Spiritually Starving

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 40, 54; PM Psalm 51; 1 Kings 18:20-40; Phil. 3:1-16; Matt. 3:1-12

The other day, I came home after an active day and grabbed a handful of peanut butter pretzels. I had not eaten much that day but did not notice I was hungry. There was so much else going on that food was not on my mind. Once a few of those savory pretzels registered with my brain and I slowed down enough to pay attention to my body, I realized I was really hungry. I simply had filled the moments and hours with other things - leaving my system yearning for nourishment. Starvation due to busyness and distraction. Can you relate to such an experience?

I heard a story this week that opened my eyes to this idea of starving through distraction. This man in his 40s is going through a hard time. The kind of hard time that defines the trajectory of one's life. You see, his dad's cancer has worsened and is now under the care of hospice. Time is short. He is heartbroken and not ready to say goodbye to his dad, or ready to walk with his kids through grief. Church is not always a place he gravitates toward...he's not opposed to attending, but it has not been a priority. Work and golf have been his outlets for connection up until now. Prayer is not in his weekly routine.

And then, someone sends a few specific prayers to him so that he can pray at his dad's bedside, and pray for himself and his family. Like a cactus that blooms when rain waters the desert sands, the man opens up. The prayers invite him to feel and connect with God in a way that surprises him. The man has not realized that he has been spiritually starving. The prayers bring him some solace and courage as he sits with his dad.

Maybe this story resonates with you - and where you find yourself today. If it is hard to find the words to say with God, or you are out of the habit of praying, the Book of Common Prayer has a whole section beginning on page 814. Another prayer - suitable for the tumultuous times in Holy Scripture we read today, or the chaos in the world about us in 2025 - is called "In the Morning". Take a moment to sit with these words and ask God to prepare you for whatever is ahead:

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge 

What is a distraction keeping you from being open and available to God? Take a few minutes to sit still and wonder. Write down what feels like a roadblock. Name that space of resistance in prayer to God. Give thanks for the space of honesty and safety that comes in prayer with our Lord.