Walking in preparation

Heavenly Father, Emmanuel, how thankful I am that You are with us. It is so easy to get lost in the crowds of Christmas. When we don't hold tight to Your hand we can be lured away by the false glitter of consumerism instead of the true gold of the Magi. We can be pulled away by the busyness of occupation instead of leaving it all to give top priority to seeking You with the shepherds. We can be diverted by the popularity of parties instead of the quiet ponderings of Mary and Godly dreams of Joseph. Help us to hold You close and to walk with You through these days of preparation. Help us to celebrate Your birth, O God-with-us, now and forever - Amen.

Surrounding love

Loving and Merciful Father-God, even when it's raining it's a beautiful day with You.  Thank You for being behind the clouds and the showers of my life, ready to bless me with the light and warmth of Your Son.  Throughout this day, keep me mindful of Your presence.  When the night begins to fall, keep my thoughts on Your protection.  When it deepens into the darkness, keep me wrapped in Your peace.  Where there is pain to endure, grant relief and comfort.  Where there are decisions to be made, make the way clear and fill thoughts with tranquility. Thank You that You surround me with Your never-ending love. Even when I cannot feel it, You are with me.  Glory, dominion and power are unto the Father Son Spirit, forever and ever - Amen.

Eyes of a child

O Father-God, give me the eyes of a child.   Help me to see anew the wonders of Your creation and the love with which You long to fill it.  This day, this night, in all that surrounds me, enable me to see You, my Christ, my Saviour, my All. When the evil of the world attempts to shut You out and throw us into darkness, break through O Glorious Light and illuminate the reality of goodness and mercy.  Forgive me when I am despondent and allow circumstances to dictate my joy, rather than opening myself to the glories of Your grace and ever-present comfort.  You are my peace, O Christ.  You are the very breath I breathe, O Spirit.  Give me the eyes of a child, that I may see You each hour, each moment, for all eternity, dear Heavenly Father of All.  May I, by Your grace, hear the angels sing.  Amen. 

Precious Day

Loving Father-God, this day is precious.  Whatever is held within its hours is a gift beyond measure!  Your blessings flow out upon us, regardless of the circumstances that surround us.  Hold those who sorrow and fill them with Your comfort.  Uplift those who are despondent and give them the glow of hope. Strengthen those with decisions to be made and enable them to hear Your guidance.  Where there is disease and injury, bring Your healing of wholeness. Where there is anger, pour out Your peace.  Where relationships are broken, speak Your mending.  Wrap the lonely in Your arms.  Where dreams are faltering, instill Your true vision. Where there is hunger and thirst, cold and lack of shelter, a lack of justice or compassion, please show us how to share, O Holy Spirit.  May we be Your hands, Your voice, Your love.   Forgive us, merciful Saviour, for wanting our own way and our continuing reluctance to follow You in deed as well as in word.  There is so much possibility in each day.  Don't let us waste it.  Don't let us regret it.  Don't let us use it for anything we'd be ashamed to share with You.  May we indeed count our blessings - and remember that You are the greatest blessing of all!  May each day be full of Thanks-giving!  Alleluia! Amen!  

Comfort

Dear Heavenly Father, it's so sad when what we love divides us.  Give us hearts that are true to You and courage to be faithful, even when it would be easier and more comfortable to remain silent or to slip into the background via compromise or even - heaven forbid! - to deny You.  You have warned us again and again that the world wouldn't love us and that there would be persecution and trial if we love You and keep Your commandments.  Forgive us for not believing You.  I don't want to be a fair-weather Christian, Lord, but it's hard to be a follower when so many turn away.  Help me to love with Your love; to love even when it hurts, even when loving You divides me from others.  Lord, in Your mercy, heal all broken hearts, mend relationships that are torn, renew a right spirit within Your people.  And comfort us, Lord.  Comfort Your people and hold us within Your nail-scarred hands.  Not because we deserve it, but because You are our only hope and salvation, the One on whom we depend.  Amen.

In the time of War and Tumults

O Almighty God, King of all kings, and Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongs justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to them that truly repent:  Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech Thee, from the hands of our enemies; abate their pride, assuage their malice, and confound their devices; that we, being armed with Thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify Thee, who art the only giver of all victory; through the merits of Thy only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen  (Book of Common Prayer, 1662)

Waiting on God

Creator of the universe, Breath of life, Salvation of the world, on this new day it is so easy to want to leap into action.  I am not always a patient person, Lord. Waiting for You is not something that comes easily to me, as You know.  I chomp at the bit and forget that You alone know the big picture of what results - or doesn't result - from the actions I take.   Grant me the humility to confess that You alone know not only what should be done, but when.  Enable me to wait for You.  Help me to listen for Your voice and direction within prayer and as I spend time with You in Your Holy Word of Scripture.  Don't let my own voice drown out Yours.  Give me a heart that cares passionately about justice but understands that it must be on Your terms.  I am not called to act alone, but always within Your will.  O Master, grant me patience to wait on You before leaping into action, so that I do not leap off the cliff I cannot yet see! Father Son Spirit, protect me from myself I ask, for Your love's sake.  Amen 

Glorious Gray

Good morning, Father-God!   Even when skies are gray and the air is heavy, muggy with humidity, this is still the day which You have made and call us to rejoice and be glad within!  How easy it is to forget to start my day with You, The One who has brought it into being.  Forgive me when I dash into my day; thinking only of what I need to do for me.  Intent on being my own enabler I brush You aside and concentrate on what I really believe is most important - me, myself, I... and maybe my family.  But without You it is all completely without meaning.  Without You I'm not capable of anything of eternal value; it will all pass away.  But with You everything sparkles with the newness of creation!  With You even the dullest and grayest of days is lit with the radiance of forever and ever!  This is eternity - You are eternity - and the wonder of it wraps me in awe of You.  With thanksgiving and praise I lift my heart to You this gray, muggy morning, and ask that You would bless it unto me; not for my glory, but for Your glory, Father Son Spirit, now, within this moment of forever - Amen!

Autumn

Father-God, we lift our praise to You!
Creator of all the seasons, Giver of each moment,
          what a glorious day this is with which You are blessing us!
The crisp, clean air surrounding us, the dome of perfect, azure sky over us,
         who cannot see Your hand within it all?
You paint each leaf with colours no pigment we can create can match!
Your morning dew touches each blade of grass with diamonds beyond compare!
O Lord, help me not to race past such beauty unseeing.
Open my eyes to the wonder,
        Open my nose to each aroma,
                Open my lips to praise You forever for the autumn
And each season of my life,
                                               Forever!  Amen!

Hush

Loving, merciful, mighty Father God,  the evening is hushed.  The supper is cleared, the dogs have settled and are gently snoring, the television is off and no traffic is passing.  How seldom we have precious times that are hushed; when we can simply be with You and thank You for all that has made up this day.  You have brought us to this place, through all the times of our lives, and You have never let us go.  This moment is a moment shared with the Creator of All that is, seen and unseen.  The very moment I am in Your holy presence and wrapped in Your love, dear Jesus.  I am Your beloved child.  What words can express the indescribable joy and the lava of comfort that flows over me with such knowledge?  There are no words.  There is need be no words.  The evening is hushed and I am with my Father, Son, Spirit.  It is a time of holy hush...  I whisper alleluia... Amen... 

