The Bride Prepares Herself

Ruach Breath of Life

Lord save us from falling for the Platonic ideal of assuming a purely spiritual afterlife, lest we become too individualised in our outlook as a result. Like a brilliant musician who sees no need to relate to other players, and thereby robs the symphony of their love and prayer, how sad when people hear distressing news, and find no need to turn it into prayer and compassionate concern. You are supremely there for those who have nothing and no one in this world. For in Your Kingdom the formerly unimportant will occupy centre stage, while some of the seemingly more magnificent will be shown to be no more than wolves in sheep’s clothing. So help us to prepare without pride or possessiveness for this life of eternity, leaving behind all that would slur or slurry, so that even in our secret hearts we prefigure the age that is to come; for it is only with our hearts thus set that we can fully appreciate the riches of life as You have desired and designed it, on the sacred space that is Earth. You spoke of the time when You will return to Earth in great power and glory in just the same way by which You left it, to rule in power and to make all things new. (1) Therefore in faith we look forward not so much to escaping from this world, than to playing our part in its glorious transformation, grateful for our allotted station, not missing our reward through failing to heed Your commands, or envying others who are bound for more senior reward, but devoting our utmost to Your highest. Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The LORD called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He has hidden me in the shadow of His hand. I am like a sharp arrow in His quiver. References (1) Matt. 19:28, Luke 21:26-27, Acts 1:11 (2) Is. 49:1-4