Autumn started last week, though it’s hard to tell in Florida. Nights have become longer than days. In a few weeks the temperature will fall, the rains will stop, and some trees will lose their leaves. When I lived in the north, this seemed to be the season when nature was dying.

For hundreds of years the Western church had special days for prayer and fasting called Ember Days. Three of them would have fallen last Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Ember Days were about introspection and repentance. To my mind these days had an autumnal quality to them.

I thought of Ember Days when I heard an anthem based on a poem by Robert Herrick (1591-1674).

In the hour of my distress,
When temptations me oppress,
And when I my sins confess,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me.

When I lie within my bed,
Sick in heart, and sick in head,
And with doubts discomforted,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me.

When the house doth sigh and weep,
And the world is drowned in sleep,
Yet mine eyes the watch do keep,
Sweet Spirit, comfort me.

That’s not happy-clappy Christianity, but it does reflect a genuine human condition. Sometimes we feel sick, discouraged, and depressed. There are times when we can’t manage ebullient words of praise and thanksgiving, but can only utter “Jesus, help me.” It’s good to know that God receives our humble petitions and accepts us with those feelings.

Whenever you seem to be experiencing autumnal days, turn to God in honest prayer. Sweet Spirit, comfort me. God will hear.

Read Psalm 51 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally (even when you feel like it’s perpetually autumn).

Wayne