When it's hard to pray

Loving Father God, when it's hard to pray is when we perhaps need most to pray.  Sometimes the words just won't come; things are too deep, to painful, too raw, or we're simply too tired to think straight.  Hold us, dear Jesus.  And as You pray for us, Sweet Lord, enable us to pray with You.  Lift our eyes from our selves and focus us on You.  May our vision see beyond whatever is keeping us from coming to You and give us the courage to open our hearts, our emotions, our thoughts, that we may know we are cherished, forgiven, restored. When it's hard to pray, blessed Father, it's often hard to believe we are loved.  Hug us within Your arms of mercy and surround us with Your comfort, O Holy Spirit. For You alone are our Peace and You alone are the One who shows us undeserved, unrestrained, bountiful goodness and - yes - undying love.  When it's hard to pray, lift our hearts into Your glory, that we may love You with even a fraction of the love You have for us, and reach out into the darkness of others' lives with the light of that Good News - We are loved, forever and ever and ever, Amen!

These humble prayers

Gracious and Almighty, Merciful and Omnipotent, You alone are God!  Within the midst of this day I stop and remember just Who You Are, and that I am loved by the Creator, Saviour and Sustainer of the entire universe.  How great Thou art, indeed - and how blessed I am!  As I enjoy this day I remember those who are in pain.  I lift up into Your arms of healing those who battle illness and disease. I place into Your care the ones who have suffered accident or injury. I bring to You those who are grieving in the dark valley of bereavement.  I pray for those who walk with terrible memories that haunt their thoughts.  I raise to You the people who struggle with plaguing doubts and nagging uncertainties.  I am blessed to be able to bring before You these folk and I am thankful for the ability to do so.  Take these humble prayers and use them for Your glory; use them to build up Your Kingdom; use them to spread the Good News of Your Loving Salvation to all who so desperately need You.  I need You, Lord, every moment of every day.  What blessings fill my way as I walk with You, through the worst the world can bring to the best of which my soul sings.  Glory hallelujah!  The God of all, the Ruler of everything, the Only One reigns forever and ever, and I am His and He is mine!  How incredibly awesome - Amen.

Lord's Day Eve

Our Heavenly Father, it is the eve of the special day we set aside to worship You.  You are so worthy of our praise, deserving of more thanks than we can ever give You, above and beyond any honour we can bestow.  Forgive us all the many times this week that we have disappointed You with our sins and hurt others with our failings.  Wash us clean and give us a new attitude; a way of living that acknowledges You as the One who is not just Number One, but the only one deserving our prime attention.  If only we would put You above and beyond everything, then all else in our lives would fall into its proper place! How amazingly You love us!  As the moon shines down upon us tonight, shine down Your love, Lord Jesus.  Give us new hearts that glow with Your love on all those around us.  Keep us safe within Your care this night and, if it be Your will, bring us fresh and joyful to worship You tomorrow!  In the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit now and forever -Amen.

Wrap us safely in sleep

Heavenly Father, our loving Saviour and Great Comforter, as the night begins to fall over us, we lift our prayers up to You and ask that You would grant us Your blessing.  It has been a hard day for some.  For those who grieve, we ask for Your peace as You wrap Your arms of security and reassurance around them. For those who are in pain of body, struggling with disability or disease we ask, O Great Physician, that You would give to them Your wholeness and relief, that they may rest and strengthen.  For those who are anxious and fearful of tomorrow, please pour out Your calm and contentment.  Remind us all of Your never-ending presence, dear and holy God, for what a blessedness it is to know that no matter what happens You will never leave us or forsake us.  Forgive us when we desert You, or when we are not true to others.  Wrap us safely in sleep.  And when tomorrow, by Your grace comes, lift us up and enable us to start again afresh with the joy and confidence that comes from knowing You are with us not only tonight but always - forever and ever, Amen.

Being the friend

What a wonderful morning it has been, Father God!  You make the rough places smooth when I take the time to seek You in the midst of it.  Thank You for dispersing the fogs of uncertainty.  Thank You for being the Light of my life, even on cloudy days.  Thank You for touching my heart through the words and actions of others.  May I also be a blessing as I journey into the rest of this day. Your gift of the companionship of Christian family is so gracious and so needed. I pray today especially for those who are without the friendship of others. Fellowship in community not loneliness in isolation is what You created us for. 
O Holy Spirit, give me eyes that see and ears that hear those who are lonely, even in a crowd.  Help me to be the friend I would want to have - help me to be like You, dear Jesus; for Your love's sake - Amen.

Mists

Loving Heavenly Father, You are all around us and there is nowhere we can be that You aren't with us.  But as darkness wraps around the house and I relax into the comfort of the sofa, I remember that so many souls are literally wandering in darkness, never to feel at ease, never to know the great Comforter and be at peace.  Why do people reject You, Lord?  There is no greater comfort than knowing Your unconditional love surrounds me on the mountain tops, along the plateaus and in the deepest of dark valleys.  And why do even some of those who acknowledge You keep You at such a distance?  Your law of love frees me to be the me that You created me to be; it doesn't chain me down or rob me of joy.  Following You is the most joyful experience!  It is life in all its fullness! Thank You for Your path of discipleship that enables me to walk beside You, knowing I can trust You with my very life! Even when the mists of life swirl about me, trying to block my vision and mislead me, I know I can reach out and take Your hand and You will guide me. That is comfort beyond measure!  Bless any who are within mists tonight, dear Lord.  Uphold those who grieve, strengthen those who are weak, give healing and restore wholeness to those who battle sickness and disease.  May they feel Your arms around them, guiding them and leading them closer and closer to You.  For You alone are our God, You alone are the Holy One, the Most High and Holy, Holy, Holy is Your Name - now and forever - Amen! 

On the Road

Blessed Heavenly Father, we don't know where the road of life is going to take us.  I know there are unexpected twists and turns and that sometimes potholes catch us unaware.  I also know what happens when I'm trying to be in control, rather than let You be my pilot and my navigator!  I can't see what lies ahead around the bends of time, but You see it all and so I know I can trust You to show me the right way.  I'm not capable of navigating my way through the rough and tough stretches, so please enable me to hand it over to You, dear Holy Spirit.  Things may look beautiful at the moment, and I'm so easily distracted by what's around me. Sometimes I become complacent and am in danger of nodding off.  I need You to help me keep my attention focused on You, the One on whom I totally depend.  I know that if I do, You will bring me safely to my ultimate destination, Lord Jesus, and so I can enjoy the journey, no matter what the condition of the road. When it's time I know You will deliver me to heaven and the dwelling place of our Father, and there is no greater joy I can possibly have - to be with You now on the road and at my journey's end! Amen!

