Good Morning, God
We've made it through Black Friday and now it's Cyber Monday. Already the on-line orders are pouring in, taking advantage of the sweet deals - deep discounts, free shipping, no-hassle returns, minimal gift wrapping charges. It's so nice to be able to shop from the comfort of our homes or offices, Lord.
However, Lord, as convenient as the on-line ordering is, we might miss the interaction with others directly. We might miss the person with whom we can check if something looks good on us. We might miss the other person's ideas for what gift to get the relative who has everything. We might miss being able to be the most polite and gracious person in the crowd. We might miss the warmth of the touches, sights and smells of all the stuff available for purchase.
Lord God, thank you for all of the ways we can say "I like you" or "I appreciate you" or "I love you" to another person. May we be generous with our likes and loves this year.
In Jesus name, Amen
20101129
20101126
Friday, November 26, 2010
Good Morning, God
Your word tells us that you know us inside and out. It says that even before we were formed in the womb, you knew us. In fact, the particular psalm says that you "hem us in" and that there is nowhere we can go to get away from your presence.
Lord, these days it seems that we also cannot get away from the eyes of everything and everyone that is watching us do what we do. Especially in the headlines are the stories about the full-body scanners and extensive "pat down" searches at airports. This has to be done, say those in authority, in order to try to discover all the things that can be hidden, in and on a body, that can harm us.
Once again, Lord it is the action of a few miss-guided individuals making it difficult for the great majority. Lord, we pray against the evil plots of those who would do us harm. We ask for your protection for those who seek to live in peaceful safety, and we pray for your love to permeate the hearts of all persons.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Your word tells us that you know us inside and out. It says that even before we were formed in the womb, you knew us. In fact, the particular psalm says that you "hem us in" and that there is nowhere we can go to get away from your presence.
Lord, these days it seems that we also cannot get away from the eyes of everything and everyone that is watching us do what we do. Especially in the headlines are the stories about the full-body scanners and extensive "pat down" searches at airports. This has to be done, say those in authority, in order to try to discover all the things that can be hidden, in and on a body, that can harm us.
Once again, Lord it is the action of a few miss-guided individuals making it difficult for the great majority. Lord, we pray against the evil plots of those who would do us harm. We ask for your protection for those who seek to live in peaceful safety, and we pray for your love to permeate the hearts of all persons.
In Jesus name, Amen.
20101124
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, November 24
Good Morning, God,
It's the day before the day we intentionally pause to give thanks, Lord. We look forward to tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day, Lord, because it calls out the best from us, which is what you have instilled in us to do. You have made us to "give thanks," and to do so with "grateful hearts." Most of us can do this easily, Lord. The song says, "Count you many blessings; name them one by one." If we were to do this, our count would exceed the number of hairs on our head, the number of stars in the sky, the number of grains of sand on the shore. If we were to put a pen to paper right now, we would still be writing at this time tomorrow! Lord, you have given us so much, and we can't thank you enough!
So we say, "Thank you for making us, for blessing us with everything we have, for giving us the capacity to love and be loved, the ability to forgive those who hurt us, and the hope that each new day brings. No matter what, Lord, we give you thanks!"
In Jesus' name, Amen.
It's the day before the day we intentionally pause to give thanks, Lord. We look forward to tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day, Lord, because it calls out the best from us, which is what you have instilled in us to do. You have made us to "give thanks," and to do so with "grateful hearts." Most of us can do this easily, Lord. The song says, "Count you many blessings; name them one by one." If we were to do this, our count would exceed the number of hairs on our head, the number of stars in the sky, the number of grains of sand on the shore. If we were to put a pen to paper right now, we would still be writing at this time tomorrow! Lord, you have given us so much, and we can't thank you enough!
So we say, "Thank you for making us, for blessing us with everything we have, for giving us the capacity to love and be loved, the ability to forgive those who hurt us, and the hope that each new day brings. No matter what, Lord, we give you thanks!"
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20101122
Monday, November 22, 2010
Good Morning, God
Lord, we are in need down here. We often seem to be in so much need that we forget to say "thanks" for what we have. This week as we look forward to Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, we are looking right past it to Friday, the day we emphatically call "Black Friday" because it is the day retailers end up in "the black" because of the sales. However, we have seen the advertisements, the sales and had the thoughts that we really have the entire week or the entire month with special prices to draw customers to make the sales, to make the profits, to make the business for the year.
Lord, we are grateful for our abundant blessings-for life, for liberty, for the pursuit of happiness. Especially this week, may we really "count our many blessings" and name them one by one. Perhaps then, Lord, we will not pass right over Thursday, but enjoy the day with family, friends and every bit of the turkey and dressing we eat. Thank you for your love and abundant blessings, Lord.
