May You Rest in God’s Embrace (Thomas P. Williamsen, Karleigh Music Co., A.S.C.A.P.)
1 I pray you find peace when all around you is swirling.
A peace the world cannot give when winds about you are whirling.
When all is said and done, may you rest in God’s embrace.
When all is said and done, I wish you peace.
2 I wish you comfort when darkness encompasses you.
I pray there are arms to hold and comfort you.
When all is said and done, may you rest in God’s embrace.
When all is said and done, I wish you peace.
3 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you.
The Lord look kindly on you and grant you peace.
When all is said and done, may you rest in God’s embrace.
When all is said and done, I wish you peace.
4 I pray you find peace. I pray you find hope.
I pray you find strength in our risen Lord.
When all is said and done, may you rest in God’s embrace.
When all is said and done, I wish you peace.
Devotion
God longs to be intimate with us in the secret soul space of our hearts. One poet describes this sacred interior place as a “magnificent cathedral that is sweet beyond telling.” Sages and mystics write of the divine spark and the immeasurable treasure of the holy presence hidden within us. John of the Cross calls it the “Living Flame of Love that gently and lovingly awakens in our hearts.” Love pulls us into the great mystery of God, where we discover the joy and solace of God’s embrace. This narrow and dark way of faith allows us to enter this mystery through prayer and meditation, where we stand in silent awe before our God.
St. Augustine wrote, “I believe in order to understand.” I think our word for this New Year should be “I love in order to understand.” In loving God, we know that we can rest in our Lord’s embrace for today and for the days to come.
Prayer
Lord, draw us into the embrace of your heart, where we discover true love. Remind us that we love you by loving what you love. Amen.