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.