Praying

Jesus, 

who bade all who carry heavy burdens to come to you, refresh us with your presence and your power. Quiet our understandings and give ease to our hearts by bringing us close to things infinite and eternal. Open to us the mind of God that in his light we may see light. And crown your choice of us to be your servants by making us springs of strength and joy to all whom we serve. Amen.

~ Evelyn Underhill

Thankful for Family

Lord,
Today I played with my family.
That's nothing new. I try to often.
But sometimes my worries and stresses
preoccupy my mind,
keep me from being fully present,
distract me from what really matters.

Today we played hard.
Then while relaxing on the front porch
feeling my tired muscles and sore feet,
I felt something else too --
Calm,
Joy,
Peace.
Oh the worries still are not resolved.
The stresses still linger.
But they have taken a back seat to some thing else.
I know,
Gratitude.
Today I am grateful for my family.
Thank you, Lord,
for their daily gifts of grace.
Thank you for your graces given through them.
Amen.

Thanks be to God!

Dear praying ones,
It has been awhile since my last post.

Today I am grateful for your praying with me.
So today I pray a Thanksgiving prayer with you.


God,
Thank you for your blessings, for your presence, for your graces and mercies, which are new every morning.
You are a faithful God.
You are a committed God.
You are worthy of our worship and praise.

So today and every day we give you thanks. We offer you our very lives, our sacrifice of praise.

By the power of your Spirit, may our lives show our gratitude to you.

Amen.