Nov 8 Responsive Reading

Nov 8 Responsive Reading

reading“When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he exclaimed, ‘Truly, the LORD is in this spot, although I did not know it!’  . . . Jacob then made this vow: ‘If God remains with me, to protect me on this journey I am making and to give me enough bread to eat and clothing to wear, and I come back safe to my father’s house, the LORD shall be my God”  (Genesis 28:16-21).

I am safe, for wherever I am, God is.

“God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress . . . .  The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is . . . . the holy dwelling of the Most High.  God is in its midst; it shall not be shaken; . . . .  The LORD of hosts is with us . . . . Who says: ‘ Be still and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46).

I am safe, for God is mighty in the midst of me.

“You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, Say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.’ . . . God’s faithfulness is a protecting shield.  You shall not fear . . . . You have the LORD for your refuge; you have made the Most High your stronghold” (Psalm 91).

I am safe, for in God I trust.

“‘When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you . . . .’”   He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray'” (Matthew 6:6 + 11:1).

I am safe in my safe zone: the Secret Place of the Most High, the silent space of prayer.  Lord, teach me to pray.