You

Great and gracious God our Father, when we are too tired to stand, You uphold us.  When we willfully try to run ahead of You, You pull us back to Your side. When circumstances kick us, You wrap us in Your comfort.  When we ignore You, there is never a moment You ignore us. When we lose our temper, stamp our foot and demand our own way, You refuse to leave us in our sin but calm us down and call us back again.   When we do, think or say wrong, You remind us of what is right, and if we turn You rush to greet us and forgive us forever.   When we don't do what we should, You jab our conscience and give us the courage to make it right.  When we are weary and become sarcastic, You remind us of Your Almighty Hope.  For You are the King of Kings.  You are the Only God.  And although You are not a tyrant, You are in control of the entire universe.  In my weakness I am amazed at Your strength of love, hope and faithfulness.  All that matters is You.  How awesome that I matter to You... Thank You, my Trinity, my All, me Everything.   Forever and Ever, Amen

Mysterious Comforter

Holy, merciful Father-God, full of grace and wonder, might and majesty, You are above and beyond, You are within and throughout, You are indeed mysterious and yet comforting to my soul.  Like the sunshine You warm my heart, like the rain You water my spirit, like the soil You nurture my mind that I may grow.  All nature sings of You.  I see Your care reflected in the deep eyes of my trusting dog.  I hear Your love proclaimed by the cardinals as they sing.  I feel Your goodness in the touch of the cooling breeze.  Even as I hear the rumble of thunder in the distance I know that I am safe whatever comes.  O what a gift to know that's true!  O how my heart weeps for those who don't know You, dear Christ.  How terrible the thought that there are those who out-and-out reject Your love!  Help me to live so that others will be drawn to You.  May I never place a stumbling black between anyone - whomsoever they be! - and You, their Saviour.  Keep reminding me throughout my day that whatever I do or say may introduce You to someone, or - God forbid it! - turn them away from You.  Give me a warm heart, a singing spirit, a mind filled with goodness, for Your Love's sake, dear Mysterious Comforter, I pray  - Amen!

For a reason

It's past dusk, Father God, and the dark is wrapping us up for the night.  I am so blessed to live somewhere without light pollution, so Your stars can light up my darkness.  Thank You for the rhythm of day and night; for the times of activity and the times of rest.  Thank You for this holy Lord's Day, a time to cease from our usual routines and pause within the sacred.  Forgive us when we ignore these blessings of time and space.  Forgive us when we think we know better than You do what's most important in our lives.  I have such a bad habit of wanting to take control, Lord.  Thank You for the closing in of the night and the reminder that You separated the light from the dark, the day from the night, the workweek from the Sabbath for a reason - You did it for me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me!  You created things as they are in the working  of the universe for me.  How could I even dream of being able to be in control of anything?  We praise You and lift our Alleluias on high with the choirs of angels, as they sing, "Holy! Holy! Holy!" for all eternity. Amen and Amen and Amen!

Uplifted and Renewed!

Heavenly Father God, You are here and You are listening every moment of every day.  What a wonder that is for me, the one who finds it so hard to listen for even a few minutes!  As I sit here this morning, the air is heavy with humidity and the wind chimes are still.  The birds don't even seem to be singing and the silence is almost claustrophobic as it surrounds me.  But I cannot be heavyhearted even within this summer heat that weighs on me, because You are here!  If I listen very closely and watch very carefully I can see the signs of Your presence - gently the corn tassels stir and my soul is refreshed with the knowledge that You love me.  Nothing and no one can renew me as You can! There is nothing of greater importance today than to spend time with You, my loving God.  Bless me with the peace of Your touch and enable me to be a reflection of You, O Christ, in the life You would have me live, the places You would have me go, the people You would have me meet today.  Then I can face anything!  Yes, the circumstances may be heavy and oppressive, but You are my uplifting joy!  You are the only One who saves me and holds me and brings me the refreshing water of real life - Kingdom life!  Hallelujah!  Blessed be the Father, the Son, the Spirit - Three-in-One!  Amen!

Respect

Loving and Almighty Father-God, in the midst of the booming of the afternoon thunderstorms I raise my voice up to You.  Your Word is sharper than the lightning,  Your love is deeper than the thunder.  You are greater and more powerful than anything nature can throw at us!  People talk about respecting the weather, about respect for ourselves and respect for others.  Sadly, these days there's not a lot of talk about respect for You, the One True God, maker of heaven and earth and all that is, seen and unseen.  I am so sorry, Lord.  You really have amazing patience with us.  I am overwhelmed with just how merciful You are and how much You must love us to put up with us like You do.  Thank You for standing by me throughout it all, FatherSonSpirit.

You are, indeed, worthy of the respect of the universe!  Alleluia!  Amen!

Wind and water

Almighty and Merciful Father-God, we are thankful for this day!  The sunshine is hazy and the corn is as high as an elephant's eye, as they say.  A slight breeze rustles its leaves and I am reminded, O Holy Spirit, of Your gentle rustling through my life.  You make the heat bearable. You touch my brow with the kiss of Your presence and I am blessed beyond measure!  As the land dips down to the edge of the pond Your breeze increases and brings a hint of coolness after it flows across the water and wraps around me in refreshment.  Wind and water - Spirit and baptism - You give me symbols of Your love and grace all about me in the world.  Give me the eyes to see You always in the midst of my life, dear Jesus.  Give me ears that want to hear Your voice above all others.  Grant me hands and feet eager to live Your will - now and always, forever and ever, we praise You, wonder-full God of Goodness!

Of mountains and molehills

You are the Almighty, You are the Only, You are the True God right now and forever!  We come in praise and we come in thanks.  We come bowed low, overcome by the awesomeness of Your love and Your goodness.  There is so much we don't know.  There are so many things we don't understand.  Forgive us when we think we have the answers.  So many times we don't even really know what the really important questions are yet!  We make mountains out of molehills, but worse than that, we make molehills out of what should be mountains in our lives.  Break down anything that would stand between us and Your Word of Life.  We can't even begin to fathom all with which You have filled the pages of Holy Scripture!  Some of it is so hard for us to hear and so we block our ears.  We don't like thinking about the responsibility and accountability that comes with Your grace and mercy, poured out freely for us. Help me to respond with a willing and joyful heart, no matter how tough or unpopular the obedience may be.  You are my all-in-all!  Pleasing YOU is what matters - now and for all eternity!  Alleluia!  Love divine!  Amen!

Lifting this day!

Heavenly Father-God, what a joy and blessing to wake up and know that You are with us every single morning!  Whatever there is within this day, I know that I can make it through because You are with me; comforting me, strengthening me and cheering me on.  Take hold of my hand, O Holy Spirit, and guide me to walk in Your will.  Let me remember Your love, O Holy Jesus, that I may let it overflow out of my life into the lives of all I come into contact. Guard my tongue, merciful Father, so that I may think carefully of Your mighty grace before speaking.  Where there are decisions to be made, may they be made thoughtfully while listening for Your guidance.  Open the door to all the good I might achieve by Your strength, and lock and bolt the way to any action that would bring harm to others or myself, I ask.  I lift this entire day up to You, FatherSonSpirit, great and glorious Three-in-One, for it is Yours!  In the Name above all names - Come, Lord Jesus!  Amen! 

Who can come near You?