In Jesus name, Amen
Lord, we are in need down here. We often seem to be in so much need that we forget to say "thanks" for what we have. This week as we look forward to Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, we are looking right past it to Friday, the day we emphatically call "Black Friday" because it is the day retailers end up in "the black" because of the sales. However, we have seen the advertisements, the sales and had the thoughts that we really have the entire week or the entire month with special prices to draw customers to make the sales, to make the profits, to make the business for the year.
Lord, we are grateful for our abundant blessings-for life, for liberty, for the pursuit of happiness. Especially this week, may we really "count our many blessings" and name them one by one. Perhaps then, Lord, we will not pass right over Thursday, but enjoy the day with family, friends and every bit of the turkey and dressing we eat. Thank you for your love and abundant blessings, Lord.
In Jesus name, Amen
20101119
Friday, November 19, 2010
Good Morning, God
Lord, today we pray for the not-so-good situations our young people face today. We caringly seek answers for why some of our young people are destructive, bullies, physically violent, threatening and so sad. We wonder if these teens are "acting out", "lashing back" or "getting even" for having to be subjected to abusive situations over which they have no control. Lord, our teens need to be "brought up in the best way" they can be, so that they can thrive.
We also pray for the kids who are victims of bullying. We pray for their feelings of "why me?" We pray that their fears of more violence will be unfounded. We pray that their joy, happiness and contentment will be returned even stronger than before. And, we pray, as your word tells us that we should pray for our enemies, for those who harm us, and for those who desperately need to know your healthy and wonderful love.
In Jesus name, Amen
Lord, today we pray for the not-so-good situations our young people face today. We caringly seek answers for why some of our young people are destructive, bullies, physically violent, threatening and so sad. We wonder if these teens are "acting out", "lashing back" or "getting even" for having to be subjected to abusive situations over which they have no control. Lord, our teens need to be "brought up in the best way" they can be, so that they can thrive.
We also pray for the kids who are victims of bullying. We pray for their feelings of "why me?" We pray that their fears of more violence will be unfounded. We pray that their joy, happiness and contentment will be returned even stronger than before. And, we pray, as your word tells us that we should pray for our enemies, for those who harm us, and for those who desperately need to know your healthy and wonderful love.
In Jesus name, Amen
20101117
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, November 17
Good Morning, God,
Lord, we pray today for the good folks in Paoli and ask that they be comforted in their losses. We pray for those who were displaced when their apartments and possessions were burned beyond recognition. We pray for the history that was lost when the buildings went down. We give thanks that no one was hurt while surviving the fire and fighting the fire. We give thanks for all the firefighters and all the equipment that worked together through their "mutual aid" agreements to save other buildings and lives from harm.
Lord, we love our towns; we love our town squares centered around our court houses. Unfortunately, around here, many of the buildings are older, are more susceptible to fire, and perhaps have been altered, making fires easier to spread and harder to battle.
So, Lord, we ask for your grace and protection to save lives and structures from the devastation of fires and the dangers of fighting fires when they occur. May we be kept safe from the flames!
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lord, we pray today for the good folks in Paoli and ask that they be comforted in their losses. We pray for those who were displaced when their apartments and possessions were burned beyond recognition. We pray for the history that was lost when the buildings went down. We give thanks that no one was hurt while surviving the fire and fighting the fire. We give thanks for all the firefighters and all the equipment that worked together through their "mutual aid" agreements to save other buildings and lives from harm.
Lord, we love our towns; we love our town squares centered around our court houses. Unfortunately, around here, many of the buildings are older, are more susceptible to fire, and perhaps have been altered, making fires easier to spread and harder to battle.
So, Lord, we ask for your grace and protection to save lives and structures from the devastation of fires and the dangers of fighting fires when they occur. May we be kept safe from the flames!
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20101115
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, November 15
Good Morning, God,
Lord, the headlines have been about the trip that our President, his family, his staff and media are on. It is hoped, says our President, "to build bridges and make better allies between ourselves and the other countries". Our partnership with India has been encouraged and enhanced. The bridges to Indonesia are hoped to be extended and strengthened. Our relations with all of the countries in the area are hoped to be healthier.
Lord, your word is often about "loving our neighbors". In biblical times, our neighbors might be across a field or just in the next town or a person we meet along the road who is in need of help. But in our day, Lord, our neighbors are clear around the globe - shucks, Lord, we often talk to folks in India when we call "customer service".
Lord, please give us wisdom and discernment as we deal with other countries. May we wisely take into consideration the style of government, the influence of religion and the way the people are taken care of.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Lord, the headlines have been about the trip that our President, his family, his staff and media are on. It is hoped, says our President, "to build bridges and make better allies between ourselves and the other countries". Our partnership with India has been encouraged and enhanced. The bridges to Indonesia are hoped to be extended and strengthened. Our relations with all of the countries in the area are hoped to be healthier.
