several guys who live at the Mission stood and read Psalms. A musician picked a few of his favorites, generally referring to praising God with instruments and song. A man burdened by his most recent relapse stood and shared Psalms regarding affliction and sorrow. Others shared as well.

We offered a time for the last reading. A man sitting right in front of me raised his hand. He was wearing red coveralls with white stripes and a heavy "poofy" coat with a hood. His brown boots were worn and dirty. Behind his chair sat a fold-up "shopping cart" full of various trappings all securely wrapped in plastic grocery bags. He stood and as he opened his mouth, I couldn’t help but notice he was missing a lot of teeth. Really you could only see four or five of his bottom teeth - dark and stained. He was a good reader, though his speech was a bit strained (because of his teeth?). The man in the red snow suit stood and read these words:

(Psalm 23)
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

I later learned that this man’s name was William. William has no home. No family to take him in. In fact, he isn’t even staying at the Rescue Mission where I work. There’s likely a reason for that. He stays in a more dangerous shelter. He said he hadn’t eaten in 3 days. And yet he said with conviction and with a great measure of peace, "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not be in want."

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***O Great God -

May my schedule melt away at your call, may my living room ring loudly with prayer and conversation. Might the two (prayer and conversation) be so prevalent that they blur into one. May my kids know you more.

Where there is busyness prod me toward solitude.
Where there is hurting, manifest healing - in me and through me.

Thank you for a city that feels like home- I'll proudly call it that.

Bring people into our lives, Lord, kindred spirits, spiritual seekers, and those we wouldn't choose. Build among us a familial relationship with You as the center. Give my kids virtual cousins in this place.***

A prayer for 05 for the Wheeler household



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