Great and gracious, holy and wonder-full Lord!  Who can come near to You? Who can begin to be who and what You are?  Forgive us for wanting to put Your majesty in a box.  Forgive us when we want to control what You say, where and when You are active.  Forgive us for trying to push You out by creating the false lie of a divide between sacred and secular.  Forgive us when we want to keep the bits of Your Word that we're comfortable with and that don't demand that we change instead of remembering that You alone are the Holy One and the Most High; You alone are God, not I.  Forgive us for not loving You enough to listen to You. Forgive us for not loving You enough to love our neighbours, whom You passionately love enough to have died for.   This entire world, the whole universe is Yours.  You made it and we cannot take it away from You, no matter how hard we may try to legislate You out of it.  Please forgive us.  Help us to walk uprightly with truth in our hearts.  Guard our tongues from backbiting and gossip.  Help us to discern good from evil, but let us not pretend to sit in Your seat of final judgment.  O Lord, I know You despise sin and I know I am a sinner.  I thank You with all my heart for loving me enough not to leave me in my sin, Blessed Jesus!  The glory and the honour is Yours forever and ever and ever - Amen!

Still, Small Voice

Great and Gracious Heavenly Father, You speak to us in a still, small voice and yet it is so hard in our world to make a place of silence in order to listen.  Our society rushes loudly, not just through the day but through the night.  How can we expect to follow You, Lord, if we won't make the time and place to sit with You and listen?  Forgive us, dear God.  Spread Your wings of peace over our souls and enable us to rest in the comfort of Your heartbeat.  Enfold us in Your arms and whisper to our hearts.  We need You.  We never know what peril or difficulty or grief may thunder into each day.  We cannot survive this thing called life in joy and peace of mind without You.  Protect us from ourselves, break through our pride of independence and draw us to sit at Your feet in humbleness of spirit.  And may glory, praise and honour be Yours now and forever!  Amen, Amen, Amen.

Thank You

Loving Heavenly Father, our lives can plod along and lead us to become careless in our prayer life and in the time we spend with You in Your Word.  How easy it is to put You off and take other things as our priorities!  I know that I often need shaking awake and a reminder that You are here and want my attention to centre on You.  You are so wonderful, so powerful, so above all!  You are magnificent in Your mercy, breathtaking in beauty, luscious in Love beyond anything I can begin to comprehend or describe!  No matter if my skies are menacing - even catastrophic - or if they are stunningly calm and clear blue, when I am aware that You are with me I can walk with joy and rest in peace. "Thank You" can't begin to reveal the praise that's due You, O Lord my God, but I lift to You my humble thanks for loving and saving me each day.  In Christ always and always - Amen.  

Come, Thou Fount

You are the Fount of every blessing, O Holy Spirit!  All the good I am is because of Your presence with me.  Without You, I couldn't make it.  Too often I forget You're with me and start grumbling.  I lose sight of Your blessings, Father God, and start looking at all that's wrong with the world - and especially with my neighbors and those closest to me.  I begin making comparisons instead of having compassion.  I just make a mess of things without You at the forefront of my life, dear Jesus!   So, as the hymn so beautifully puts it, Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise!*   Father-Son-Spirit, I place the rest of this night into the safe keeping of Your hands and trust You with the morrow. Forever and ever - Amen!

* Robert Robinson 1758

The Challenge of Summer Heat

Gracious Father-God, it's a hot summer afternoon.  I can't remember a June this hot day after day.  I am thankful that I have air conditioning and cool, clean water to drink.  What can I do to help those who don't?   I have shelter from the pop-up afternoon thunderstorms and I am so grateful for a safe place to be.  What can I do to help those who don't have sanctuary from the summer storms?  With all there is to be thankful for, there is Your challenge to me to share  with others - to be blessed to be a blessing.   In the heat and humidity of this day, help me to not only be full of thanks, but to be the cool blessing You would want showered on someone else's life.  In the name of He who is our Living Water - Amen

for Charleston SC

Out of the depths we cry unto You, Father God.  We lift to You our brothers and sisters in Christ at Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston as they grieve for their loved ones, murdered so brutally last night.  O Lord, how low have we sunk into depravity, when our young people believe they are doing right by doing such evil?  Lift us up onto holy ground that will not turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to those who suffer.  Give us courage to confront evil and overcome it with Your love, Your mercy and Your truth.   We wait for You, Lord, our souls wait and in Your Word we put our hope.  Still and quieten our hearts and fill this nation with Your peace and justice, that love of You may flow through our streets and into our troubled minds.  Cast out all that is sinful, renew a right spirit within us, and lead us forth in Your Kingdom - united as Your children - indivisible in Your grace - together as Your family.  For out of the depths together we cry unto You, O Lord, our rock and our redeemer - Amen. 

Holy Habits

Father God, obedience is a hard word to us in our culture.   When we hear the word "discipline" we think of punishment instead of good, holy habits.  But I know I cannot be a disciple unless I have discipline.  Why should You bother with me if I won't even discipline myself to prayer, reading Your Word, fasting and works of mercy for others?  I know I need to grow closer to You, but my selfishness resists the discipline it takes.  Holy Spirit, only You can transform me.  Only You can enable me to stand firm against my own resistance to You and help me to kneel at the cross.   Draw me closer, I pray.  Even if I seem to be kicking and screaming about it, don't let me disobey You.  I know I will thank You in the end for the effort it takes now.  For You are my loving Shepherd, the one who keeps me from harm and leads me beside still waters that calm my soul.  Instill Your holy habits in me for Your sake, O Christ - Amen.

Break down the barriers

Heavenly Father-God, You never wear out Your patience.  Mine snaps way too often!  You never stop listening attentively.  Too many times I don't hear what someone says to me because I'm thinking of other things - all too often what I'm going to say next!   You are always generous and pour out on us blessings we can't number.   I'm too regularly stingy and worry about myself more than I do about others - NOT the way You want me to live!  And You never cease to forgive.  O how that cuts me to the heart, because I am so slow to even think about forgiving someone.  I hold on to grudges and make my forgiveness conditional on their saying they're sorry.  That's not how You forgave me on the cross.  O Jesus, if You had waited to die for the world until the world said, "I'm sorry; please forgive me" we would all still be lost in the darkness of death!  Please help me, O Holy Spirit, to break down all the barriers, all the excuses, all the pride that keeps me from living a life of forgiveness.  Grant me Your patience, enable me to listen, create in me a selflessly giving spirit and, Lord, lead me to forgive as I am forgiven.  And may it all be for Your love's sake, Father-Son-Spirit, Three in One.  Amen

In the Nighttime

The darkness is wrapped around us, Heavenly Father.   When we can feel that You are close to us, the nighttime can bring a blessing; as though You are wrapping the world in a blanket, tucking it in for the night.  When all that fills us is fear and uncertainty, the dark can be a place of deep loneliness and sorrow, even despair.  May our memories comfort us rather than grieve us.  May the night bring Your peace and rest rather than turmoil and restlessness.  Help us to hold Your nail-scarred hand in the dark and know that we are safe in Your love, and that the morning will indeed dawn again in our lives.  Where there is pain, grant healing.  Where there is despair, pour out hope.  If there is anxiety, bring Your blessing of contentment as we trust in You.  May we all sleep within Your arms of mercy, dear Savior Shepherd.  Thank You that You never leave us, that You are always watching over us. No matter how dark the night; whether we feel Your presence or not, You are with us - always - everywhere - Alleluia! Amen

