Good Morning, God,
The headline stories of late have been about the past couple of special shopping days - Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The good news is for retailers - the sales for both days are up significantly over last year. the good news is also for some consumers - they got what they wanted at super prices.
The bad news is, though, not the monetary prices that were paid, but the prices that were paid in terms of being very competitive with each other, harming each other - the one who used pepper spray in the crowd, for example, not being with and in a family gathering on Thanksgiving for being in line very early to stake a claim to shop.
Then, Lord, there is the sad idea that a lot of this boils down to greed.:A lot of the purchases made were not to give to others as gifts at Christmas, but to get for ourselves at a cheap price.
Lord, where we are greedy and selfish, humble us and make us generous, loving givers.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20111128
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, November 28th
Good Morning, God
We have a saying here, Lord, that "Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It is the way it is. The way we handle it is what makes the difference."
Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to handle life with prayer. We believe and can see that prayer "works" for handling life. When we wake in the morning and have come through another night, we can give thanks for your presence and gift of sleep. When we get up and face the day, we can trust that whenever and wherever we are, you are there to guide and direct us. When we have decisions to make that affect our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, we always can have you at our side, helping us discern our course. When we are finished with our day and are ready to sleep again, we can be assured of your "Well done" where we were righteous, your forgiveness when we stumbled, and your presence and protection as we turn off and receive rejuvenating sleep.
So, we pray this morning, "thank you for your care of us through the night. Guide and direct us this day and keep us in your loving care always".
In Jesus name, Amen.
We have a saying here, Lord, that "Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It is the way it is. The way we handle it is what makes the difference."
Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to handle life with prayer. We believe and can see that prayer "works" for handling life. When we wake in the morning and have come through another night, we can give thanks for your presence and gift of sleep. When we get up and face the day, we can trust that whenever and wherever we are, you are there to guide and direct us. When we have decisions to make that affect our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, we always can have you at our side, helping us discern our course. When we are finished with our day and are ready to sleep again, we can be assured of your "Well done" where we were righteous, your forgiveness when we stumbled, and your presence and protection as we turn off and receive rejuvenating sleep.
So, we pray this morning, "thank you for your care of us through the night. Guide and direct us this day and keep us in your loving care always".
In Jesus name, Amen.
20111125
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, November 25th
Good Morning, God
Lord, thank you for yesterday and this day. Even though this day is one of the most hectic of the year, we are happy to be here. Yesterday reminded us that we have much for which to be thankful - for health and strength and daily food; for family, friends and faith.
Now, today and for the next several weeks, we have the opportunity to be a blessing for which to be thankful and receive joy. Lord, your word says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." So, today we are beginning to experience the joy that comes from giving.
We appreciate the gifts of the deep discounts on the items we want to buy. We appreciate the shopkeepers putting on extra help to accommodate our buying frenzies. We appreciate our imaginations that can be inspired with ideas for just the right gifts to give. And, Heavenly Father, from whom all good gifts come, we thank you for the gift of being loved and being able to love.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Lord, thank you for yesterday and this day. Even though this day is one of the most hectic of the year, we are happy to be here. Yesterday reminded us that we have much for which to be thankful - for health and strength and daily food; for family, friends and faith.
Now, today and for the next several weeks, we have the opportunity to be a blessing for which to be thankful and receive joy. Lord, your word says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." So, today we are beginning to experience the joy that comes from giving.
We appreciate the gifts of the deep discounts on the items we want to buy. We appreciate the shopkeepers putting on extra help to accommodate our buying frenzies. We appreciate our imaginations that can be inspired with ideas for just the right gifts to give. And, Heavenly Father, from whom all good gifts come, we thank you for the gift of being loved and being able to love.
In Jesus name, Amen.
20111123
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, November 23rd
Good Morning, God,
The headlines are about how not even a "Super Committee" can solve our monetary problems! Twelve educated, astute, passionate, and discerning individuals, and they cannot come to an agreement on how to solve a one trillion-plus deficit problem. One side says, "cut spending"; the other side says "increase income." Neither side wants the other side to enact their side. Nor is there any compromise, and all sides lose.
There will be those of us citizens who will be thankful tomorrow that neither side "won." There will be those of us citizens who will be ungrateful that there weren't any winners and losers; in other words, that there wasn't "compromise."
Lord, we aren't talking about major life principles here. We are only talking about how we fund how we want to live in our country. Bottom line, Lord, we all are going to have to pull together in this matter, and maybe suffer together a bit, to survive without a severe, really severe, economic crisis.
Lord, let us be very grateful tomorrow for what we have, but be very willing to give up what it takes, so that we might still have "liberty and justice for all."
In Jesus' name, Amen.
