Morning prayer · 3 May

Nearer than I ask

A small shadow walking just beside a person's own footsteps on a busy pavement, staying close no matter how the path curves through the crowd, with the words “nearer than i know how to ask” lettered by hand.

Lord, be with me today when I go out. Be nearer to me than I know how to ask. Whether I’m laughing, talking or working, walking down the street, listening to wise people, or saying hello to people who only chat and laze about, let thoughts of you stay all around my waiting soul. And if Jesus comes, may he find me watching. Amen.

And the LORD answered, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14 (BSB)

Adapted from George MacDonald, Diary of an Old Soul (1880), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.