A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, March 8th

Good Morning, God

The headlines on Wednesday morning and evening this week were about a traffic accident on Tuesday afternoon that claimed the life of a local woman, Magy Clark.  Seems she was the victim, in a snowstorm and on slick roads, of a vehicle that lost control.  We pray for that young driver, Cameron, and all of the family and friends of both, for peace, comfort and love.

During the ensuing investigation, Lord, while many were sitting waiting to get through, some of thought of loved ones and friends that were on that particular highway at that particular time – and we prayed that the accident did not involve them, especially upon hearing that it was a fatality.  When we found out our friends and loved ones were safe, we blessed you for it, Lord.

Lord, how fragile our lives are!  Help us to treat ourselves and each other as “fine china” at all times, especially when there are the possibilities for dangerous situations

In Jesus’ name, Amen

A Prayer for the Headlines for Wednesday, February 6th

Good Morning, God,
God, do you see what is going on on Facebook? Do you have a Facebook account? Oh, you see all and know all quite without Facebook, don't you!
Lord, what do you think of all the posts against President Obama? Oh, your word says to pray for those in authority over us, but many are very frustrated with this President.
Lord, what do you think of all the crude and rude posts, complete with language fit for the sewer? Oh, we know what your word says, but those writers are merely expressing themselves, their free speech.
Lord, what do you think of all the relationships and friendships that are "worked on" through Facebook; however, usually for the worst? Oh, we know your word says to love and care for each other, but so many don't base their relationships on your word first and foremost.
Lord, could Facebook come only with a "smiley face" emoticon, please?
In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Prayer for the Headlines for Monday, March 4th

Good Morning, God

It’s Monday again and so another workweek begins for probably the greatest number of people.  Some of us, especially pastors, began (or perhaps ended) our week yesterday.  But for one pastor who for years, almost 85 to be exact, yesterday was the first Sunday in a very long time he didn’t have to conduct a church service or perform any other church duties.  Benedict XVI is retired from his position of “Pope” and leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

God, we give you thanks for his ministry.  We pray your blessing be upon him in the years ahead.  We pray that he will sense from you what all of us, no matter our positions in life, long to hear - the words “Well done, good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful.  Enter the joy of your reward”.

And, we ask for your blessing to be with the leadership of the Catholic Church as they determine their new leader and the direction of the Church, not just for today or tomorrow, but for the years to come.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

A Prayer for the Headlines for Friday, March 1st

Good Morning, God

It’s Friday, March 1^st, and today the sequestration starts, the across-the-board decreases to federal spending.  Not thinking 6 months ago that it would come to this, Democrats and Republicans and the president had voted for it.  But, even more staunchly than ever, the players – all the players – have dug in their heels.  “Compromise” is in the vocabulary, but only if one compromises in the other’s way.

So, today we pray for the citizens of these United States.  We pray for that additional hole in our belts necessary to tight them.  We pray for the truly least, lost and lonely who truly need government benefits.  We pray for the hard-working souls who take their responsibilities seriously to put food on the table, a roof over their head and clothes on their backs.  We pray for those whose income and lifestyle won’t be affected today, that these folks look around and ask what they can do to help others.  Perhaps, Lord, all of us need to pray for guidance asking “What can I do to help us get through this mess; me, myself and I, what can we do to help us straighten this thing out?”  And then, just do it!

In Jesus’ name, Amen