Into Your Hands

Gracious Heavenly Father, into Your hands we place this day.  Touch us, use us, help us pray.  All that's good, please bless and lift; and please forgive all that's amiss.  We love You, Lord and want to stay upon the path that is Your Way.  But often we're distracted by temptations, idols and the lie.  It tries to lure us away from You, to grasp what's false and not what's true.  What we need, we humbly ask, to live this life and discern the task, grant us Holy Spirit, please.   And may it all be wrapped in love and grace and mercy from above.  In the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, in the name of the Spirit, Great God Three-in-One!  Amen

Hope

God of Us All, in the face of what seems hopeless, You are our hope.  You have seen us through everything throughout the ages and have promised never to abandon us, and so we cling to You.  When we cannot understand, when we cannot see the way forward then You, O Christ, are our Way.  When the clouds of doubt and uncertainty threaten to enshroud us, You take our hands and lead us to the light beyond the dawn.  Help me to accept that I do not always need to understand everything, but just trust and obey.  Grant me peace within all the turmoil of the world and lead me, Blessed Spirit, in the way of love - not my own way, but Yours.  When you ask me to make sacrifices, let me remember Your great sacrifice, dear Jesus, and let me go forward without grumbling.  Because I know You love me, Father, I know You would not ask me to go anywhere You would not want me to be.  Bless us with Your hope, Father-Son-Spirit.  May our cup overflow this night and always -Amen.

Hiding

Loving Father-God,  thank You for walking through this day with me.  You are my comfort when I am sad.  You are my courage when I am overwhelmed. You are my joy when I laugh.  You alone are my all in all, no matter what this world throws at me!   It's SO much easier when I remember that You are here with me.   Forgive me when, like Adam and Eve after the fall, I try to hide from You, Lord.  Sometimes I hide behind right-sounding words when my heart is full of mean-mouthing grumbles.  Sometimes I hide behind busyness instead of focusing on Your call to righteousness.  Sometimes I'm so wrapped up in myself, Lord!   When I think of others my heart aches for those who don't know Your presence.  Lord Jesus, open the minds and souls of those who block You out with constant distractions.  Free those who try to avoid You by filling their lives with destructive addictions - whether drink, computer games, drugs, work, frantic activity - whatever enslaves them. Break through whatever would separate us, because we so need You every moment of every day!  O Holy Spirit, this evening bring Your peace that defies definition, Your strength that is beyond our own, Your comfort that wraps us in the awareness of Your love; the love that is ours now and always - Alleluia! Amen!

Skyscape

Heavenly Father, before me there are white fluffy clouds rising like marshmallow on the horizon.  Above them, streaked across the lingering blue sky there are bands of dirty grey, as though somebody dropped the bottom of them in house dust. Off in the distance to the right there is a mound of deep purplish black that speaks of more rain.  Yet opposite the sunset there are glorious reds and oranges lighting up what will before long be a darkened sky.  What an incredible skyscape of ever-changing variety You create for us, but how many evenings do I even notice?   Thank You for all that goes to make up creation.  Like us, it is still fallen, but I'm certain that the infinite variety and uniqueness of every day is a part of Your holy will that proclaims it good.  Thank You, Almighty God, for such a gift of blessing, now and always - Amen. 

Holy Honesty

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord - sometimes I am tongue-tied when I realise I am in Your presence.  What do I, little person that I am, have to say to The King of Kings? You are holy - perfect - totally together - above everything and everyone.  Do you really want to listen to my burblings and mutterings?  I know You didn't like the grumbles of the Israelites in the wilderness, so I try not to complain.  But I know, Father, that You would rather I grumbled than not talk to You at all.  Help me to always be honest with You, Lord.  Hypocritical living was something You really blazed against during Your earthly ministry and I never want to act in a way that makes you angry or sad.  I know that it's pointless putting on a false, happy face with You, for You know the deepest recesses of my heart and mind. O Holy Spirit, keep me honest - with You and with my neighbors.  But with others may it always be an honesty rooted in selfless love; never vindictive, never prideful or self-seeking but always charitable, uplifting and kind.  Yes, Lord, I know there are ways of saying whatever needs to be said.  And You are right, that sometimes I don't need to say anything at all.  Bless me as I struggle to live this life called Christian.  O Lamb of God, I bow to my knees before You in humility and awe and cry "Holy!", now and always - Amen. 

Evening

Heavenly Father, through the challenges of the day You have carried us.  As we face the darkness of the evening, You are with us.  There is nothing more important than You in my life.  Thank You for Your strong arms and gentle hands that lead me even through the valley of the shadow of death.  Bless all those who are alone this evening.  Bless those who are in pain, suffering emotionally, physically or especially spiritually.  Enable them this moment to know You are holding them, blessed Saviour, for Your love's sake - Amen 

The Biggest Big Picture

Great and wonder-full Father-God, my mind boggles when I try to think about how You are eternal.  You have no start and You have no end.  You simply ARE - always have been, always will be.  In this life I'm stuck on a chronological timeline and find it hard to imagine not being ruled by its passing.  I know that's not an excuse, Lord, for getting caught up in worldliness, but I can see how easy it is for me to. I need to look for You in the middle of wherever and whenever I am, to remind me that what I can see and what I feel this moment isn't all there is to real life - the life You offer me.  When life is hard, remind me that there are holy moments in painful growth and that joy will come again. When there are painful memories and hurts that come back to jab my heart over and over again, remind me that You are my peace and with You forgiveness and healing can come.  When I want to give up and give in to despair and depression, remind me that You are a hope that is beyond all of the pits and muck of life and I will rise again.  But when I want all of this and more to come just when and how I want it to, remind me dear Spirit, that it is not my will, but Yours that I must seek.  You are eternal.  You see it all and at once; the biggest of the big picture that has no edges, no frame, no introductory headings, no ending credits.  And You love me - even me - and want me to take part in Your story, right beside You in every scene.  Wow.  What a mystery is this life abundant lived with You, Father-Son-Spirit, ALWAYS - Amen.  

Interruptions

Father God, thank You for interruptions.  I've been amazed at reading in Your Word how often Your ministry poured forth out of interruptions, Jesus.  We have become so focused on speed and "efficiency" and our own agendas that we forget the holiness that can be found in interruptions.  Instead, we usually see them as nuisances, as things that get in the way of what we think is really important.  Forgive us, Lord.  You never showed the least impatience with people interrupting You.  You always had time for people.  That's it, isn't it, Lord.  People should be the biggest agenda for all of us, second only to You.  Loving You and loving neighbour means having time for You and for all those around me, even my enemies.  I'm sorry for all the times that I have seen people as interruptions and not as the beloved children of God that they are.  Thank You for never seeing me that way, but always having unlimited time for me.  Father-Son-Spirit, loving and eternal God, in Your arms we pray - Amen.

