Prayers for the sick and struggling

A bouquet I took
to ICPM on Sunday

Yesterday morning, Pastor Quinn went to the Royal Alex to visit one of our "flock," who was sent from the Stanley Milner Library to Emergency because of double pneumonia -- but J had checked himself out (well, walked out) before Quinn got there. 

This morning, J's mom arrived at Tuesday Table Time and told us she didn't know where J is, so we went looking for him after our table cleared off of the toiletries and snacks we had to share. We checked the library and walked all the way around Hope Mission, hoping to find J. No luck. He could be anywhere, and with this kind of illness plus an addiction to meth, all we can do is pray that someone who meets him can help him to get the care he needs.

Walking around the Hope this morning, though I've done it more than a few times, left me shocked yet again at the sheer numbers of homeless people milling around or sleeping on the sidewalks. It's not something that I spend a lot of time thinking about because it leaves me feeling sad that things are the way they are, guilty that my life is so much better than theirs, and hopeless that things are going to change. 

But in my morning meditation time today, I ran across this gem by Brother Lawrence, a fairly simple monk who tried to see God in all things/people:

Everything is possible for those who believe, even more for those who hope, still more for those who love, and most of all for those practice and persevere in these three powerful paths.

So we at Inner City Pastoral Ministry (soon to have a new name -- watch this space!) continue in these three paths to the best of our ability. And we pray for J to recover from his illness and addiction, and do what we can for all those we meet on the streets. 

Everything is possible, says Brother Lawrence. Especially for those who love God.