The Red Violin

Dear Lord, the creator of all things. 

With an open and weary heart I come before You now.

I’m aware of some of what You are doing in me and what You’re allowing me to see.

Yet I know there is so much more that is hidden just beneath the veil, that you are waiting to let me see.

The story of my life is unfolding and I don’t want to miss any of what You have in store for me.

You brought me to this place and all around I see glimpses of Your beauty.

It was not an easy road to travel, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything as I found You the One that satisfies the longings of my soul.

As I lift You up I’m aware of being filled over the last while with many thoughts, emotions and experiences that are leading me to this prayer.

As I live life in this fallen world created in Your image, I’m constantly being bombarded by wave after wave of distinct patterns with messages all of their own, both good and bad.

A cacophony of sights, sounds, ideas and more, all pulling me in different directions.

I cling to You my rock, in the middle of this storm.

You are the same always, yesterday, today and forever.

I go up, down and all around, but you are always there and always the same.

You’re not a mundane same.  You’re a mysterious, vibrant, powerful presence who holds my heart in His hands.

If there’s anything that I strive for, may it be knowing You more and more deeply each day.

The vibrations of this world can be overwhelming especially if I’m bearing the full brunt of the waves.

Yet in the midst of the swells, You lift me up and allow me to see dry land.  Not just dry land but marvelous creations made at the sound of Your words and I am swept away in an instant.

Watching a movie, You make me aware of this incredible ability of the imagery and music to impact my heart like the bow of a violin moving over the strings.

The notes at one moment are joyful and cheerful and the next sad and depressing.

As the music aligns with the pictures, the power they convey is undeniable and it all draws me back in awe of You and how we’re created.

You are the ultimate director of the greatest story imaginable and stories are also what we’re drawn to and get lost in.

The ability of the human director to tell a story that touches the heart is a gift from You, even if they don’t give You the credit.

Just as You created order, beauty and life on the earth, the movie director attempts to bring together the actors, dialogue, music, photography and design to tell a story.

When it’s done well, You become the real star and You are the One that deserves the applause.

Thank You Lord for the directors, writers, actors, artists, musicians, cinematographers and so many more that create movies, not acknowledging You, but that point to You because they are made by the ones who bear Your image.

Lord, thank You for walking beside me in this crazy world.

You know how far I was from You even when You were right next to me.  ☺️ 

I pray that You would continue to draw me near and give me the strength to continually abide in You.

Please continue to fill me with Your Spirit, open my eyes to see what You see and give me the courage to say and do what You want me to.

Lord, rather than simply surviving in the middle of the storm, allow me to be a lighthouse for others who are searching for You.

Please allow me to point others to You, the One that they’ve been searching for all their lives.  

Bring them to the safety of Your eternal port that is protected from the waves tossing them about.

To You goes all the Glory Lord.

Praise to You always for the gift of Your wonderful and beautiful creation.

Amen