The headlines are about how not even a "Super Committee" can solve our monetary problems! Twelve educated, astute, passionate, and discerning individuals, and they cannot come to an agreement on how to solve a one trillion-plus deficit problem. One side says, "cut spending"; the other side says "increase income." Neither side wants the other side to enact their side. Nor is there any compromise, and all sides lose.
There will be those of us citizens who will be thankful tomorrow that neither side "won." There will be those of us citizens who will be ungrateful that there weren't any winners and losers; in other words, that there wasn't "compromise."
Lord, we aren't talking about major life principles here. We are only talking about how we fund how we want to live in our country. Bottom line, Lord, we all are going to have to pull together in this matter, and maybe suffer together a bit, to survive without a severe, really severe, economic crisis.
Lord, let us be very grateful tomorrow for what we have, but be very willing to give up what it takes, so that we might still have "liberty and justice for all."
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20111121
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, November 21st
Good Morning, God
Yea, Lord, this week is finally hear, the week we officially begin the Christmas buying season. We're all planning how, when and where we're going to spend Black Friday this week and get the great deals. We've been training for this moment, how to push, shove, maneuver and out-last everybody else in the parking lot, on the sidewalk and down the aisles. Ah, yes, we're ready for the bargains!
What's that, Lord? You say there's another more important day first? You say it happens on Thursday, the day before Black Friday? You say it is a day to stop what we are doing and give thanks for everything? Lord, what fun is that? We much prefer the "bargain battles!"
And the Lord says "In all things give thanks. Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks because I've given Jesus Christ. Give thanks for the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise. Give thanks and know real joy!
In Jesus name, Amen
Yea, Lord, this week is finally hear, the week we officially begin the Christmas buying season. We're all planning how, when and where we're going to spend Black Friday this week and get the great deals. We've been training for this moment, how to push, shove, maneuver and out-last everybody else in the parking lot, on the sidewalk and down the aisles. Ah, yes, we're ready for the bargains!
What's that, Lord? You say there's another more important day first? You say it happens on Thursday, the day before Black Friday? You say it is a day to stop what we are doing and give thanks for everything? Lord, what fun is that? We much prefer the "bargain battles!"
And the Lord says "In all things give thanks. Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks because I've given Jesus Christ. Give thanks for the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise. Give thanks and know real joy!
In Jesus name, Amen
20111118
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, November 18th
Good Morning, God
Lord, we lift to you this day another prayer about sin, its consequences, its cure and its cost. The headlines are about how the 2012 Summer Olympics in London will "be protected" by ground-to-air missiles. Additionally, a "full range of options" will be at the disposal of those tasked with ensuring public safety during the event.
Of course, Lord, the threat of violence at the Olympic Games is nothing new; we've experienced the horror of terrorist attacks on the games before. Certainly, though, the games are supposed to be just the opposite. They are supposed to be a venue where highly trained and skilled athletes, proudly representing their homeland, compete with each other for the Laurel wreath and a place on the podium. These efforts are even mentioned biblically, where the Apostle Paul writes about training his beliefs as an athlete trains his or her body.
Lord, thank you for minds that love to compete, bodies that respond to training and competitions that cause us to do our best. Please, Lord, keep our athletes and games safe.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Lord, we lift to you this day another prayer about sin, its consequences, its cure and its cost. The headlines are about how the 2012 Summer Olympics in London will "be protected" by ground-to-air missiles. Additionally, a "full range of options" will be at the disposal of those tasked with ensuring public safety during the event.
Of course, Lord, the threat of violence at the Olympic Games is nothing new; we've experienced the horror of terrorist attacks on the games before. Certainly, though, the games are supposed to be just the opposite. They are supposed to be a venue where highly trained and skilled athletes, proudly representing their homeland, compete with each other for the Laurel wreath and a place on the podium. These efforts are even mentioned biblically, where the Apostle Paul writes about training his beliefs as an athlete trains his or her body.
Lord, thank you for minds that love to compete, bodies that respond to training and competitions that cause us to do our best. Please, Lord, keep our athletes and games safe.
In Jesus name, Amen.
20111116
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, November 16th
Good Morning, God,
Lord, we need your mercy and justice for the headlines that continue this morning about the sexual abuse scandal that involves so many children and adults directly and so many others indirectly because of their involvement with Penn State and the non-profit, "The Second Mile."
Lord, just as in your Garden of Eden sin spoiled something great, beautiful and perfect, so, too, apparently sin has spoiled something very good, fun, helpful and important to others. After these alleged sins, life wasn't the same for many young boys. After the alleged sins came to light, other sins were alleged to have been committed. and now, those alleged sins have affected over a hundred thousand people. Sin, or at least the allegations of it, has affected many lives as it always does if left unchecked and unrepented of.
Lord God, forgive us our many sins this day, bestow on us your bounteous mercy and forgiveness, and cause us to be righteous, this day and always.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lord, we need your mercy and justice for the headlines that continue this morning about the sexual abuse scandal that involves so many children and adults directly and so many others indirectly because of their involvement with Penn State and the non-profit, "The Second Mile."
Lord, just as in your Garden of Eden sin spoiled something great, beautiful and perfect, so, too, apparently sin has spoiled something very good, fun, helpful and important to others. After these alleged sins, life wasn't the same for many young boys. After the alleged sins came to light, other sins were alleged to have been committed. and now, those alleged sins have affected over a hundred thousand people. Sin, or at least the allegations of it, has affected many lives as it always does if left unchecked and unrepented of.
Lord God, forgive us our many sins this day, bestow on us your bounteous mercy and forgiveness, and cause us to be righteous, this day and always.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20111114
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, November 14th
Good Morning, God
Lord, one again we are seeing and hearing of a person's past being called into question in the present. Once again alleged actions of the past are deemed serious enough to influence a person's "electability". Once again there are charges and counter charges.
Lord, it doesn't matter who we are; your word levels indictments against all of us. Your word tells the world that each of us have done wrong and fallen short of your glory. Your word even tells us that we were born "sinful creatures." It's hard to believe, but even a newborn is a sinful creature. Fortunately, you have a special place in your heart for those who are too young to "know their sinfulness".
But, for the rest of us, Lord, you have given us a way to "come clean" of our sinfulness - belief in your Son, Jesus Christ. May all of us be willing to admit our failures and foibles and be forgiven our short-comings and offenses and desire to live godly and righteous lives from this day forward.
In Jesus name, Amen
Lord, one again we are seeing and hearing of a person's past being called into question in the present. Once again alleged actions of the past are deemed serious enough to influence a person's "electability". Once again there are charges and counter charges.
Lord, it doesn't matter who we are; your word levels indictments against all of us. Your word tells the world that each of us have done wrong and fallen short of your glory. Your word even tells us that we were born "sinful creatures." It's hard to believe, but even a newborn is a sinful creature. Fortunately, you have a special place in your heart for those who are too young to "know their sinfulness".
But, for the rest of us, Lord, you have given us a way to "come clean" of our sinfulness - belief in your Son, Jesus Christ. May all of us be willing to admit our failures and foibles and be forgiven our short-comings and offenses and desire to live godly and righteous lives from this day forward.
In Jesus name, Amen
20111111
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, November 11th
Good Morning, God
Lord, we pray especially today for the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. We remember those who have lost their lives; we ask for comfort for those loved ones whose service person lost his or her life and didn't come home. We are grateful that there have always been men and women who will leave their country and their kin folk and their parents' home for awhile and serve to protect their country and their kin folk and their parents' home. For those who are currently serving, protect them this day and always from bodily and psychological harm. May they rely on your love and protection to see them through this and each day.
And, for those who this day honors - our veterans - may they be appreciated with our thanks and every opportunity for good jobs, a comfortable place to live, adequate and continuing medical care and a sense of great accomplishment for a job well done.
May we appreciate all of our service people and give them thanks until we thank you when all conflict shall cease.
In Jesus name, Amen
Lord, we pray especially today for the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. We remember those who have lost their lives; we ask for comfort for those loved ones whose service person lost his or her life and didn't come home. We are grateful that there have always been men and women who will leave their country and their kin folk and their parents' home for awhile and serve to protect their country and their kin folk and their parents' home. For those who are currently serving, protect them this day and always from bodily and psychological harm. May they rely on your love and protection to see them through this and each day.
And, for those who this day honors - our veterans - may they be appreciated with our thanks and every opportunity for good jobs, a comfortable place to live, adequate and continuing medical care and a sense of great accomplishment for a job well done.
May we appreciate all of our service people and give them thanks until we thank you when all conflict shall cease.
In Jesus name, Amen
20111109
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, November 9th
Good Morning, God,
Lord, our election day is over until next year. We have winners, and we have losers. We have some ballot measures that some thought were good ideas and some thought were bad ideas. All of us, thought, have had the opportuity to express our opinions; some did and some didn't.
However, Lord, now comes the really true tests: Can we agree to disagree agreeably? You have told us, Lord, what we are to do - "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you." The real question is can we get on with doing these things, or will we waste time grousing about this or that and not getting anything done for you and/or our neighbors?
Lord, the beauty of our system down here is that every person can have his or her say. But, along with this comes the caveat that we then work with what and whom is decided. Lord, may we be grcious winners and losers now and pull together for the best life on earth has to offer!
In Jesus' name, amen.
Lord, our election day is over until next year. We have winners, and we have losers. We have some ballot measures that some thought were good ideas and some thought were bad ideas. All of us, thought, have had the opportuity to express our opinions; some did and some didn't.
