It should be quite a cheery story today, about the Israelites winning back their land from the Philistines after Saul lost it. The ark of the covenant is being brought to rest in Jerusalem, and the praise and happiness that David and his people enjoy is lovely.

But then tragedy strikes – a poor thresher, Uzza, is struck down by the Lord’s anger after holding out his hand to steady the ark when the oxen pulling its cart stumbled.

David became very upset with the Lord over that, and stopped moving the ark for some months while he sorted out his feelings and prayed for understanding.

Today we have had tragedy in our family. My cousin has been struck down by an accident at work. He is on life support, but will die as soon as the machine is turned off.

I hardly know what to pray. For a miracle?  The thing is done. For God to reverse it somehow? and restore his amazing brain and his youthful life? I don’t know if we’re allowed to pray that way.

So I say, with the author of Psalm 56:

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me (and my whole family) For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamaties have passed by.

“…. My soul is among lions…”

Dear God, Please take good care of my cousin. I know you will because you created him and you love him. Let him be with his mother, and grandfather, strolling the pallisades of your house in peace. Please be with my uncle particularly and give him solace. Be with my father and aunt and other uncle, and my grandmother, and give them strength, and show them your love, somehow, in the midst of this horrendous pain. Dear Father God please watch over my children and keep them safe. Please heal P. Please help us build your kingdom here on earth in whatever time we have left. Thank you for your dear son Jesus, who has brought us to peace with you so that we can call on you as our father. Please fill us, me, with your Holy Spirit so I can act as you want me too at all times.  In the name of our beloved saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen.