Scholars believe that the prophet known as Second Isaiah wrote these words to assure the Israelites, captive in Babylon, that God was still with them, that he was still in control. Although we are not captives of a foreign power, we are still captive to the powers of darkness, to fear, anxiety, hopelessness, and despair. But God is with us as he was with the Israelites, and the promise of this beautiful passage belongs to us, too.
Dear God,
We ask that you strengthen our hands and knees that we may do your work on earth. Open our eyes and ears to your truth and wisdom. Give us the words to encourage those on the journey with us and to sing your praise.
We ask that the desert of our despair give way to streams of hope and blossoms of joy.
And we ask that we may always walk on the Holy Way and that we may know your everlasting joy and gladness.
Amen
- Sara Tarpley