Holy Spirit of God, raise me from the dead ...

 
Acts 13:26-33 & John 14:1-6
 
The cross seems to represent death ... but really, the by Mercy of God, it proclaims life! Crosses come in all shapes and sizes in this life –broken relationships, illnesses, unemployment or diminishment of any kind, to name but a few. But really, by the Mercy of God, these crosses can become gateways into new places of mercy and of life.  When I am reconciled to one who has abused me, this is mercy.  When illness or infirmity slows me down, so I ‘have time to’ pray, that is mercy.  When fame, fortune or success are diminished so that I learn who I am as a beloved daughter of God, mercy is at work. What places of ‘death’ are there in my life from which I need to be raised?  Holy Spirit of God, raise me from the dead.
 
Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God. (John 14:1)
 
Prayer draws the Holy Spirit into the soul, and raises us up to heaven.
St. Ephrem
 
Soli gloriam dei .