 

Entering the Story

What a beautiful Lord's Day it is, Father God!  Thank You for the blessings of friends, of church family, of the joy that comes from being able to call You "Father"!  Thank You for YOU!  Thank You that we don't worship an idea - How amazing that we are created in Your image, the Living God-in-three-persons!  How mind-boggling that we are called to enter into Your story, the story of the One who created the universe out of NOTHING!   What a blessing to know that Scripture is our story of being with You, not just some rule book we have to follow in order to earn Your favor.  Help me to enter into Your story with thanksgiving in my heart!  O Holy Spirit, I want to find the part that I can play in bringing in Your Kingdom.  Give me eyes to see it, and ears to hear Your guidance.  Don't let me think of anybody as not worthy of Your love and salvation.  I'M not worthy - and yet You love me - how amazing is that!  Help me to enter into the story of that love and spread its Good News everywhere I go.  Always for Your sake, Lord Jesus; always for Your glory, Heavenly Father; always with You, O Sacred Spirit - Always and everywhere - Hallelujah!  Amen!

Evening

It is the evening of the day, Heavenly Father, and You call us to end our day by spending time with You.  I love talking with You, and it never ceases to amaze me that You actually desire for me - ME! - to come sit with You and share my longings, my uncertainties, my dreams, my frustrations - no matter how unimportant they may seem in the eternal scheme of things.  Why do people think it's so hard to pray, Lord?  Thank You for the blessings You have given us, holy Jesus, by breaking down the barriers that stood between us!   Thank You that every moment of every day I can share a relationship with You.  As the night closes around me, You are still here.  If I wake up before the dawn, You are never asleep but with me always.  Through all my pains, my joys and laughter, my sorrows and grievings, You share it all. Help me to likewise take the time each day to share it all with You.  How amazing, how humbling, how mysteriously unfathomable is Your love!  Thank You, Father Son Spirit, my All-in-all, Amen.

The Goodness of the Garden

Heavenly Father-God, out in the garden there are small balls of tomatoes storing up their juice, every day coming closer to blushing into red.  Butterbean vines are mysteriously twining their way up the wire, always wrapping themselves in the same direction no matter where they are.  What a miracle Your creation is!  Thank You for all the many different vegetables You have given us.  There is such a huge variety of tastes and textures, each one bringing its own special flavour to our tables.  The corn is springing up now that it's had rain, tall stalks of deep green reaching for the sky.  How can something grow so slowly that we can't see it, and yet daily seem to grow in leaps and bounds?  Sometimes the life of my spirit seems that way.  I can't see that I'm any closer in my following You... but then I think back and realize that I too have grown in leaps and bounds.  Lord, help me to reach up to You with hands of thanksgiving, as the corn reaches to the sky!   Help me never to take the joy of food for granted.  And please, gracious Spirit of God, don't let me ever, ever refuse to share with those who are in need of a meal.  You have freely shared the bounty of the earth with us; each plant giving not only the fruit of its produce, but the seed by which it can come forth again .  May we never forget to just as freely share the goodness of Your earth with each other, in the name of Jesus and for Your glory, our Loving Father - Amen.

Righteousness

O Lord, our God, we give You thanks because You are righteous!  If you weren't perfectly holy then we would have nowhere to turn; no One to show us the right way to think and live and be.  I've come to realize, Lord, that sometimes I let the culture that surrounds us make me feel guilty for trying to live a righteous life.  Protect us from shying from following You just because someone may accuse us of being "self-righteous" or "holier-than-thou".  You know the heart, dear Jesus.  It is wrong to lord it over others - forgive me if I ever put myself above anyone - but it is never wrong to do the right thing and live the right way - for You are the Way.   You are the Truth, and in that Truth I must put my trust.  You are the Life, the right way of living for all eternity.  This day, and every day, O Holy Spirit, take my life and transform it into that which is wholly pleasing in Your sight - For Your glory always, my Lord and my God. 

Praying Psalm 71

Hallelujah, Father God!  I trust You with everything and just know that with You, everything is going to work out for the best.  It may look gloomy right now, but You are my sunshine!  You are my refuge - the One I can always run to and find shelter.  You are the Rock on which I can stand above all the muck and mire that life may throw in my direction.  You've always looked after me, even before I was born!  I'm sorry when I forget You and don't think to give You the praise You deserve.  I'm sorry that I get spiritually lazy and let busyness be more important than You in my life - Nothing could be further from the REAL reality!  I put my eternal hope in You, Lord Jesus.  Blessed Spirit, help me to lift my praises more and more!  Don't let me ever stop talking about all You are and all You've done for me and for the whole world!  You are my strength, my comfort, my everything and I know You are the only One who will never fail me.  Blessed be Your Name, most glorious Triune God!  Hallelujah!  Amen!

The Path

Good Morning, Father God!  You are the Name above all names!  You are the One who rules the universe, yet You invite us to call You Abba, Dad.  Wow!  You have given us a new day, full of new beginnings.  Thank You that every morning is a chance to start over.  Help us to let go of the past and hold onto Your hand as we go through today.   No matter what the circumstances, with You we are safe in Your eternal Kingdom, a place that even death can't take from us.  We pray for those who still stumble outside the path You have shown us, dear Jesus.  I cannot imagine having to go through this tough life without Your hand to hold me!  We pray for those who have met You, but have wandered off the path, lured by temptations or dulled into apathy.  Give us words of love and wisdom to help show them the way back home.  Sometimes we are anything but kind and forget the gift of hospitality that we are called to offer to all.  You loved the world enough to die for it; Holy Spirit, enable us, sinners though we be, to love all of Your creation enough to live for it, for Your love's sake always - Amen.

For Calm

Heavenly Father, thank You for sailing with us through our lives.  Some days are easier than others.  Some times everything flows smoothly and nothing ruffles the waters.  Other days we get frustrated and irritable; it seems like everything and everybody crashes in on us.  I know those are the times we need You the most.  Calm us, O Lord, just like You stilled the storm.  Bring us into Your peace and help us to relax in Your love.  Blessed Spirit, bid the churning stress to cease, and enable us to remember that nothing matters more than You, our loving eternal Father-God.  And if the words or actions of others threaten to break over us, help us not to add words to the storm.  Let us, instead, be harbingers of Your calm, for the furtherance of Your Kingdom - Always, Amen. 