Lord, your word is often about "loving our neighbors". In biblical times, our neighbors might be across a field or just in the next town or a person we meet along the road who is in need of help. But in our day, Lord, our neighbors are clear around the globe - shucks, Lord, we often talk to folks in India when we call "customer service".
Lord, please give us wisdom and discernment as we deal with other countries. May we wisely take into consideration the style of government, the influence of religion and the way the people are taken care of.
In Jesus name, Amen.
20101112
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, November 12
Good Morning, God,
The headlines this week are sadly staggering: 884 people arrested in a child prostitution sweep across the United States. The very good news is that 69 children were recovered. The additional good news is that 99 pimps were arrested. The federal sweep involved 40 cities nationwide, and possibly saw children being taken in Michigan, crossing Indiana and ending up in Tennessee. The authorities have said, Lord, that "child prostitution continues to be a significant problem in our country" and "there is no work more important than protecting America's children and freeing them from the cycle of victimization".
Lord, parent God, please use your deep love and great protective power to keep our children safe. May our children enjoy the pure innocence of childhood, the deep love of doting parents, the joy of laughter and fun with friends and the protection of each and every one of us. Lord, may our children be able to be as innocent as the lambs they are.
In Jesus name, Amen.
The headlines this week are sadly staggering: 884 people arrested in a child prostitution sweep across the United States. The very good news is that 69 children were recovered. The additional good news is that 99 pimps were arrested. The federal sweep involved 40 cities nationwide, and possibly saw children being taken in Michigan, crossing Indiana and ending up in Tennessee. The authorities have said, Lord, that "child prostitution continues to be a significant problem in our country" and "there is no work more important than protecting America's children and freeing them from the cycle of victimization".
Lord, parent God, please use your deep love and great protective power to keep our children safe. May our children enjoy the pure innocence of childhood, the deep love of doting parents, the joy of laughter and fun with friends and the protection of each and every one of us. Lord, may our children be able to be as innocent as the lambs they are.
In Jesus name, Amen.
20101110
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, November 10
Good Morning, God,
The headlines tomorrow will be about it being "Veteran's Day." It is another day to give thanks and show appreciation to a very large group of individuals, both men and women, who have helped to make our country great and our lives safer and more secure. The day will be a time to honor those men and women who put their lives on the line so that the rest of us can sit back and enjoy life. Tomorrow we are saying "thank you" to our veterans who have served in our country's armed forces.
Lord, throughout history, even your biblical history, there is the recounting of people fighting for their way of life. Your word gives story after story of people who are called by your name and who are blessed by you, being willing to give up their own lives so that others of your people might live. So, tomorrow, may we remember your word that says, "Greater love has no one than this than to give up one's own life so that others may live" and have life abundantly. May we say "thanks" and honor our veterans!
In Jesus' name, Amen.
The headlines tomorrow will be about it being "Veteran's Day." It is another day to give thanks and show appreciation to a very large group of individuals, both men and women, who have helped to make our country great and our lives safer and more secure. The day will be a time to honor those men and women who put their lives on the line so that the rest of us can sit back and enjoy life. Tomorrow we are saying "thank you" to our veterans who have served in our country's armed forces.
Lord, throughout history, even your biblical history, there is the recounting of people fighting for their way of life. Your word gives story after story of people who are called by your name and who are blessed by you, being willing to give up their own lives so that others of your people might live. So, tomorrow, may we remember your word that says, "Greater love has no one than this than to give up one's own life so that others may live" and have life abundantly. May we say "thanks" and honor our veterans!
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20101108
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, October 8
Good Morning, God,
Thank you, God, for the extra hour of sleep we got on Saturday night! We appreciate the opportunity to "fall back" and regain the hour that we lost last spring. It's so much easier having the sun to greet us and awaken us for the day, when we have to be at school or work by 8:00a.m. It's also safer for our school kids as they wait for their buses.
Also, Lord, at the close of the day, it is nice to see the night fall and things being wrapped up for a good night's rest.
Heavenly Father, you made us to live in cycles. Your seasons follow one after another. Our lives follow from birth to death. Your creation will cycle from everlasting to everlasting.
Gracious God, the only thing that doesn't cycle is your love for us. Thank You, Lord, that as night turns to day turns to night turns to day again, your love for us is steadfast and never-changing.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Thank you, God, for the extra hour of sleep we got on Saturday night! We appreciate the opportunity to "fall back" and regain the hour that we lost last spring. It's so much easier having the sun to greet us and awaken us for the day, when we have to be at school or work by 8:00a.m. It's also safer for our school kids as they wait for their buses.
Also, Lord, at the close of the day, it is nice to see the night fall and things being wrapped up for a good night's rest.
