Monday, October 10, 2016

Today’s Hymn            
I want Jesus to walk with me;
I want Jesus to walk with me;
all along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

In my trials, Lord, walk with me;
in my trials, Lord, walk with me;
when my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me;
when I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me;
when my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

“I Want Jesus to Walk with Me,” African American spiritual (tune: Walk with Me)
from Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

Reflection
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin’s quote has been one of my favorites for a long time. It is impossible to imagine the strife, tribulations, and suffering that so many individuals and families experienced having to submit to the wretched experience of slavery. But every history book and hymn recounts the undying hope that was so fervent and strong.

The spiritual we reflect on today is no different. That hope takes the form of faith in God and knowing that everything our sisters and brothers had to suffer through here on earth was only temporary. Their faith in Jesus to walk beside them, lift them up, carry them, give them grace and peace in their hearts—that kept their souls alive during a very dark time.

We are constantly on a pilgrimage, whether we admit to it or not, until we find ourselves united with Christ. We may not be traveling to Jerusalem, Mecca, or Lourdes, but our hearts and our minds are always set on this faith-filled journey as we try to decipher what earthly matters truly warrant our time and energy.

Though our daily human concerns may be nothing in comparison to the dark experiences like slavery, famine, war, and violence that are still very present today, we know that as Christ’s pilgrims our hearts can rest easy in God and peaceful in prayer.

Prayer
Dear God, guide me as your faithful pilgrim. Let me unload my momentary worries and burdens into your hands as you walk with me and carry me closer to you. Amen.

Written by Jackie Lorens, Director, Chicago Lights Elam Davies Social Service Center

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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