On Pentecost

O Holy Spirit,  You are with us always and we depend on You each moment. You are our strength; grant us Your gentleness.  You are our peace; grant us Your kindness.  You are our faithfulness; grant us Your love.  For what are strength, peace and faith if we aren't gentle with others, kind to others, loving in Your name to others?  As this day of celebration of Pentecost comes to a close, help us to be good witnesses of all that You are.  Sometimes, when I think on the example we show, I wonder why anyone would want to be a Christian.  Then I see gentle, faith-filled followers of the Body of Christ living out Your love in selfless service, and am reminded of how You never fail us.  Bless us and use us, that we may bring You glory!  May others see You reflected in what we say and do.  And when we fail, grant us humility to admit our faults, confess our sins and start again, held always in Your love, Heavenly Father, Blessed Son, Holy Spirit - Three-in-One.  Alleluia!  Amen       

Remembering

Good Morning, Father God!   What peace there is in Your presence... but sometimes it is so hard to get here!  I know I shouldn't let other things distract me from sitting down with You, for You alone are my loving Heavenly Father.  It amazes me how You are so eager for me to come to You with every little thing in my life.  After all, You are the Creator of everything that is Good; the entire Universe is brought into existence simply by Your Word.  I can believe that You know all ABOUT me (like the number of every hair on my head) much more easily than I can believe You want to know ME, just as I am, warts and grumbles and all.  Can I really believe that You would keep a watch out for me and race down the road to meet me if I even turn in Your direction?  Forgive me, Father, for letting other things distract me.  Forgive me for not remembering You, when I know that You always remember me.  Thank You, Jesus, for bringing me home. Blessed Spirit, grant me the peace that comes with sitting down with You and sharing my innermost thoughts, dreams and worries.  Always and forever, I am Your child -Amen.

The Celebration of Today

We cry to You out of our depths, O God, and You lift us out of the muck and busyness of our lives into a joyful spirit of praise!  What a beautiful day You have given us!  What a gift to be able to draw breath, to sing of Your glory and never-failing faithfulness!  In a moment of stillness, a young squirrel joins me on the porch and reminds me to take time to listen.  There is joy to be found in the bees feasting on the lantana, showing us work at its best.  There is laughter to be discovered even in the battling of the hummingbirds who bluster and bash their way to the feeder. How often our selfish, blustering, jostling for position must seem so ridiculous.  I hear the scolding of the mother wren when I venture too close to her nest and it gives me pause, to think on a parent's love for her child, even when not yet born.   You have surrounded us with such goodness, mercy and grace that there is something new to be learned of Your love every day.  O Father, dear Son, blessed Spirit, Three-in-One, lift us up to join in the celebration of Today!  For Your glory, we ask - Amen.

Stormy Friction

Dear Father-God, thank You for today.  It's not always easy to say that, or to really mean it when we do.  As I feel the crackle of lightning in the atmosphere and listen to the windows shake with thunder, I am reminded of the friction in our lives.  When the heat of the moment meets the cold of frozen hearts a storm erupts.  Words fly like forks of lightning against the shouts of booming thunder.  We still live in a world that is fallen and broken, Lord.  Forgive us when we create friction.  Forgive me for not holding my tongue when I have nothing positive to say.  Forgive me for snide remarks and self-righteous attitudes that sting like hail.  Forgive me for not treating others with the respect that I believe they owe me.  Instead of pouring out the oil of peace and kindness, of goodness, mercy and self-control, I flash my temper and boom my demands. Forgive me for not loving my neighbor; forgive the friction I cause around me. Help me to clear the clouds of misunderstanding and the tear-filled rains and hurt.  May Your Light, O Christ, be what shines forth in all I say and do.   O Holy Spirit, heal the friction in my heart and bring forth Your peace, to the glory of our Father, now and forever - Amen.  

For You

O Heavenly God our Father, how thankful I am for Your loving arms of comfort and strength.  The cooling breath of Your Spirit gently blows through the sultriness of the day and touches me with Your mercy and kindness in the midst of whatever befalls me.  O Jesus, Lamb of God, it is only because of Your selflessness that I can come before You, my God, with each and every moment of my life!  How can I possibly thank You for such a gift?  Take each breath I breathe and let it be lived for You.  Take my hands and use them to reach out to those who need a friend.  Take my words and let them be the honey of Your Word to those who are tired and brought low.  And when I stumble and fall, forgive me, enable me to learn from it and move forward once again.  You are my God, I am Your child, and it is all too awe-inspiring for words... Forever, Amen.

This Moment

Gracious Father God, how wonderful it is to have a new day, fresh and clear of yesterday's mistakes and not clouded with tomorrow.  Help me not to drag yesterday into today, or cloud it over with a day I don't even know if I'll see. Let me leave behind hurt feelings, and embrace forgiveness.  Forgive my falling to temptation and, by Your Spirit's grace, enable me to stand stronger today. Keep me focused on You and what is, not worried about what may never be.  THIS is the moment I am given.  Help me to live it, Lord!  Don't let me throw it away, mire it in the past or not even notice it's here. For Your love's sake and basked in Your glory, now - Amen!

Just as I am

Our Heavenly Father, You are the Name above all names, You are the Good Shepherd, the Great Physician, the Loving Father who welcomes us home with a party!  Why do we find that so hard to believe?  Why do we think it only applies to us if we're good enough, rather than if we'll just come to You?  Forgive me for thinking that I have something to prove.  Forgive me for rejecting the challenge of accepting and following You by using the excuse that I'm not good enough.  Forgive me for still living like those Pharisees You chided so sternly.  You whisper my name and You call me to come - That is enough!  You stretched out Your arms, Lord, and gave all for the love of the world - for me, sinner that I am!  I know You want me to respond to Your love by giving and living that love in the world, but it can only be a response that comes from accepting Your Love.  Forgive me for living as though the salvation poured out from Your precious and holy death on the cross depends on what I do!   I can't do this wondrous, miraculous thing!  Only You, Lord, only You!  To the glory of the Father, in the power of the Spirit, O Lamb of God, I come!  Alleluia! Amen!

Mad Dash

Gracious Blessing from Above, 
Thank You.  What simple two words those are, and how often I forget to say them.  And yet my life is filled to overflowing with reasons to lift up my thanksgiving to You, my loving Father!  I am surrounded by Your glorious blessings and yet I too often fly past them, intent just on getting to wherever it is I think is so important that I have to race there.  Do I think that You won't give me whatever time I need for whatever I need to do?  And why do I forget that what You need me to do is all that is eternally important?  Forgive me for racing through this life on my own timetable, instead of pausing along the way of today and asking what You would have me do.  Help me to trust that You will give me all the time in Your world that I need to be in Your presence and follow the path You lay forth.  Forgive me my mad dash that blurs not only Your Kingdom but Your voice.  Grant me, O Holy Spirit, the peace that the world can never in its hurrying hurly-burly give.   Only You, O Christ; only You.  Alleluia!  Amen.

Change

Heavenly Father, it's the time of in-between.  The sky is still holding onto its light, but the night is rapidly taking over.  Mosquitoes begin their swarm attacks while the frog choir tunes up around the pond.  The air is heavy with humidity, but there is no sign of rain to relieve it.   It is a time of change; not quite night but no longer day, no longer raining but not really clear.  While it is an ordinary time for many, it is an evening of change for others.  
We pray for those who are at crossroads of unwelcome change - the passing of a loved one, the loss of a job, the breakdown of a relationship, the disablement of disease or accident.  May they know Your never-changing presence and arms of comfort around them.   
We pray for those who face the challenges of new and exciting change - retirement, a new child, graduation, marriage.  No matter how welcome, such life changes can be nerve-wracking!  May they too know Your constant presence and feel Your Spirit guiding them into new paths of their journeys.  
And for those who are facing the greatest change of all - that from life through death to new life eternal - may they be wrapped in Your merciful peace and carried over the threshold in Your strength and never-changing love.    
For those of us who are having an ordinary evening, may we remember that we are blessed in order to be a blessing.  May we make the time to spend it in with You, and lift up to You all those for whom it is a time of change.  Hold us all safe in Your arms this evening and forever, for Your love's sake we ask. Amen.

Taking off the blinkers

O Father God, how easy it is when the sun is shining and all is well in my world to forget those for whom the storms rage and even their very existence is threatened.  Am I so self-centred that I believe that if everything is right with me then all is right with everybody?  Forgive me, Lord Jesus.  That's certainly not the way You lived, and so not the way You're calling me to be.  As painful as it is, take my blinkers off so that I can see my neighbors, whoever and wherever they are, know their needs and reach out with Your love.  Strip me of self so that I can truly live in Your Kingdom, not just scuttle along obliviously on my self-contained rat racetrack.  Painful as it is, there is peace in knowing that I am with You, because You are there in the stinking, miry pits of our existence, as surely as You are present on the mountaintops that glow.  Holy Spirit, grant me the courage to walk this Christian walk of discipleship - every moment and not just when it's comfortable.  Shine Your Light, Great and Gracious God, and help me throw away the blinkers for Your love's sake - Always, Amen.

Caring Like Mary

On this Lord's Day, Father God, we lift up to You all those who have shown us Your love in our lives.  We thank You for all those who have shown us a mother's love, caring for us as Mary cared for You, blessed Jesus.  Whoever has touched us - mother, grandmother, aunt, neighbor, Sunday School teacher - we lift them to You in thanksgiving and praise.  Through them You have blessed us, but we know that You don't want us to let it stop there.  Help us to be a blessing to others; to shown them Your unconditional love that knows no bounds. 

And if mothers have brought pain into our lives, enable us by Your grace to forgive and let go of the hurt.  Bring healing into our hearts and minds, dear Jesus, that we may go forward, knowing that we are wrapped in Your love.
   Enable us all to be role models for any children You place in our lives, whether at home, at school, at church, in our neighborhoods or in our communities. Let Your light shine through us, O Holy Spirit, so that no matter what comes they may know that they are never alone.  May we together know that You are with us always - this day and forever and ever - Amen.   

GPS

Gracious Father God,  sometimes we have to change our plans.  Sometimes we're irritated that we can't do what we want to do, when we want to do it. Sometimes I literally stomp my foot and protest loudly to anyone who will listen. That's You, isn't it, Father God.  You always listen.  And sometimes the changes in plan are because YOU have other ideas, so why do I gripe about it so much? Forgive us when we're childish rather than childlike, Father.  I know I need to look behind the outward way of things and seek Your presence in the midst of whatever is going on.  Is the devil trying to block my path and get me off course?  Or is it Your loving hand guiding me into Your will, full of Your possibilities?  I know that I don't need to worry about getting the right directions if only I'll just keep bringing it all to You and asking for Your blessing. You alone are the One who wants the very best for me.  You alone can take my fumbling, grumbling efforts and turn them into good and blessed moments.  You alone are the perfect, never faltering GPS for my life!  Thank You, blessed Saviour, loving Father, guiding Spirit! Amen! 

Leftovers

Dear Father God, 
You alone are the Most High.  There is nothing, there is nobody who is above You.  So why do I let other things take top priority in my life?  Why, Lord, do I just give you scraps of time?  Why do I think that You, Almighty God - Saviour and Creator and Holy Spirit of the universe - are worthy only of the leftovers of my life???  Forgive us, Gracious God, for thinking that whatever we're up to is more important that You.  Forgive us for falling for the fallacy that if we give up our time for You that we won't have enough time for the rest of what we think we need so desperately to do.  Will You, the Creator of time itself, not grant us enough time to worship and praise You?  Will You not provide us with more than occasional leftover time to reach out to others with Your love as You have commanded us to do?   Grant me the courage to give You more than my leftovers.  For You alone ARE the Most High!  Blessed be the Father, Son, Spirit now and forever, Amen!  

All the Time of Eternity

Good morning, Father God!  You have made today and You call me to rejoice and be glad in it, but with the rush of things it's hard to be still and know You are not only God but my loving heavenly Father who wants only the best for me. People and circumstances and mental to-do lists crowd for my attention and yank my eyes off of You with their insistence to take priority.  It's hard to remember Your arms around me when there are messes to be cleaned up and others demanding my presence.  O Lord, this is just a hint of what it is like for You, as we crowd You with our cries for attention and needs for You to clean up our messes!  And yet, You always have all the time of eternity for each of us, and long to hear our every word.  You are always in our presence, loving and patiently waiting for us to return that love to You.  You are as much in the messes and demands of my life as You are in the rare quiet moments of calm. Help me to speak with You in the midst of it all - tough and smooth, pleasant and painful, frazzled and peaceful - whatever the day may bring, let me rejoice and be glad in it simply because You are in it with me!  Father, Son, Spirit - Alleluia!  In Your Love, Amen.   

Risks

Gracious Heavenly Father, You have given me a new day, full of possibilities.  I can choose to risk living it in Your Kingdom; I can ignore that there's any choice to be made and stubbornly go my own way; or I can choose to retreat into my shell, terrified of making such a risky commitment.  Lord Jesus, You were never afraid to stick Your neck out.  You knew that to live in the Father's love means to stand out from the mob.  Forgive me when I'm scared of being different. We slip into the world's way of wanting to be accepted by the people we think are the important people. We forget that You call us to stick our necks out and follow a seemingly unimportant Jewish carpenter who was shamefully nailed to a cross.  Forgive us, Lord.  Help us to risk sticking our necks out and walking Your way in this life, even when it isn't the smooth path lined with buttercups, but a rocky road that causes us pain and discomfort.  Thank You for those in my life who have followed You and are examples to us all.  Holy, holy, holy Spirit, grant me the courage to take hold of Your nailed-scarred hand today and stick my neck out with them, rather than turn away to my own way or withdraw into the shell of fear.  
                                      

You are with me always. 
              You enable me to walk tall
                                    in a way different from the world around me and, 
                    even when others see me as ridiculous, 
                                                                 I know You love me!   

                                                        To Your glory now and always, Amen.  

For eyes and ears

Blessed Father God, I gaze out the window onto Your world and marvel at how often I don't have eyes that see or ears that hear how everything around me proclaims Your glory.  You paint with infinite colour and texture, all within a flower petal.  You compose with every pitch and percussion, as sparrows and geese sing with tree frogs and cicada.  And You do it all simply because You love. The warmth of the sun reminds me of Your presence, that has brought me through the winters of my life.  The whisper of the breeze reminds me of Your touch, even when I have walked in desert places. Forgive me for my blindness as I dash through my day.  I confess that all too often I am deaf to Your voice, and let the raucous noise of media drown out Your whispers, O Holy Spirit.  May I crave Your presence more than I crave anything else in my life, dear Christ...for You craved my salvation more than You craved even life itself.  Glory!  What wondrous love this is, poured out for even one life me and surrounding me every moment of every day!  Holy is each moment spent with You, forever in Your Love, Amen.