In The Waiting

IN THE WAITING

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

From the depths of despair, O LORD,

I call for your help.

Hear my cry, O Lord.

Pay attention to my prayer.

LORD, if you kept a record of our sins,

who, O Lord, could ever survive?

But you offer forgiveness,

that we might learn to fear you.

I am counting on the LORD;

yes, I am counting on him.

I have put my hope in his word.

I long for the Lord

more than sentries long for the dawn,

yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.

O Israel, hope in the LORD;

for with the LORD there is unfailing love.

His redemption overflows.

He himself will redeem Israel

from every kind of sin.

Have you ever watched kids wait in line to ride a roller coaster? They can hardly stand still. They jump and yell. They swing on the ropes and bars that mark off the waiting area. They bump into the people ahead of them. They have great expectations for what the ride will be like: thrilling and a little scary. How might our lives be shaped if we were to wait with this kind of great expectation for God’s actions in and restoration of the world?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• Reflect on a time you have waited on an action or answer from God. How did you experience the waiting? How did he ultimately respond?
• What are you currently waiting on God for? How does it feel to be waiting? What emotions are you experiencing?

Lord, thank you for times of waiting and for the transformation you do in me during those times. Please mold my character so it reflects your will and so I may serve in your Kingdom. Give me patience and allow me to trust your timing and provision. May I wait with great expectation for how you will reveal your ways and guide me. May I experience your presence in the midst of my waiting. Amen.