A Prayer for Surprises
“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.” Luke 24:1-2
When Jesus was taken from the cross and prepared for burial, it was done in haste to complete the job before the start of Sabbath by two men who followed Jesus. Then, on Sunday morning at early dawn, the women came to honor the body with a preparation of the burial spices and the cloth that would properly entomb the body. As soon as they approached the burial grounds, they immediately knew something was different, something unexpected awaited them. The massive stone that enclosed the cave-like tomb to keep animals or intruders out was now rolled away, exposing the gaping hole into the tomb.
Our journeys often play out this same way. We experience loss and sorrow and prepare to grieve our losses for a period of time and in certain ways that honor our grief. We show up to the loss praying that God sees us through. And sometimes, we come upon surprising new discoveries. The preparations we had made to adjust to life with the loss, opens us up to something unexpected and new. What felt closed off to us in the past with impassable obstacles now stands before us wide open. And while we have yet to enter into that place and explore the new possibilities, we are overcome with the thought of something new. It may feel like confusion or joy, curiosity or fear. All we know is that nothing will ever be the same again.
A Prayer for Surprises
Lord, my life has taken a turn.
It isn’t playing out the way I imagined it would.
I’ve experienced hardship and loss, as everyone does.
I wonder how I will continue on and adjust to my new life.
And just as I pray these words, you ignite a spark,
a new flame of hope. an idea, an opportunity,
a new perspective has come over me.
I wonder where it will lead. I’m excited. I’m frightened. I’m hopeful in the midst of my mourning.
Guide my steps and give me courage to move ahead as you prepare my path.
For Reflection: Can you remember times in your life when you or a loved one suffered and it felt like a burden too heavy to bear? In that place, imagine Jesus sitting with you, looking at you, working with you to carry the load. What do you see or hear? What do you want to say to him about that time in your life? Now imagine Jesus walking the road to his crucifixion. In that place, imagine you joining next to him, looking at him, working with him to carry the load. What do you see or hear? What do you want to say to him about that time in his life?
