A Lighthouse Prayer

Lord,

I like lighthouses.

You have seen me

drive out of my way 

just to get a photo of one.

I have quite a collection in my office too.

Their tall presence majestic

with the shoreline waters below.

I think a lighthouse is

a good metaphor for the church.

A lighthouse shines light into the darkness 

as a navigational beacon,

a fixed point on the shoreline,

helping those on the waters in the dark find their way.

The church too shines the light of Christ,

a standard of truth, justice, and love,

a guidepost for those seeking to find their way in life.

The lighthouse also uses a fog horn

to sound a warning of hidden shallows or rocky shoals

to those blinded by the fog on the waters.

So too the church sounds a warning

of the reality of sin and selfish living

as well as the seduction of evil

which lies close at hand

to which we are blind.

The lighthouse stands tall and proud

at the intersection of water and shore.

All of the churches I have served so far

have also stood tall at an intersection 

of two streets.

They have also stood tall

at the intersections of life:

birth and death,

youth and age,

wealth and poverty,

need and generosity,

loneliness and belonging,

hunger and God's table of thanksgiving,

unknown and being fully known,

lost and loved,

last and first.

Lord Jesus you said to your followers:

"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

--Matthew 5:14-16

Lord,

may your church be a lighthouse 

standing tall at the intersection 

boldly shining our light 

for all neighbors to see

so that they too will give glory to God!

Amen.

Prayer for Sore Muscles

Lord,

every move hurts,

a good hurt, some say,

from sore muscles.

I lifted weights recently

with my teenage son.

I went easy 3 sets of 10 reps

lifting a reasonable amount of weight.

Lord,

the soreness reminds me

of the first and only time I worked out 

with my college roommate.

I hurt so badly,

struggling just to put on a shirt.

To which my roommate said,

"The best way to make it better

is to go workout again!"

30 years later,

it turns out he was right.

So I go back,

and do it all over again.

Getting stronger.

Getting healthier.

That's the goal, Lord.

One day, one lift,

one set of sore muscles at a time.

Amen

A Beach Day Prayer

 "This is the day the Lord has made."

- Psalm 118:24

I thank you, Lord, for this day

as I visit the beach on a Men's Spiritual Retreat.

Today the waves crash.

The seagulls call.

The wind blows.

The sun warms my skin.

As I look at the sands,

I remember my Dad

in a beach chair,

a hat covering his balding head,

the end of a long string in his hand

from a kite fluttering in the winds above.

My brother and I building sandcastles nearby. 

It's a beautiful view from days gone by.

Bittersweet, as I remember the last time my Dad sat at the beach.

It had been a challenge 

getting him out of the car parked in a handicapped spot

guiding his walker over the sidewalk to the ramp that led to the sand.

He sat on his rollator 

a hat protecting his bald head 

watching the surf crashing in the distance 

with my son playing in a tide pool nearby.

It may have been his last physical trip to the beach. 

He still visits the beach in his mind. 

He loves to watch a YouTube video

of waves crashing 

with seagulls calling in the distance.

 

Today the waves crash.

The seagulls call.

The wind blows.

The sun warms. 

I remember.

I wish I had a hat.

Thank you, Lord, for this memory.

Thank you, Lord, for this day.

Amen.

A Goodnight Prayer

 Lord,

The sun is setting;

the full array of your artist's pallete 

painted across clouds and sky.

The light grows dim.

It's time to settle

into my bedtime routine.

Change into my pajamas,

soft and cool for the summer heat.

Then a small snack.

Brush my teeth.

Glasses go on the nightstand.

The sound machine is on

to drowned out all that might go

bump in the night.

Then we say, "Goodnight."

A deep cleansing breath

as I relax and let go of the day

and all its worries and cares.

Give me rest, O Lord,

the I may rise renewed tomorrow 

with the rising sun 

so that I may serve the Risen Son.

Give me rest.

Rest for my soul.

Ame....Zzzzzz

Prayer during a head cold

Sniff, sniff, ugh

Cough, cough, ugh

Gargle, spit, ugh.

Another head cold, Lord,

I feel the pain of my swollen sinuses

behind my eyes,

even above my upper teeth.

The drainage and cough suggest

it's settling into my chest.

Great.

Bring the vapor rub,

that familiar smell from childhood

of eucalyptus, camphor, and menthol.

Sniff, sniff, ugh

Cough, cough, ugh

Gargle, spit, ugh

Now the achy muscles.

Oh no.

Maybe it's flu or worse.

Lord,

I'll make the couch my bed.

Please relieve the pressure in my head 

Bring your healing soon.

Use this cough medicine on this spoon.

Sniff, sniff, ugh.

Another blanket will make me snug.

I'll close my eyes for rest 

that's what is best.

Help me feel better, Lord.

Amen.