This morning a tattered piece of paper fell from my journal – a prayer I wrote during my husband’s battle with ALS, when I felt my son, who was 11 at the time of diagnosis, was overwhelmed by the sorrow of the situation. I’ve since prayed it so many times over so many different areas of my children’s lives. Praying it always gives me peace, so I thought I’d share it with you, with the hope that your children feel safe in the storms that they face and that you feel safe as you watch them sail.
A Prayer for Josiah
Lord God of Hosts, who is strong like You, Lord? Your faithfulness surrounds You. You rule the raging sea; when its waves surge, You still them. Psalm 89:8-9
Strong God,
The worries of the world rise and rage like a storm
around Josiah
I want to calm it
Or take his place
Or steer his boat
But these seas are his to sail.
Remind me that he is not alone
Never alone
Because You, O Captain, are strong for the storm
You are surrounded by Your own faithfulness
You, encircled by You, encircling my boy in his boat
You are there when the waves rise
You are there when the waters roar
Before he calls, You answer the winds
Peace, be still
Worry, be quiet
Chaos, be calm
And when he forgets to call, or refuses to call
When fear or pride keeps the words caught in his throat
Knuckles tight around the wheel,
Speak to the storm in him
And give him ears to hear
A heart to respond
And courage to rest.
Amen.
Thank you for this Bo. I have hurt this last year for one of ours. Watching the doubt creep beck in because of the rejection of those in the bride who think he is unworthy. He IS forgiven because of the sacrifice of Jesus. And no man can take that away. Once forgiven always forgiven! Praying!
Dear Bo,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful reminder of trusting God’s plan for our children and not our plans. One of the most challenging and yet gratifying part of being parents when our children become adults is to trust their choices and encourage their own journey, even when the road can be tumultuous.
Trust for the journey. Blessings to you and your beautiful family.
Really needed to hear this right now and REALLY need to pray this daily. Thank you!
Thank you. Beautiful hope.