Image: Only Speak the Word © Jan L. Richardson
Reading from the Gospels, Pentecost +2, Year C: Luke 7.1-10
“Only speak the word, and let my servant be healed.”
–Luke 7.7
Only Speak the Word
A Blessing
You might not have guessed
how far this blessing
can travel.
But it is worth believing
that it is built
for crossing distances
for stretching itself
for making its way
without hesitation
to the place
where it is needed most.
Only believe—
or, failing this,
latch onto someone
who will believe
for you,
who will ask
on your behalf,
who will plead
for this blessing
to come.
Trust one who knows
with a certainty
fierce as fire
that this blessing
will find its way
to you,
that it will treat
miles and time
as nothing,
that it will push through
each boundary,
cross every border,
pass through
all obstacles
to reach you.
Trust that these words
know the path
into your anguish,
that in your ache
they will become balm
and in your pain
they will become soothing.
Trust that they will be for you
a sweet
and stunning
peace.
Using Jan’s artwork…
To use the image “Only Speak the Word,” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Painted Prayerbook possible. Thank you!
Using Jan’s words…
For worship services and related settings, you are welcome to use Jan’s blessings or other words from this blog without requesting permission. All that’s needed is to acknowledge the source. If you’re using them in a worship bulletin, please include this info in a credit line:
© Jan L. Richardson. janrichardson.com.
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May 29, 2013 at 12:37 AM |
A stunning painting and an equally beautiful poem. Thank you!
May 29, 2013 at 5:09 AM |
Encouraging words Jan, not only for those who find themselves in desperate circumstances but also to affirm and encourage us as christians. Thank you
May 29, 2013 at 7:57 AM |
Thank you for this, Jan.
May 29, 2013 at 10:01 AM |
this Word touched me today, as one who is accompanying others who suffer this week. Even as I am holding out a Word, I too need to listen for the Word. As always, much thanks.
May 29, 2013 at 10:12 AM |
Simply beautiful, both image and word!
May 29, 2013 at 2:16 PM |
My pulse slowed as I read this balm. The people in my life are in need of this reminder, this blessing – I need it myself. As we live in the midst of unknowing the future, in the midst of struggle and in the haziness of hope yet attained, this Word blesses us. Thank you.
May 29, 2013 at 2:20 PM |
Thank you, and may this blessing find its way right back to you as well.
June 1, 2013 at 12:09 AM |
Thank you, Jan. A balm for thee sorrow I hold this night.
June 1, 2013 at 10:12 AM |
Thank you, Gerry. I wish you blessings and peace in your sorrow.
June 1, 2013 at 9:22 AM |
Thank you Jan! I titled this Sunday’s sermon “the power of the word.” Your poem on Luke 7 will make a perfect ending, and touch many in the congregation. A healing balm.
June 1, 2013 at 10:11 AM |
Lovely, Tony! Thanks so much. Blessings to you and your congregation as you offer the Word tomorrow.
June 1, 2013 at 10:10 AM |
Friends, deep thanks to you for the gift of your words here! I am grateful. Blessings to you.
June 5, 2013 at 1:02 AM |
I have some special friends with whom I pray across long distances. When I am feeling worse than usual, and discouragement is trying to get the upper hand it is so important that others are holding me up when I am having a hard time praying myself. Knowing that the connection we have with God and with the praying faithful crosses all distances and barriers is a great blessing indeed!
Jan, thank you for this beautiful blessing that is so helpful to me.