These readings are strongly concerned with praying for strength when you are tired…

Psalm 119 is a constant prayer that God will not let the psalmist’s hope die: “Give me strength, as you promised, and I shall live; don’t let me be disappointed in my hope!”

Isaiah 35 retells the story of Hezekiah, who was attacked by the King of Assyria, who sent servants to mock God to the men on Jerusalem’s walls. God sends a rumor that Assyria itself is being attacked, the King returns home and is killed by traitors. So Hezekiah’s faith is maintained, but then he falls sick and almost dies.

Isaiah himself tells Hezekiah he is to die, but Hezekiah “turned his face to the wall and prayed ‘Remember Lord that I have served you faithfully and loyally and thtat I have always tried to do what you wanted me to’ And he began to cry bitterly.”

So the Lord commanded Isaiah to go back to Hezekiah and tell him he has 15 years longer.”

As the reading ends: “But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.”

Dear God, Thank You for caring for me, for keeping me strong in the midst of all the challenges and little hurts of life. Thank You for caring for my family, my husband, my mother and fathers, my children and my siblings. Please create in me a clean heart, take away all my angers and bitternesses and replace them with Your Holy Spirit and its fruits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… I love You my Father. Please help me love You more. In Jesus’ name, Amen