Reflection for August 26

Prayer
I work the graveyard shift of prayer, the nights that seem empty to some, but to those with a burdened heart, the nights that never end. I stay alert to the midnight call of the soul, the cry of one far away, whose spirit voice reaches out through deserted streets, to find someone, anyone, who can help remove the pain. I do not keep my vigil because I am good, but because, like you, I have been there, to the all night cafe, where you go when you just don't want to be alone. Can you stay awake with me, God asked, and yes, we said, yes, we can, this time, we can (The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston).