Good Morning, God,
Usually, God, if we ask the question "Are we better off today than we were 50 years ago," we would speak of the financial state of things.
But this week marked the 50th anniversary of the highly quoted, "I Have a Dream Speech," given by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. We remember how he stood at the Lincoln Memorial at the end of the reflecting pool on the Capitol Mall, and spoke of his dream that whites and blacks would someday do things together without the issue of skin color getting in the way, essentially dreaming that we could someday be color-blind.
Lord, who created us to be red and yellow, black and white, and all precious in your site, we have been a bit better off than we are now. It seems that we are getting more and more dishimconnected between the races these days. Sometimes it seems that we are almost back at fully seeing all colors and being separated by them.
Lord, make us color-blind today.
In Jesus' name, Amen
20130828
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, August 28th
Good Morning, God,
Today, Lord, we must beg for your presence in Syria and everyplace the situation in Syria is being talked about: In the United Nations, the halls of government in the United States, Great Britain, and France. Even Russia and China are acquiescing to the necessity of something being done about Syria's use of chemical weapons, even against its own people.
So today, Lord, may the madness and mayhem in Syria stop on its own accord. May your divine hand come down on that country and keep the people safe. Also, Lord, may our country and the others contemplating military action be aware of your divine, sovereign guidance in their decision-making. Give our leaders great wisdom, superior intelligence and very-caring hearts, before launching damaging attacks.
God of Love, you always have said that vengeance is yours. Please still the hands in Syria and around the world. May there be no more harm because you have directly intervened.
In Jesus' name, Amen
Today, Lord, we must beg for your presence in Syria and everyplace the situation in Syria is being talked about: In the United Nations, the halls of government in the United States, Great Britain, and France. Even Russia and China are acquiescing to the necessity of something being done about Syria's use of chemical weapons, even against its own people.
So today, Lord, may the madness and mayhem in Syria stop on its own accord. May your divine hand come down on that country and keep the people safe. Also, Lord, may our country and the others contemplating military action be aware of your divine, sovereign guidance in their decision-making. Give our leaders great wisdom, superior intelligence and very-caring hearts, before launching damaging attacks.
God of Love, you always have said that vengeance is yours. Please still the hands in Syria and around the world. May there be no more harm because you have directly intervened.
In Jesus' name, Amen
20130826
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, August 29th
Good Morning, God,
Do you wonder, God, why more people didn't enjoy yesterday as a Sabbath day, even as you have instructed us to do? Sadly, Lord, most in the world were out making headlines in all sorts of ways, except in ways that would make your wish for us be true: that we would all take one day a week-and it really doesn't matter which day, except that most worship services are on Saturday or Sunday-that we would take that day and give it up for you.
God, you have made us to work for six days-you worked for six days according to Genesis in your book-but you also made us to rest for one day, even as you rested from your labors creating the heavens, the earth, the flora and fauna...and humankind. Your work wears out us mere mortals just thinking about it, Lord!
Seriously, Father God, may we so plan our week now that we will take one day this week to worship you, to enjoy the world you have created, and to bring your love to someone else. You created the Sabbath; may we wisely use it.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Do you wonder, God, why more people didn't enjoy yesterday as a Sabbath day, even as you have instructed us to do? Sadly, Lord, most in the world were out making headlines in all sorts of ways, except in ways that would make your wish for us be true: that we would all take one day a week-and it really doesn't matter which day, except that most worship services are on Saturday or Sunday-that we would take that day and give it up for you.
God, you have made us to work for six days-you worked for six days according to Genesis in your book-but you also made us to rest for one day, even as you rested from your labors creating the heavens, the earth, the flora and fauna...and humankind. Your work wears out us mere mortals just thinking about it, Lord!
Seriously, Father God, may we so plan our week now that we will take one day this week to worship you, to enjoy the world you have created, and to bring your love to someone else. You created the Sabbath; may we wisely use it.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130823
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, August 23rd
Good Morning, God,
On Wednesday, we prayed for lives lived in positive ways. Tonight we will enjoy some of those ways-we will be watching and listening to High School Football for the first time this fall.
We usually enjoy these games, God. If we aren't playing the game, perhaps we once were on the gridiron playing "lights out ball." Perhaps we watched our boyfriend play and now sit next to him as his wife, listening to his bouquets and brickbats that are directed to the team. Perhaps we are students, just coming to the game for the socialization; perhaps our boyfriend is playing now and we hope and pray he doesn't get hurt. Perhaps we are the sportscasters and technicians whose great pleasure is describing the plays so that they are real to the listeners.Perhaps we are going to be the players and coaches and officials, tonight.
Lord. All we ask, no matter who we are, is that win or lose we will play the game as well as we can and that we will be good sports at all times. At the end of the game, we will give you the thanks, God, for the ability to play, watch, and enjoy the game of football.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
On Wednesday, we prayed for lives lived in positive ways. Tonight we will enjoy some of those ways-we will be watching and listening to High School Football for the first time this fall.
We usually enjoy these games, God. If we aren't playing the game, perhaps we once were on the gridiron playing "lights out ball." Perhaps we watched our boyfriend play and now sit next to him as his wife, listening to his bouquets and brickbats that are directed to the team. Perhaps we are students, just coming to the game for the socialization; perhaps our boyfriend is playing now and we hope and pray he doesn't get hurt. Perhaps we are the sportscasters and technicians whose great pleasure is describing the plays so that they are real to the listeners.Perhaps we are going to be the players and coaches and officials, tonight.
Lord. All we ask, no matter who we are, is that win or lose we will play the game as well as we can and that we will be good sports at all times. At the end of the game, we will give you the thanks, God, for the ability to play, watch, and enjoy the game of football.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130821
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, August 21st
Good Morning, God,
The headlines began in a relatively small city in Oklahoma on a quiet Sunday afternoon. By yesterday, the headlines were national: Three young men, ages 15, 16 and 17, decided that to break their boredom, they would shoot and kill somebody. About that time, another young man, a college student, originally from Australia but going to school in Oklahoma and visiting his girlfriend in this small city, walked by. He was shot in the back and died, after staggering across the road and dropping to his knees. It is said that the 17-year-old drove the car; the 16-year-old pulled the trigger; the 15-year-old was "just the passenger."
All of this, Lord God, because these boys were "bored," bored on a Sunday afternoon in a small city of 24,001 souls.
Heavenly Father, may we never want for something to do so much that we would do anything destructive: vandalism, thievery, sexual crimes, assault and battery, or the worst-taking another persons life.
Life is so precious, Lord; may we always enjoy living it positively.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
The headlines began in a relatively small city in Oklahoma on a quiet Sunday afternoon. By yesterday, the headlines were national: Three young men, ages 15, 16 and 17, decided that to break their boredom, they would shoot and kill somebody. About that time, another young man, a college student, originally from Australia but going to school in Oklahoma and visiting his girlfriend in this small city, walked by. He was shot in the back and died, after staggering across the road and dropping to his knees. It is said that the 17-year-old drove the car; the 16-year-old pulled the trigger; the 15-year-old was "just the passenger."
All of this, Lord God, because these boys were "bored," bored on a Sunday afternoon in a small city of 24,001 souls.
Heavenly Father, may we never want for something to do so much that we would do anything destructive: vandalism, thievery, sexual crimes, assault and battery, or the worst-taking another persons life.
Life is so precious, Lord; may we always enjoy living it positively.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130819
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, August 19th
Good Morning, God,
The headlines recently spoke about the city of Detroit, Michigan, filing for bankruptcy protection. The headlines have also been about other cities around the U.S. having similar problems. We haven't heard that much about Indiana cities, but recently there were headlines about Indianapolis and Huntingburg and the budgets of our different local schools.
Some of the news is good news; other news gives us pause. And, while the stock market is doing well overall and it is reported that our credit card debt is actually going down, many, if not most, people still live from paycheck to paycheck.
Gracious God, it almost cost too much to live these days! It costs a bunch to have babies, to stay healthy, to live in a nice home, to get married, to go out to eat, to have our nice cars, to wear appropriate clothes, to take vacations… It even costs a whole bunch to die and be buried.
Gracious God, show us how to prioritize how we spend our money, both personally and publicly.
In Jesus' name, Amen
The headlines recently spoke about the city of Detroit, Michigan, filing for bankruptcy protection. The headlines have also been about other cities around the U.S. having similar problems. We haven't heard that much about Indiana cities, but recently there were headlines about Indianapolis and Huntingburg and the budgets of our different local schools.
Some of the news is good news; other news gives us pause. And, while the stock market is doing well overall and it is reported that our credit card debt is actually going down, many, if not most, people still live from paycheck to paycheck.
Gracious God, it almost cost too much to live these days! It costs a bunch to have babies, to stay healthy, to live in a nice home, to get married, to go out to eat, to have our nice cars, to wear appropriate clothes, to take vacations… It even costs a whole bunch to die and be buried.
Gracious God, show us how to prioritize how we spend our money, both personally and publicly.
In Jesus' name, Amen
20130816
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, August 16th
Good Morning, God,
Ah, the joy of being on one's own watercraft, paddling madly on the Patoka with a few good friends and competitors.
Such was the situation last Saturday, Lord, as the Holy Family School Patoka Cardboard Boat Regatta took place. Oh, the intense looks, the struggling grimaces, the determined paddling, made the day a great competition. Really, Lord, if a boat stayed upright and afloat, the boat builders tasted success. If the boat was not water worthy-well, the boaters tasted the Patoka.
Heavenly father, who made us to enjoy fun in life, we thank you for the many opportunities we have to have friendly competitions, created wonders, the use of our own waterways, the celebration of winning and the desire "to do it again next year," even when it all doesn't go according to plan or as we had hoped.
We give you thanks for the opportunities we have to have fun with others in this life.
In Jesus's name, Amen.
Ah, the joy of being on one's own watercraft, paddling madly on the Patoka with a few good friends and competitors.
Such was the situation last Saturday, Lord, as the Holy Family School Patoka Cardboard Boat Regatta took place. Oh, the intense looks, the struggling grimaces, the determined paddling, made the day a great competition. Really, Lord, if a boat stayed upright and afloat, the boat builders tasted success. If the boat was not water worthy-well, the boaters tasted the Patoka.
Heavenly father, who made us to enjoy fun in life, we thank you for the many opportunities we have to have friendly competitions, created wonders, the use of our own waterways, the celebration of winning and the desire "to do it again next year," even when it all doesn't go according to plan or as we had hoped.
We give you thanks for the opportunities we have to have fun with others in this life.
In Jesus's name, Amen.
20130814
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, August 14th
Good Morning, God,
Over the years, Lord, we have enjoyed the different uses for the word "eagle." An eagle is a great job on a golf hole; an eagle is a member of a civic club; one may have an "eagle eye"; a spacecraft has been named "The Eagle"; our national bird is the majestic American Bald Eagle.
But none of these uses match the pride and accomplishment of a young man who has come up through the Boy Scouting ranks and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Generally Speaking, Lord, an Eagle Scout is a top-notch young man. When we know an Eagle Scout, we know a person of high integrity, morals, persistence, kindness, honesty… and a few other adjectives. Many men who have accomplished much humbly claim to be an Eagle Scout.
Gracious God, thank you for the young man and their families who know Scouting's highest achievement.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Over the years, Lord, we have enjoyed the different uses for the word "eagle." An eagle is a great job on a golf hole; an eagle is a member of a civic club; one may have an "eagle eye"; a spacecraft has been named "The Eagle"; our national bird is the majestic American Bald Eagle.
But none of these uses match the pride and accomplishment of a young man who has come up through the Boy Scouting ranks and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Generally Speaking, Lord, an Eagle Scout is a top-notch young man. When we know an Eagle Scout, we know a person of high integrity, morals, persistence, kindness, honesty… and a few other adjectives. Many men who have accomplished much humbly claim to be an Eagle Scout.
Gracious God, thank you for the young man and their families who know Scouting's highest achievement.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130812
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, August 12th
Good Morning, God,
Lord. We always love the many colors you have given us to enjoy-the reds, blues, greens, and every shade in-between. We appreciate your rainbow of colors, the beauty they all provide.
However, Lord, we are drawn to great concern when we hear of amber or silver colors, because they come with alerts that someone-either a young person or an elderly person-is missing. We get a chill down our spine when we hear of a baby, a young child, or even a teenager gone missing.
Many times, Lord, these alerts do not turn out well. Many times the missing person is the recipient of harm. However, loving God, we are often blessed with the discovery of the person for which the amber alert (or the silver alert) is called being found safe.
Heavenly Father, Master Painter of all colors, we give thanks for the safe return of the latest amber alert subject. Color our world joyful!
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lord. We always love the many colors you have given us to enjoy-the reds, blues, greens, and every shade in-between. We appreciate your rainbow of colors, the beauty they all provide.
However, Lord, we are drawn to great concern when we hear of amber or silver colors, because they come with alerts that someone-either a young person or an elderly person-is missing. We get a chill down our spine when we hear of a baby, a young child, or even a teenager gone missing.
Many times, Lord, these alerts do not turn out well. Many times the missing person is the recipient of harm. However, loving God, we are often blessed with the discovery of the person for which the amber alert (or the silver alert) is called being found safe.
Heavenly Father, Master Painter of all colors, we give thanks for the safe return of the latest amber alert subject. Color our world joyful!
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130809
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, August 9th
Good Morning, God,
Lord, our heroes are falling again-this time some of our baseball heroes. Some are falling farther than others. Some of the ballplayers are getting 50-game suspensions. A-Rod is getting a 211-game suspension-the rest of this season and all of next, essentially.
However, Lord, our system of governance says that one accused may appeal and play while the appeal is in process. So A-Rod is still playing third base for the Yankees, but is playing among a great chorus of boos. The true fans of baseball don't like it, Lord. The true fans more appreciate what the other 12 players are doing-accepting their 50-game suspension without pay to get things over with.
Lord God, who calls us to live lives of integrity, let us examine ourselves and ask ourselves whether we are more like the 12 or more like the one-then let us act in the future with the better integrity.
In Jesus' name, Amen
Lord, our heroes are falling again-this time some of our baseball heroes. Some are falling farther than others. Some of the ballplayers are getting 50-game suspensions. A-Rod is getting a 211-game suspension-the rest of this season and all of next, essentially.
However, Lord, our system of governance says that one accused may appeal and play while the appeal is in process. So A-Rod is still playing third base for the Yankees, but is playing among a great chorus of boos. The true fans of baseball don't like it, Lord. The true fans more appreciate what the other 12 players are doing-accepting their 50-game suspension without pay to get things over with.
Lord God, who calls us to live lives of integrity, let us examine ourselves and ask ourselves whether we are more like the 12 or more like the one-then let us act in the future with the better integrity.
In Jesus' name, Amen
20130807
A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, August 7th
Good Morning, God,
Good God, who is our ideal for both love and justice, we ask for your guidance to be like you.
Compassionate God, you love us unconditionally as your creations, despite what we do to displease you, despite the number of times we fail to love you and others as you have loved us. Lord, we classify people into those who are like us and those who are different from us-and we love the like ones and at the very least, try to ignore the different ones. Help us change our eyesight, Lord, so we can see others as you see us all.
