God’s constant unchangeable care

Good morning, Cornerstone friends, at the end of a week of no constancy other than constant change.
Let us begin today in praise.

My God, it is incredibly comforting to begin the day remembering how much you care for us,
how close you remain to us, despite our fickle favourites and our changing moods.
From opening our eyes on waking to closing them in sleep you are beside us.
From the time of drifting into slumber through the first moment of wakefulness, you are here.
Keep us always mindful of your constant care.

Amen

We have passed a week of insecurity – do we prepare for more heavy rain?
Is it dry enough (or wet enough) to easily weed the allotment?
When the water butt is full do I collect more buckets? Nothing has been dependable.
When I saw the calm sunshine, the air was chill and still damp.
The bees could find no footing on the drooping, dripping flowers.
The stillness between storms leads us to rush about, doing jobs that rely on dry ground underfoot.
How easy to forget that God’s constant care is for ever right there all the time.
Paul reminds us in Romans 8: 38–39:

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My God, in a time of confusion, in a time of uncertainty we know you will not fail us.
When we can’t find the road ahead for flood, lead us through.
When we can’t think clearly for the weeds in the field, renew our vision.
When we lose patience with those we care for, be within that deep breath taken and top up our well of kindness.
Keep our faith in you as constant as yours is in us.

Amen

The Corinthians were reminded that this constancy, this unchangefulness is full or purpose:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 1: 3–4)

My God, we praise you for your burden-bearing care. Please shoulder the burdens we carry for the people we love.
Receive our anxieties. We pray for our friends in need of your touch, in need of your constant comfort.
Fill our hearts with your compassion, fill our hands with your grace to care.
Confirm us in our mission to show your constant presence in our community.
May our words be your words, inspiring everyone we meet to live in your steady, constant, unchanging love.

Amen

It’s time to make a move, shake off the drowsy dawn and begin the business of today. We go out in this blessing:

May God, who is the ground of hope, fill us with all joy and peace as we live the life of faith until by the power of the Holy Spirit we overflow with hope.

Romans 15: 13

Cheryl Montgomery