However, Lord, now comes the really true tests: Can we agree to disagree agreeably? You have told us, Lord, what we are to do - "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you." The real question is can we get on with doing these things, or will we waste time grousing about this or that and not getting anything done for you and/or our neighbors?
Lord, the beauty of our system down here is that every person can have his or her say. But, along with this comes the caveat that we then work with what and whom is decided. Lord, may we be grcious winners and losers now and pull together for the best life on earth has to offer!
In Jesus' name, amen.
20111107
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, November 7th
Good Morning, God
Lord, let your Holy Spirit begin flowing over us, especially, all believers, but also all citizens this day as we prepare to vote tomorrow. Lord, believers know that those we elect and the issues we approve are of your doing; therefore, we should pray and seek your face when we are deciding for whom and what we are voting. You will let us vote the way we want; may it be the way you want! Lord, you have told us what to do and what our elections should reflect: "Only this, to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly" with you as our guide. You also have promised that "If your people who are called by your name will humble ourselves, seek your face, and turn from our evil ways, then you will heal our land".
So, Lord, for our election day tomorrow, may we begin it with a prayer for discernment, guidance and gumption to elect those who will best guide in your way and vote for those things which will best enhance our life together in you.
In Jesus name, Amen
Lord, let your Holy Spirit begin flowing over us, especially, all believers, but also all citizens this day as we prepare to vote tomorrow. Lord, believers know that those we elect and the issues we approve are of your doing; therefore, we should pray and seek your face when we are deciding for whom and what we are voting. You will let us vote the way we want; may it be the way you want! Lord, you have told us what to do and what our elections should reflect: "Only this, to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly" with you as our guide. You also have promised that "If your people who are called by your name will humble ourselves, seek your face, and turn from our evil ways, then you will heal our land".
So, Lord, for our election day tomorrow, may we begin it with a prayer for discernment, guidance and gumption to elect those who will best guide in your way and vote for those things which will best enhance our life together in you.
In Jesus name, Amen
20111104
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, November 4th
Good Morning, God
On Wednesday we prayed and gave thanks for our towns and the sort of living we have in them. Today we pray for the way our living has to fit into the rest of our country and the rest of the world. We didn't pray for any of the challenges our towns face, Lord, but we have our problems just as other places in the world do.
So, today, we pray for the world economic situation, with the country of Greece at the forefront, and the stock markets being affected and affecting our lives here
We pray today for the frustrations being played out in the "Occupy" movement. May those who are "Occupying" our public squares also "Occupy" their spaces in the voting booths and exercise their rights to vote as well as their right to assemble peacefully.
Lord, we pray today for our situations of living, in general, that they all may be for benefit and not for harm.
In Jesus name, Amen.
On Wednesday we prayed and gave thanks for our towns and the sort of living we have in them. Today we pray for the way our living has to fit into the rest of our country and the rest of the world. We didn't pray for any of the challenges our towns face, Lord, but we have our problems just as other places in the world do.
So, today, we pray for the world economic situation, with the country of Greece at the forefront, and the stock markets being affected and affecting our lives here
We pray today for the frustrations being played out in the "Occupy" movement. May those who are "Occupying" our public squares also "Occupy" their spaces in the voting booths and exercise their rights to vote as well as their right to assemble peacefully.
Lord, we pray today for our situations of living, in general, that they all may be for benefit and not for harm.
In Jesus name, Amen.
20111102
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, November 2nd
Good Morning, God,
Lord, we want to give thanks today for those in our towns who do their jobs well for us.
We are grateful for our bankers who still cheerfully and appropriately handle our business over the phone or in person. we are appreciative of our retail merchants to whom we can still say, "I've left my checkbook at home. Can I pay you tomorrow?" And they say, "Sure, no problem!"
We enjoy the friendliness of our hometown businesses when they show it in their voices, calling us by name.
We love it when we are still waited on personally and escorted to the product we are looking for.
We feel safe in our towns knowing that the officers who are on patrol know what's going on and keep a lid on most of the harmful stuff, while patrolling for those who are impaired while driving.
Lord, may we show our appreciation by being good citizens, shopping at home and saying, "thank you!"
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lord, we want to give thanks today for those in our towns who do their jobs well for us.
We are grateful for our bankers who still cheerfully and appropriately handle our business over the phone or in person. we are appreciative of our retail merchants to whom we can still say, "I've left my checkbook at home. Can I pay you tomorrow?" And they say, "Sure, no problem!"
We enjoy the friendliness of our hometown businesses when they show it in their voices, calling us by name.
We love it when we are still waited on personally and escorted to the product we are looking for.
We feel safe in our towns knowing that the officers who are on patrol know what's going on and keep a lid on most of the harmful stuff, while patrolling for those who are impaired while driving.
Lord, may we show our appreciation by being good citizens, shopping at home and saying, "thank you!"
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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