Also, Lord, not only do we ask for help to see others as you see us all, but we asked for help in our actions. Only seeing is not enough; we want to put into practice helping others to be fully accepted, fully appreciated, and fully having their gifts and skills utilized. Lord, may we see, utilize and encourage the great potential of all your creation, while loving all as you love us.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Good God, who is our ideal for both love and justice, we ask for your guidance to be like you.
Compassionate God, you love us unconditionally as your creations, despite what we do to displease you, despite the number of times we fail to love you and others as you have loved us. Lord, we classify people into those who are like us and those who are different from us-and we love the like ones and at the very least, try to ignore the different ones. Help us change our eyesight, Lord, so we can see others as you see us all.
Also, Lord, not only do we ask for help to see others as you see us all, but we asked for help in our actions. Only seeing is not enough; we want to put into practice helping others to be fully accepted, fully appreciated, and fully having their gifts and skills utilized. Lord, may we see, utilize and encourage the great potential of all your creation, while loving all as you love us.
In Jesus name, Amen.
20130805
A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, August 5th
Good Morning, God,
It's back to normal now, God. All that is left of our Strassenfest weekend are the stories of successes and failures stories of friends we met and friends we missed, and comments about how it was the best weather year in a long while. Thank you!.
However, Lord, while we were having fun, the rest of the world was being warned of possible terror activities. The time is ripe, so it is said, because of it being a particular holy day for the world's Muslims, "The Night of Power." It is called this because it is when the first verses of the Koran were revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. It is seen by any Muslim who would follow the Koran and to be martyred for the cause of faith as a particular auspicious time to die. Thus, there is a lot of traffic pointing toward a serious al Qaeda threat to peace.
Lord, may we be alert to the dangers, repent of our own rebellious ways, and live our lives much more faithfully for you.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
It's back to normal now, God. All that is left of our Strassenfest weekend are the stories of successes and failures stories of friends we met and friends we missed, and comments about how it was the best weather year in a long while. Thank you!.
However, Lord, while we were having fun, the rest of the world was being warned of possible terror activities. The time is ripe, so it is said, because of it being a particular holy day for the world's Muslims, "The Night of Power." It is called this because it is when the first verses of the Koran were revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. It is seen by any Muslim who would follow the Koran and to be martyred for the cause of faith as a particular auspicious time to die. Thus, there is a lot of traffic pointing toward a serious al Qaeda threat to peace.
Lord, may we be alert to the dangers, repent of our own rebellious ways, and live our lives much more faithfully for you.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
20130802
A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, August 2nd
Good Morning, God,
The headlines are about a 22-year-old man from Huntingburg, who allegedly murdered a man in Louisville. The alleged murderer was ratted out on a hot tip.
The thing is Lord, the man's name (and even his picture) was thought to be familiar to the parents of young people known to run around with people like this in the Huntingburg area. The thoughts that their young people were friends (or just acquaintances) with this person was a scary thought, so much so that the parents ask their sons and daughters about it.
Fortunately, none of this particular group of young men and women knew the alleged murderer.
Lord God, Scripture tells us to, essentially, only associate with those who are upstanding people and to shun those of bad repute and action. God, give our young people who are on the fringes of our society a great desire to be righteous men and women and shun evil and do good.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
The headlines are about a 22-year-old man from Huntingburg, who allegedly murdered a man in Louisville. The alleged murderer was ratted out on a hot tip.
The thing is Lord, the man's name (and even his picture) was thought to be familiar to the parents of young people known to run around with people like this in the Huntingburg area. The thoughts that their young people were friends (or just acquaintances) with this person was a scary thought, so much so that the parents ask their sons and daughters about it.
Fortunately, none of this particular group of young men and women knew the alleged murderer.
Lord God, Scripture tells us to, essentially, only associate with those who are upstanding people and to shun those of bad repute and action. God, give our young people who are on the fringes of our society a great desire to be righteous men and women and shun evil and do good.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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