September 1st 2006: Protected

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber;

Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life;

The Lord will watch over your going out and coming in, both now and forever more.

Thoughts as I go to sleep...

We have had a happy family meal tonight, to celebrate Hannah's exam results. Lots of laughter, plenty of well-meaning jokes, the added humour of Hannah's friend Paul. Now the house is quieter and I'm aware of just how watched over our lives are. How God keeps watch and knows our thoughts, our happiness, our longings. Watch over us as we sleep, I pray. Thank you that through all eternity we are loved and treasured and protected. And in our case, privileged too. Please keep your watch for the homeless too. Hold them close to your heart, please, Holy One. In the deeps of the night and in the morning. God with us all.