Heavenly Father, you made us to live in cycles. Your seasons follow one after another. Our lives follow from birth to death. Your creation will cycle from everlasting to everlasting.
Gracious God, the only thing that doesn't cycle is your love for us. Thank You, Lord, that as night turns to day turns to night turns to day again, your love for us is steadfast and never-changing.
In Jesus name, Amen.
20101105
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, October 5
Good Morning God,
It is another Friday morning and for the first Friday in a long time, our local bands are not out practicing for a contest tomorrow! "Band season" ended last Saturday with the state contest and our local bands did us proud.
Lord, we need to thank you for giving us the sense of rhythm, imagination, tunes, color, sounds, conducting and conductibility and the desire to do and be the best we can be. Lord, we often think that contests like these are just about band or school pride, but ultimately they are about individual pride - developing and making the most of and doing the best with the gift of music which you created and gave.
Lord, we are grateful for your gift and those who unwrap and use it. May we enjoy your gift as life-long musicians, always making beautiful music with our lives.
In Jesus name, Amen.
It is another Friday morning and for the first Friday in a long time, our local bands are not out practicing for a contest tomorrow! "Band season" ended last Saturday with the state contest and our local bands did us proud.
Lord, we need to thank you for giving us the sense of rhythm, imagination, tunes, color, sounds, conducting and conductibility and the desire to do and be the best we can be. Lord, we often think that contests like these are just about band or school pride, but ultimately they are about individual pride - developing and making the most of and doing the best with the gift of music which you created and gave.
Lord, we are grateful for your gift and those who unwrap and use it. May we enjoy your gift as life-long musicians, always making beautiful music with our lives.
In Jesus name, Amen.
20101102
A Prayer for the Headline for Wednesday, November 3
Good Morning, God,
Two years ago, our President spoke about "Change," and the headlines captured this. This morning, we have even more change, which the headlines have boldly proclaimed. Who was it, Lord, who said, "The only constant is change"?
Lord, try as we might otherwise, our lives are about change. Oh, the calendar doesn't change; Monday still follow Sunday, etc. We have to make minor adjustments, but we can count on the calendar. The biggest change in our lifetime is with our health; it changes day-to-day, for the better or for the worse. We do what we can to keep our health constant, but our health life is about change.
Lord, as our governing officials change, may these be for the better. Bless them to do a job well for the benefit of all, not just a few. Guide them to lead with wisdom and not just with personal opinion. And, may we be good followers, helping to change our lives and our world for the better.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Two years ago, our President spoke about "Change," and the headlines captured this. This morning, we have even more change, which the headlines have boldly proclaimed. Who was it, Lord, who said, "The only constant is change"?
Lord, try as we might otherwise, our lives are about change. Oh, the calendar doesn't change; Monday still follow Sunday, etc. We have to make minor adjustments, but we can count on the calendar. The biggest change in our lifetime is with our health; it changes day-to-day, for the better or for the worse. We do what we can to keep our health constant, but our health life is about change.
Lord, as our governing officials change, may these be for the better. Bless them to do a job well for the benefit of all, not just a few. Guide them to lead with wisdom and not just with personal opinion. And, may we be good followers, helping to change our lives and our world for the better.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20101101
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, November 1, 2010
Good Morning God,
Lord, the headlines are all about elections today! Tomorrow, citizens of these United States will vote for candidates to fill positions from dog catcher to judge ships. The campaigning and stumping will be over, the counting will begin and end. There will be winners and losers.
Lord, the real questions are two: will we elect the men and women you would have govern us, and will the men and women elected govern us according to your will? Your word calls us to pray for those in authority over us. We ought to be sure to pray for your guidance tomorrow as we go to the polls. Your word says that to do things your way, a man or woman should "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with you". When we look at the slates of candidates, which candidates best meet these three qualifications? And, when we look at ourselves, what are we willing to do to live peacefully, yet righteously, under our elected authority and under your authority? Give us wisdom tomorrow, gracious God.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Lord, the headlines are all about elections today! Tomorrow, citizens of these United States will vote for candidates to fill positions from dog catcher to judge ships. The campaigning and stumping will be over, the counting will begin and end. There will be winners and losers.
Lord, the real questions are two: will we elect the men and women you would have govern us, and will the men and women elected govern us according to your will? Your word calls us to pray for those in authority over us. We ought to be sure to pray for your guidance tomorrow as we go to the polls. Your word says that to do things your way, a man or woman should "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with you". When we look at the slates of candidates, which candidates best meet these three qualifications? And, when we look at ourselves, what are we willing to do to live peacefully, yet righteously, under our elected authority and under your authority? Give us wisdom tomorrow, gracious God.
In Jesus name, Amen.
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